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THE PIG have announced that they have acquired the 17th century Barnsley House hotel, tucked away in the quintessential Cotswolds village of Barnsley, just four miles from Cirencester. Nestled in historic arts and crafts style gardens, created by renowned garden designer Rosemary Verey, this little gem of a property has all the makings of a PIG already weaved into its DNA. Chairman Robin Hutson commented on the exciting announcement, “We are absolutely thrilled to have acquired Barnsley House, it has been in my peripheral vision for many years as a possible acquisition, always thinking it would make a perfect ‘Pig’ and we are very excited to have our first pub too”. Barnsley House will continue to operate with its existing team until Sunday 4th February, when the PIG team will go in to start the works to turn this stunner of a property into a PIG, with a view to opening the doors this summer as THE PIG-and The Village Pub, their first "Pig Pub". THE PIG group is a personal collection of small lifestyle restaurants with rooms where the focus is on authenticity and informality of design, food and service. With an obsessive commitment to home grown and local produce, THE PIG celebrates the seasons and uses only the best, freshest and most authentic foods and ingredients. It is all about the kitchen gardens, they are the beating heart of the operation. Everything is driven by the kitchen gardener/forager and chef. They grow and source the food and the chef then creates the menu; uncomplicated and simple kitchen garden food, true to the micro seasons with the emphasis squarely on fresh, clean flavours. What cannot be grown in THE PIG’s kitchen garden is sourced within a 25-mile radius of each hotel. There are no ‘cookiecutter roll-outs’; each hotel has its own personality and sense of self. Every property comes with laid-back warm service and a genuine commitment to environmental and social responsibility. THE PIG hotels aim to deliver an outstanding experience for every guest; a ‘wow’ moment that surprises and delights for a price that won’t break the bank. Home grown in every way – breaking the mould of designed hotels by working with what it has and recognising what is good about that. Designed in the style that has become THE PIG’s signature, each hotel has a garden restaurant and bedrooms with a touch of luxury and bags of homely charm plus Potting Shed or Shepherd’s Hut massage treatment rooms in or near the kitchen gardens. www.thepighotel.com/and-the-village-pub 
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Excitement, anticipation and expectation is building towards the Cheltenham Festival, and Festival Trials Day on Saturday 27th January is the last chance to see racing at the Home of Jump Racing before the magical four days in March. With a seven-race card, where every race is a trial for a race at the Cheltenham Festival, it doesn’t get much more exciting, unless it is the Festival itself. The fun isn’t restricted purely to the track, with fantastic entertainment during the day and The Wickermen performing live music after racing, it is a seamless prelude to the Cheltenham Festival. Last year’s renewal included the highly anticipated match between 2022 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Energumene and the 2022 Sporting Life Arkle winner Edwardstone didn’t disappoint, however it was the Gary Moore trained Editeur Du Gite that returned first past the post. But when he returned in March, Energumene reversed the form when winning back-to-back Queen Mother Champion Chases. The Dahlbury Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle, the highly recognised trial for the Grade 1 Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, a race the Emma Lavelle trained Paisley Park has made his own in recent years. However, last year’s race was won by French raider Gold Tweet. Ahoy Senior was a hugely popular winner of the Grade 2 Paddy Power Cotswold Chase for dual Grand National winning trainer Lucinda Russell. Come along this year, to mark your card ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. Tickets start at just £25 and under 18’s race free and do not require a ticket to enter.  For many, the January blues hit very hard. However, we have found some great ways to shake them off with our pick of the best events taking place around the Cotswolds throughout the month. NEW YEAR'S DAY RACING AT CHELTENHAM MONDAY 1ST JANUARY 2024 • CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE Regardless of how you celebrated New Year’s Eve, there is no better way to jump into 2024 than racing on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham. Thrilling and high-quality racing action, that is sure to provide Cheltenham Festival insight, fresh air, and amazing free family entertainment. There are seven highly-competitive races on the day with Graded and Listed contests, the racing action will blow away those New Year’s Eve cobwebs. www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/new-years-day TOM RAVENSCROFT & DJ FOOD FRIDAY 5TH JANUARY 2024 • DEYA BREWERY, CHELTENHAM For their reopening night of 2024, Deya are bringing in mainstays from two British institutions you can really be proud of - BBC 6 Music and Ninja Tune! Tom Ravenscroft is host (along with deb Grant) of 6 Music's daily New Music Fix, and one of the UK's most respected broadcasters and DJs. DJ Food is a name that needs no introduction for Ninja Heads. With nearly 25 years of DJing experience and more than a decade serving up Food for DJs, for both Ninja and Coldcut's weekly radio show 'Solid Steel', Kev is now in the Food hot seat. deyabrewing.com/event/tom-ravenscroft-dj-food-deya-re-opening-night-2024-2024-01-05/ BATH v GLOUCESTER SUNDAY 7TH JANIARY 2024 • THE REC, BATH A West Country derby is the perfect way to start the new year. These games are usually fierce battles with Gloucester seeking revenge from a 27-45 defeat at Kingsholm back in November. www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk SHAPARAK KHORSANDI & FRIENDS SATURDAY 13TH JANUARY 2024 • SUNDIAL THEARTRE, CIRENCESTER Join superstar comic Shaparak Khorsandi (Live At The Apollo, I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!) and two hilarious guests for an evening of hilarity! A rare chance to see Shaparak perform in an intimate venue. www.sundial-theatre.co.uk/event-listing THE SOUND OF SPRINSTEEN SATURDAY 13TH JANUARY 2024 • EVERYMAN THEARTRE, CHELTENHAM The Sound of Springsteen brings to the stage some of the greatest hits and deep cuts from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and continues their ever-popular tour around the UK. www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/the-sound-of-springsteen/ THE ROCKET MAN: A TRIBUTE TO SIR ELTON JOHN MONDAY 15TH JANUARY 2024 • EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM This is the world’s favourite celebration to a musical icon. Join us as Jimmy and our amazing live band take you down the Yellow Brick Road with two hours of glorious Elton hits, including, Saturday Nights Alright, Crocodile Rock, I’m Still Standing, Philadelphia Freedom, and many, many more. www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/the-rocket-man/ JESCA HOOP SATURDAY 20TH JANUARY 2024 • THE SUB ROOMS, STROUD California-born but now based in Manchester, UK, Jesca Hoop is what you’d call a musician’s musician. Discovered by Tom Waits and brought on tour by Peter Gabriel to sing in his band, it was a phone call from Elbow’s Guy Garvey that saw her move to the UK. Hoop's 6 studio albums including her most recent album “Order of Romance”, produced by John Parish (PJ Harvey, Aldous Harding, This is the Kit), all received huge acclaim from critics and fans alike, and it’s easy to see why: Jesca Hoop is one of our most captivating singers. Her beautiful songs, rooted in the folk tradition are intricately detailed, acoustic-led pieces that teem with ideas, expertly crafted lyrics and melodies that spring from a deeply curious imagination. thesubrooms.co.uk/whats-on/jesca-hoop COCKLEBARROW RACES SUNDAY 21ST JANUARY 2024 • COCKLEBARROW FARM, ALDSWORTH Cocklebarrow Races is the only Heythrop Point to Point of the year and attracts people from all over the UK (and world). However, in the main, the majority of our 4,000+ visitors hail from surrounding Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Warwickshire. www.cocklebarrowraces.com THE WORLD ACCORDING TO KALEB THURSDAY 25TH - SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY 2024 • EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM Kaleb Cooper, Chipping Norton’s finest celebrity farmer and Sunday Times bestselling author, who shot to fame starring in Prime Video series, Clarkson’s Farm, has decided to conquer his fear of the unknown and embark on his first ever theatre tour with The World According to Kaleb. www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/the-world-according-to-kaleb-kaleb-goes-on-tour/ ROMESH RANGANATHAN: HUSTLE FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY 2024 • CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL After a sell-out tour in 2022, Romesh is back with his new show which examines the human condition… are people inherently good? Is charity always a positive thing? Is hustling the key to success? Or is all this a load of rubbish we’ve made up to keep people working hard for no reason. cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/event/romesh-ranganathan-hustle/ FESTIVAL TRIALS DAY SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY 2024 • CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE Excitement, anticipation and expectation is building. It is the final opportunity to see the sports protagonists go out to battle on Cheltenham Racecourse’s hallowed turf before the Cheltenham Festival. What horses will catch the eye before those four days of extraordinary in March, will we see returning champions defending their crown? Whilst anything can happen in March, Festival Trials day maybe able to give us a clearer picture. www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/festival-trials-day TOM DAVIS: UNDERDOG SUNDAY 28TH JANUARY 2024 • CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Tom Davis is best known for hit shows King Gary, The Curse, Live at the Apollo and Murder in Successville, as well as his hugely popular podcast Wolf and Owl with Romesh Ranganathan, which has received critical acclaim and sold out live shows. Tom is also known for multiple appearances on A League of Their Own, Ranganation, Judge Romesh, and Action Team. cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/event/tom-davis-underdog/ The much-loved, multi-million-selling Australian pop group Crowded House, nine-time Grammy-winning US singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, and Mercury and Brit-nominated duo Turin Brakes, are the first acts to be announced for next summer’s Nocturne Live concert series, which returns to the 10,000-capacity UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire from June 12th – 16th 2024. The three acts will bring the five-night series to a close on Sunday June 16th. Crowded House and Sheryl Crow were two of the biggest artists of the ‘90s and have collectively sold over 60 million albums over the course of their careers to date. Fronted by singer and guitarist Neil Finn, Crowded House became one of Australia’s most successful exports thanks to huge international hits including Don’t Dream It’s Over, Weather With You, Fall At Your Feet, Four Seasons In One Day and many more, and Sheryl Crow, who was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year, recently celebrated 30 years since the release of her hit-filled, multi-Grammy-winning debut album Tuesday Night Music Club. Tickets and further info can be found here - www.nocturnelive.com  The Christmas Cotswold Fair, held in support of the incredible children’s charity WellChild, returns from the 6th to 9th November in its new home at Evenlode Grounds near Stow on the Wold. This year is set to break all records, with over 220 stallholders in attendance, selling everything from homeware, to pet accessories and more. In addition to the new venue, The Christmas Cotswold Fair will be full to bursting with an extensive schedule of workshops and demonstrations, book signings, author ‘meet and greets’ and, of course, the luxurious Cotswold Grey VIP Lounge with delectable dishes from The Potted Goose Pub Co. “We are so excited to be setting down roots at Evenlode Grounds”, says Fair organiser Lucy Greaves. “The Christmas Cotswold Fair officially marks the beginning of the festive period, and we cannot wait to be able to expand and grow into our new home, offering so much more than we have ever before. “This year’s Fair will be the best it has ever been. Alongside our incredible array of stalls and daily events, we will be celebrating delicious, local food, prepared to perfection on site, in our Festive Feasting area. We can’t wait to welcome stallholders and visitors in November for the ultimate festive shopping experience – the Cotswold way.” WellChild is very excited to be working with The Christmas Cotswold Fair again in 2023. “We are delighted to see the Christmas Cotswold Fair continue to grow and develop as one of the most anticipated annual events in the pre-Christmas calendar”, said Matt James, Chief Executive of the charity. “With the number of children and young people living with complex medical needs growing year-on-year, the Fair has become critical in raising the funds needed for WellChild to give these children and families the best chance to thrive at home instead of hospital. This is never more pertinent than at Christmas time. We look forward to an even brighter and festive Christmas Cotswold Fair at Evenlode Grounds this year.” For over 30 years, The Cotswold Fair has supported WellChild and in 2022, they raised £120,000 to help support their valuable work. What’s New for 2023
Tickets are on sale now!
For all the info, visit cotswoldfair.com  It was a memorable night for The Killingworth Castle, picking up three AA Rosettes at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards. One of the industry’s most highly anticipated events, the glittering awards ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London was hosted by much-loved TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, celebrating the UK’s top hotels, restaurants, and pubs and the people behind them. Nestled within the picturesque village of Wootton, Nr Woodstock, The Killingworth Castle has eight luxury en-suite rooms with exquisite food that focuses on seasonal, wild & organic fare from the Cotswolds. Establishments with three AA Rosettes are all outstanding restaurants achieving standards which demand national recognition well beyond their local area and The Killingworth Castle is one of only 7 new inns with rooms in the whole of the UK to be awarded a third rosette in 2023 at the AA’s annual Hospitality Awards last night. The AA, which has long been a marker of leading restaurant and accommodation venues, celebrates the crème de la crème of UK hospitality. Following a visit from an anonymous inspector, the hotel was reviewed against nine quality assessment areas, ranging from standards of service to cleanliness and quality of food. The inspector described the establishment as ‘well run in a personalised way with very good hospitality from a customer-focused team which made for a welcoming atmosphere throughout the stay’. www.thekillingworthcastle.com    Work is well on the way for the summer opening of The Living Room Cinema in Chipping Norton, a community-focused boutique cinema. With 2-screens, the film programme will be diverse, showcasing a range of popular and award-winning new releases, independent titles, family films, and under their ‘Living Room Presents’ banner, documentaries, foreign language and arthouse gems. Summer blockbusters that our audience can look forward to will include “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” which will receive its premiere out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival next month; “Oppenheimer”, the latest mind bending thriller from Christopher Nolan; Tom Cruise in more death-defying stunts in “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning” plus a visit to Wes Anderson’s mind in “Asteroid City” and the hotly anticipated “Barbie”, directed by Greta Gerwig and featuring an extensive all-star cast. Newly appointed General Manager Lindsey Bowden (previously of Roundhouse, Riverside Studios and Assembly) says: “I am hugely excited to be part of this wonderful new venue for Chipping Norton which will bring such a great variety of new releases, classics and screened live performances for the community. I'm looking forward to meeting locals in our lovely cafe bar and can't wait to open our doors!” The Living Room cinema will be accessible and inclusive with subtitled, audio described, autism friendly and parent and baby screenings. Their Live Events series will give you the opportunity to have the best seats in the house for music concerts ranging from the legendary Andre Rieu to the visual spectacle of Coldplay, opera and ballet from the Royal Opera House and beyond, theatre from the National Theatre and the Exhibition on Screen series. One of the highlights of the upcoming programme will be our special events and “In Conversation With” series. Special guests at our sister Liphook site have included Downton Abbey stars Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern; directors Simon Curtis (Downton Abbey: A New Era) and BAFTA-nominated Jim Archer (Brian and Charles); writer Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park) and director of the NT’s ‘Good’, Dominic Cooke. Founder and CEO, Claire Beswick says: “As we enter the final phase of our work - the interior fit out of the cinema - I’m delighted we are now able to share some of the finer details of our offer. It is a privilege to be creating such a unique cinema experience for the community of Chipping Norton and we cannot wait to open our doors and to welcome each and every one of you.” The cinema will be open all day and the stylish foyer will provide a versatile social space with a laid-back, modern vibe. Everyone will be welcome to visit us for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea or join us in the evening when the cafe will transform into a vibrant, stylish cocktail and wine bar. Our friendly staff will know your name and your usual tipple, your favourite seat, and your favourite film. The Living Room Cinema Chipping Norton will be open to all and will have a range of concession priced tickets available, in addition to both standard and premium seating. We have a membership scheme for regular patrons with a range of membership options for all tastes: from Standard Membership to our limited-edition VIP Founder Memberships, with benefits include unlimited cinema for the member and a guest, complimentary drinks, a private screening, and an invite to the launch party.  On Monday 27th March, the prestigious Michelin Stars were unveiled at a Ceremony for the Michelin Great Britain & Ireland Guide There are four here in the Cotswolds, including one new addition to the guide for 2023. BYBROOK |
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Actual restaurants in the North Cotswolds are few and far between. There are lots of superb pubs that are more of a restaurant than a pub nowadays and many hotels that boast restaurants but lack that buzz that an independent can offer.
The Old Butchers is family-run, small and far from pretentious. Pete is chef, while wife Louise takes care of the front of house, armed with her daughter and others of a similar age. The tables are always full, yet there's never a feeling of sitting on top of other diners or being involved in their conversations.
We took a couple of friends for their first ever visit. We'd hyped it up quite a bit for a good fortnight or so which can sometimes be risky, but we've never experienced anything less than brilliant on the (probably a dozen by now) occasions we have been there.
The menu is largely European, full of seafood, steak over charcoal and seasonal game. There's a "Lobster" swing sign outside and lots of it on the menu.
A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (the wine list is very good) and a couple of pints of Hawkstone (Clarkson's Lager) arrive as we survey the menu. Our friends are the type of people who study the menu before they arrive and pretty much know want they are going to order. I'm the opposite.
"Fancy sharing the 1kg T-Bone?" throwing a slight curveball to my friend. He agrees, but then proceeds to tell me that he is a medium steak eater. I'm a rare. We agree on medium-rare.
If Mussels Mariniere is on the menu I'm probably ordering it, along with a spoon for the glorious creamy, garlicky goodness. It was a generous serving for a starter and these were absolutely massive.
The others tucked into Cornish Scallops, served in a shell in a delicious pool of Nduja Butter which offered a bit of a kick.
The Prawn Cocktail, which usually comes with a Bloody Mary sorbet on top. However our friend asked if this could come on the side as she "didn't really trust it". She loved it.
And the Pate en Croute, pickled walnut, cornichons and punchy wasabi, mustardy dip.
Our mains arrived soon after.
They had divided the T-bone onto separate plates so we didn't have to fight over it. It was on the rarer side of medium-rare, beautifully pink with juicy bits of fat on some of the slices. It came with fries, salad and a choice of sauces, we both opted for peppercorn. The meat cut like the proverbial butter and was deliciously rich and salty. It was magical. I would order steak out more often if it was all like this.
The Cornish Monkfish & Prawn Tandoori, with Spinach, a Lentil Dahl and raita looked incredible and apparently it was. As was the 1/2 Cornish Native Lobster & Garlic Butter and the immense Crab, Truffle Fries that were ordered to accompany it.
Pudding was replaced by more wine, while we all gushed over what we had just eaten and started planning our next visit which, I imagine, won't be too far away.
theoldbutchers.squarespace.com
The Old Butchers is family-run, small and far from pretentious. Pete is chef, while wife Louise takes care of the front of house, armed with her daughter and others of a similar age. The tables are always full, yet there's never a feeling of sitting on top of other diners or being involved in their conversations.
We took a couple of friends for their first ever visit. We'd hyped it up quite a bit for a good fortnight or so which can sometimes be risky, but we've never experienced anything less than brilliant on the (probably a dozen by now) occasions we have been there.
The menu is largely European, full of seafood, steak over charcoal and seasonal game. There's a "Lobster" swing sign outside and lots of it on the menu.
A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (the wine list is very good) and a couple of pints of Hawkstone (Clarkson's Lager) arrive as we survey the menu. Our friends are the type of people who study the menu before they arrive and pretty much know want they are going to order. I'm the opposite.
"Fancy sharing the 1kg T-Bone?" throwing a slight curveball to my friend. He agrees, but then proceeds to tell me that he is a medium steak eater. I'm a rare. We agree on medium-rare.
If Mussels Mariniere is on the menu I'm probably ordering it, along with a spoon for the glorious creamy, garlicky goodness. It was a generous serving for a starter and these were absolutely massive.
The others tucked into Cornish Scallops, served in a shell in a delicious pool of Nduja Butter which offered a bit of a kick.
The Prawn Cocktail, which usually comes with a Bloody Mary sorbet on top. However our friend asked if this could come on the side as she "didn't really trust it". She loved it.
And the Pate en Croute, pickled walnut, cornichons and punchy wasabi, mustardy dip.
Our mains arrived soon after.
They had divided the T-bone onto separate plates so we didn't have to fight over it. It was on the rarer side of medium-rare, beautifully pink with juicy bits of fat on some of the slices. It came with fries, salad and a choice of sauces, we both opted for peppercorn. The meat cut like the proverbial butter and was deliciously rich and salty. It was magical. I would order steak out more often if it was all like this.
The Cornish Monkfish & Prawn Tandoori, with Spinach, a Lentil Dahl and raita looked incredible and apparently it was. As was the 1/2 Cornish Native Lobster & Garlic Butter and the immense Crab, Truffle Fries that were ordered to accompany it.
Pudding was replaced by more wine, while we all gushed over what we had just eaten and started planning our next visit which, I imagine, won't be too far away.
theoldbutchers.squarespace.com
T-bone steak, served with fries, salad and peppercorn sauce
Cornish Scallops & ‘Nduja Butter
Cornish Monkfish & Prawn Tandoori, Spinach & Lentil Dahl, Raita
A new deli and coffee shop has opened in Bibury.
The Twig has opened within the old village store, which has been empty and unused for years, bringing a new destination spot to the village centre.
The Twig is an offshoot of The Stump, hence the name, a renowned Cotswold Inn serving up an epic menu of pizza, small plates and cocktails since opening in 2019. Both sites have been dreamt up and brought to life by Baz & Fred, who first started serving pizzas together in 2012 and have since opened two pizza restaurants in London as well as local favourites The Stump and The New Inn in the Cotswolds. Their latest opening will put the same emphasis on serving high quality, carefully sourced ingredients and delicious food and drink but this time with a focus on coffee, snacks, and special ingredients.
The house coffee at The Twig will be from Oxfordshire based UE Coffee and best enjoyed alongside one of the fresh house pastries, including specials such as The Twig sausage roll, made with whole grain mustard and apple sauce inside, sourdough toasties, amazing cakes and focaccia sandwiches made in house with best Italian ingredients.
The menu will also include a delicious menu of sandwiches including:
Sourdough toasties:
Ham, Emmental, Double Gloucester, Dijonnaise, cornichons
Truffle mushrooms, Comte, Double Gloucester, Dijonnaise
Focaccia:
Prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil pesto
Sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, rocket, basil pesto
Salad pots: change on a weekly basis, focusing on seasonal produce
The shop will also be a go-to spot to pick up local produce from companies such as Cotswold Curer, Sourdough Revolution and Hard to Find (honey and oil). Alongside this there will be a delicious range of Spanish and Italian dry goods including cured meats, a select range of natural wines and local Deya beers, and Baz & Fred’s Chilli oil, all ready to buy and enjoy at home.
The Twig has opened within the old village store, which has been empty and unused for years, bringing a new destination spot to the village centre.
The Twig is an offshoot of The Stump, hence the name, a renowned Cotswold Inn serving up an epic menu of pizza, small plates and cocktails since opening in 2019. Both sites have been dreamt up and brought to life by Baz & Fred, who first started serving pizzas together in 2012 and have since opened two pizza restaurants in London as well as local favourites The Stump and The New Inn in the Cotswolds. Their latest opening will put the same emphasis on serving high quality, carefully sourced ingredients and delicious food and drink but this time with a focus on coffee, snacks, and special ingredients.
The house coffee at The Twig will be from Oxfordshire based UE Coffee and best enjoyed alongside one of the fresh house pastries, including specials such as The Twig sausage roll, made with whole grain mustard and apple sauce inside, sourdough toasties, amazing cakes and focaccia sandwiches made in house with best Italian ingredients.
The menu will also include a delicious menu of sandwiches including:
Sourdough toasties:
Ham, Emmental, Double Gloucester, Dijonnaise, cornichons
Truffle mushrooms, Comte, Double Gloucester, Dijonnaise
Focaccia:
Prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil pesto
Sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, rocket, basil pesto
Salad pots: change on a weekly basis, focusing on seasonal produce
The shop will also be a go-to spot to pick up local produce from companies such as Cotswold Curer, Sourdough Revolution and Hard to Find (honey and oil). Alongside this there will be a delicious range of Spanish and Italian dry goods including cured meats, a select range of natural wines and local Deya beers, and Baz & Fred’s Chilli oil, all ready to buy and enjoy at home.
It felt like we had to wait an age for the Double Red Duke to finally open its doors. After the announcement in November 2020 that Sam and Georgie Pearman had acquired what was The Plough at Clanfield and would launch in February 2021, lockdowns and various restrictions delayed that until May 17th.
Even more exiting was hearing that they had secured the services of Hawksmoor and PittCue's Richard Turner to work alongside Head Chef Richard Sandiford. This could only mean two things, fire and an abundance of meat.
Of course the menu isn't just full of meat. There is a cheese & onion tatin, veggie mixed grill and a trio of salads for the herbivores amongst us, but there's no fun in any of that,
Unsurprisingly, and right up our street, there is a separate menu for steak cuts from where we picked a incredible chunk of medium-rare ribeye. I sat and watched the chefs cooking various ribs and T-bones over the flames from the 14-seater kitchen counter which felt like the front row of the world's best theatre. I always find open kitchens captivating and could sit there all day, especially watching these masters of meat at work.
Away from beef steaks, the "Large Plate" menu boasts wild fish on-the-bone, grilled rose veal chop, fried oysters & egg tartare, spit roast turbot (which looked amazing when it went by to another table) and half a chicken spit roast, as well as the classic fish & chips, pie & mash and the Double Red burger.
Even more exiting was hearing that they had secured the services of Hawksmoor and PittCue's Richard Turner to work alongside Head Chef Richard Sandiford. This could only mean two things, fire and an abundance of meat.
Of course the menu isn't just full of meat. There is a cheese & onion tatin, veggie mixed grill and a trio of salads for the herbivores amongst us, but there's no fun in any of that,
Unsurprisingly, and right up our street, there is a separate menu for steak cuts from where we picked a incredible chunk of medium-rare ribeye. I sat and watched the chefs cooking various ribs and T-bones over the flames from the 14-seater kitchen counter which felt like the front row of the world's best theatre. I always find open kitchens captivating and could sit there all day, especially watching these masters of meat at work.
Away from beef steaks, the "Large Plate" menu boasts wild fish on-the-bone, grilled rose veal chop, fried oysters & egg tartare, spit roast turbot (which looked amazing when it went by to another table) and half a chicken spit roast, as well as the classic fish & chips, pie & mash and the Double Red burger.
Steaks cooking on the open flames
A beautiful piece of ribeye
The "small plates" menu (nobody does "starters" anymore) is equally exciting and includes some exquisite Wood Roast Sea Scallops with Wild Garlic Butter, Milk & Honey Lamb Chops with Pea & Haggis Salad (I will try this when I go next) and some superb sticky and perfectly charred Apple Glazed Bacon Ribs, Apple, Tamarind & Fennel Slaw.
If you're feeling hungry, which we were, there's also a "snacks" menu at the very beginning featuring some wonderful light and crispy Dublin Bay Scampi and three different flatbreads. We chose the Courgette, Wild Garlic & Mint one to share but you would probably need one each depending on how many other dishes you choose and how big your appetite is.
Apple Glazed Bacon Ribs, Apple, Tamarind & Fennel Slaw
Courgette, Wild Garlic & Mint flatbread
There wasn't any room for a dessert. If I was staying the night, and home was just a short walk away up the stairs, I would have probably dipped for the white chocolate cheesecake or the sticky toffee pudding. However, if the choice is more meat or leaving room for a pudding, there is only ever going to be one winner.
If staying the night is an option for you, then the nineteen bedrooms are all as heavenly as you would expect. They each, like the whole of the interior, carry the Pearman stamp. There is an abundance of snugs where you can hide away from the world for an afternoon, and the magnificent Downton Abbey-famed Oxfordshire countryside is quite literally on the doorstep. What's not to like?
www.countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke
The garden at The Double Red Duke
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