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THE PIG has announced plans to open its tenth hotel in late summer 2027, bringing its well-established restaurant-with-rooms concept to the Warwickshire countryside for the first time. Known as THE PIG-on the farm, the new hotel will occupy a sensitively restored Grade II* listed farmhouse and collection of historic farm buildings on the Walton Estate, just five miles from Stratford-upon-Avon and in easy reach of the North Cotswolds. It'll also become the largest property in THE PIG portfolio to date. Approached via a long tree-lined drive, THE PIG-on the farm occupies 53 acres of pasture and farmland. The landscape is steeped in history, encompassing the earthworks of a deserted medieval village dating back to the 13th century, alongside archaeological features believed to include a Neolithic enclosure with Iron Age remains. Original brickwork, timber beams and centuries-old farm buildings provide the backdrop for THE PIG's largest restaurant to date, complete with the biggest terrace in the collection. As with every THE PIG, food will sit firmly at the centre of the experience. The kitchen garden will greet guests on arrival, supplying produce for the hotel's signature 25-mile menu alongside ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers. Housed inside a restored barn, the restaurant will be the largest in the collection, complete with what promises to be its biggest outdoor terrace too. There will be 35 individually designed bedrooms spread across the farmhouse and surrounding buildings, together with the familiar PIG bar and a pair of Shepherd's Hut treatment rooms overlooking wildflower meadows. Sustainability remains a key part of the project, with extensive on-site food production including fruit and vegetable gardens, polytunnels, a mushroom house and smokery, alongside electric vehicle charging and wider environmental improvements across the estate. Although THE PIG quietly acquired a property on the estate back in 2022, work only began earlier this year after securing extensive planning and heritage approvals. Construction is now well underway, with the first guests expected to check in towards the end of summer 2027. www.thepighotel.com/on-the-farm 
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The Painswick has quietly become one of the Cotswolds' most dependable spots for stylish stays and seriously good food. Now its restaurant, SAUCE, begins a new chapter with Kian Puerta-Terron taking the reins as Head Chef. Having spent the past 18 months in the kitchen at The Painswick, Kian steps into the role after honing his craft in some of the South West's most respected restaurants, including Cheltenham's Lumière, Michelin-standard kitchens in Cornwall and Bristol favourite Bravas. His cooking is rooted in classical French technique but isn't afraid to borrow from elsewhere. Seasonal British produce sits at the heart of every menu, complemented by subtle Spanish influences from his family heritage and the precision and depth of Japanese cuisine. The result is cooking that feels polished without becoming fussy. Expect dishes such as steamed halibut with fig leaf beurre blanc, roasted pork with calamansi, crispy pork jowl and braised pork croquette, alongside The Painswick's deservedly popular Beef Wellington. Local sourcing remains central to the kitchen, with trusted suppliers such as Walter Rose & Son providing ethically reared meat, while the menu evolves naturally with the changing seasons. For those who appreciate refined cooking without the ceremony, SAUCE continues to offer one of the most compelling dining experiences in the Cotswolds. thepainswick.co.uk 
Big Feastival has built a reputation as having arguably the finest street food line-up of any festival in the UK. Among the returning stars for 2026 are Bab Haus, Killa Waffle, Bourton-on-the-Water burger specialists Smiths, New Orleans-inspired Poor Boys and cult fried chicken favourites Chick 'N' Sours. There are some notable new arrivals too. Local barbecue heroes The Woozy Pig make their Big Feastival debut, while Hereford's award-winning burger royalty The Beefy Boys add even more class to an already stacked food line-up. The festival returns to Alex James' farm in Kingham from 28th to 30th August, with Basement Jaxx, The Streets, Bastille and Rudimental leading the music line-up, while Anna Haugh, Emily English, Poppy O'Toole and Tom Barnes headline a stellar programme of chefs and live cooking demonstrations. bigfeastival.com All the street food at Big Feastival 2026 Anna Mae’s Mac n Cheese Archie’s Toastie Shop Bab Haus Baba Side Fried BBQ Dept Beefy Boys Blondies Kitchen Burger and Beyond Chick N Sours Cotto El Pollote Game and Flames Griddle Guys Gully Jolly Hog Killa Waffles Ko:te Kolkati KraPow! Kuyas Dumplings Lil Watan Los Churros Amigos Made Of Dough Mandala Meat Market BBQ MyCookieDough Nanny Bill’s Nonna’s Tacos Oishī Don Only Jerkin’ Otis & Belle Paellaria Pleese Poor Boys Project D Sen Noods Smashing Plates Smiths of Bourton Tagine and Grill The Big Banh The Dragon Flame The Larder House The Woozy Pig Thyme & Tide Wholefood Heaven  The best way to explore the Cotswolds is through its restaurants. Not always the obvious choices, nor the places with the biggest Instagram following. These are the places locals quietly recommend when someone asks where they should eat. So we've mapped out the ultimate summer food journey. From exceptional breakfasts and seafood lunches to wood-fired cooking and unforgettable dinners, this is our 72-hour guide to eating well across the Cotswolds this summer. Day OneBreakfast: The Hive, Stow-on-the-Wold Breakfast is often treated as little more than a warm-up act for lunch. The Hive makes a convincing argument that it deserves rather more respect than that. Located in the heart of Stow on the Wold, it has become one of the most dependable breakfast spots in the North Cotswolds. The poached eggs and avocado on sourdough with chilli jam is the smart order. The chilli jam adds just enough heat to stop the dish becoming another forgettable avocado-on-toast cliché. However, we would never put you off the Full English. It's generous without becoming ridiculous and manages to feel indulgent without ruining the rest of the day's eating. www.eatcotswolds.co.uk/the-hive Also worth considering: The Straw Kitchen, Whichford Pottery Part café, part destination in its own right, The Straw Kitchen feels like one of those recommendations that locals are slightly reluctant to share. Excellent coffee, naturally served in a Whichford Pottery mug made at the bottom of the garden, good eggs and bacon and a setting that encourages lingering far longer than intended. www.whichfordpottery.com/visit/straw-kitchen Lynwood & Co, Moreton-in-Marsh A place that makes some of the best sourdough in the Cotswolds is naturally going to find excellent uses for it. The scrambled eggs on toast and breakfast sarnies are both superb. www.lynwoodandco.com Broadway Deli, Broadway A firm favourite of ours. The nduja scrambled eggs are excellent, the baked eggs deserve attention and the deli itself provides plenty of temptation for later in the day. broadwaydeli.co.uk Lunch: Zonda at The Halfway, Kineton A few months ago, nobody was driving to Kineton specifically for pizza. The pub's transformation from a Michelin recommended classic dining pub into a pizza-led dining destination has been one of Cotswold food stories of 2026. Most importantly, it works because the food is genuinely excellent. Start with the rare breed pork belly bites, courgette fritti and an order of cheesy garlic bread because self-restraint is entirely overrated on a food tour, before ordering the a pizza. Our choice would be the Nduja & hot honey ‘Diablo’, but they are all incredibly good. The whole operation feels refreshingly free of pretension. Nobody is trying to reinvent dining. They're simply serving food people want to eat. And judging by how busy it has been since opening, they're getting it exactly right. www.thehalfwayatkineton.com Also worth considering: Smiths of Bourton Some burgers are designed for Instagram, the Béarnaise Bad Boy is designed for eating. Juicy, unapologetically indulgent and exactly the sort of lunch that reminds you why burgers remain popular despite endless attempts to improve them. www.smithsofbourton.com Dinner: The Old Butchers, Stow-on-the-Wold Ask enough local chefs and serious food lovers where they eat on their day off and The Old Butchers appears more than most. For years, The Old Butchers has quietly maintained its reputation as one of the most consistently impressive restaurants in the North Cotswolds. Seafood, steak and good wine remain a particular strength, yet what makes The Old Butchers so good is its confidence. There is no sense of a restaurant trying to prove itself. It simply knows exactly what it is and exactly what it does well. www.theoldbutchers.com Also worth considering: Moda, Broadway Recently included in the Michelin Guide, Moda combines ambitious modern cooking with the sort of precision and confidence that marks out serious fine dining. Led by Head Chef James Wilson, formerly of The Newt in Somerset, it's a restaurant quietly building a serious reputation. www.houseofgeorge.uk Pit Kitchen Summer and cooking over fire feel like natural companions. Pit Kitchen has built its following around exactly that idea. Expect exceptional flatbreads, smoke, flame and food designed to be shared. Relaxed, informal and packed with flavour, it's one of the most enjoyable summer dining experiences within the North Cotswolds. www.pitkitchen.co.uk 
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After standing empty since 2020, The Tunnel House near Cirencester has finally reopened its doors.
Over the past year, working alongside the Bathurst Estate, the team behind The Bell at Sapperton has been busy restoring one of the most distinctive pub locations in the Cotswolds. Set beside the Coates portal of the Sapperton Tunnel and the Thames & Severn Canal, it has long been a favourite stopping point for locals, walkers and visitors alike.
The aim is straightforward: to bring back a proper pub that serves good food and drink, employs local people and once again becomes a hub for the community.
As the sister pub to The Bell at Sapperton, connected by a wonderful walk through Hailey Wood and across the canal valley, The Tunnel House is ready to take its place among the region's best-loved pubs once again.
Provisional June opening hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm to 10pm, Friday from 5pm to 11pm, Saturday from 12pm to 11pm and Sunday from 12pm to 10pm. The Tunnel Fire Kitchen will be serving in the garden on Saturdays from 12pm to 8pm and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm.
You can find all the info on their website
www.tunnelhouseinn.co.uk
Over the past year, working alongside the Bathurst Estate, the team behind The Bell at Sapperton has been busy restoring one of the most distinctive pub locations in the Cotswolds. Set beside the Coates portal of the Sapperton Tunnel and the Thames & Severn Canal, it has long been a favourite stopping point for locals, walkers and visitors alike.
The aim is straightforward: to bring back a proper pub that serves good food and drink, employs local people and once again becomes a hub for the community.
As the sister pub to The Bell at Sapperton, connected by a wonderful walk through Hailey Wood and across the canal valley, The Tunnel House is ready to take its place among the region's best-loved pubs once again.
Provisional June opening hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm to 10pm, Friday from 5pm to 11pm, Saturday from 12pm to 11pm and Sunday from 12pm to 10pm. The Tunnel Fire Kitchen will be serving in the garden on Saturdays from 12pm to 8pm and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm.
You can find all the info on their website
www.tunnelhouseinn.co.uk
One of London’s most well-regarded neighbourhood restaurants is bringing its relaxed approach to Italian cooking to the Cotswolds this summer, with the launch of a new seasonal pop-up at The Old Coal Yard in Gagingwell, near Chipping Norton.
Opening on Thursday 4th June, Canteen will take up residence for the summer, serving a menu built around fresh pasta, pizza and ingredient-led dishes that will change weekly. The concept is simple: excellent produce, generous cooking and a laid-back setting designed for long lunches, leisurely dinners and everything in between.
The kitchen will be led by Executive Chef Jessica Filbey and Head Chef Lorenzo Nigro, whose opening menu offers a flavour of what guests can expect. Early highlights include Carne Cruda with broad beans and Pecorino Sardo, Crab, Fennel & Chilli Risotto, Mortadella, Ricotta & Lemon Pizza, and Chicken with Sage & Milk. Desserts will include Chocolate Mousse and Apricot Frangipane Tart.
Alongside the food, Canteen’s drinks programme will showcase regional Italian wines from Piedmont, Tuscany and Sicily, complemented by a selection of cocktails, digestifs and Italian beers.
The setting has been designed with summer dining in mind. An outdoor bar and fire pit will sit alongside Gozney ovens serving pizzas throughout the day, creating a relaxed atmosphere that extends beyond traditional lunch and dinner service.
Dinner will be served from Thursday to Sunday, with lunches available at weekends. Friday evenings will feature live music, while Saturdays will include games and activities for children, making the pop-up an appealing option for families as well as those looking for a more leisurely evening out.
Reservations are now open, with walk-ins also welcome throughout the season.
Canteen at The Old Coal Yard, Chipping Norton, OX7 4EF.
www.canteen310.com/cotswolds
Opening on Thursday 4th June, Canteen will take up residence for the summer, serving a menu built around fresh pasta, pizza and ingredient-led dishes that will change weekly. The concept is simple: excellent produce, generous cooking and a laid-back setting designed for long lunches, leisurely dinners and everything in between.
The kitchen will be led by Executive Chef Jessica Filbey and Head Chef Lorenzo Nigro, whose opening menu offers a flavour of what guests can expect. Early highlights include Carne Cruda with broad beans and Pecorino Sardo, Crab, Fennel & Chilli Risotto, Mortadella, Ricotta & Lemon Pizza, and Chicken with Sage & Milk. Desserts will include Chocolate Mousse and Apricot Frangipane Tart.
Alongside the food, Canteen’s drinks programme will showcase regional Italian wines from Piedmont, Tuscany and Sicily, complemented by a selection of cocktails, digestifs and Italian beers.
The setting has been designed with summer dining in mind. An outdoor bar and fire pit will sit alongside Gozney ovens serving pizzas throughout the day, creating a relaxed atmosphere that extends beyond traditional lunch and dinner service.
Dinner will be served from Thursday to Sunday, with lunches available at weekends. Friday evenings will feature live music, while Saturdays will include games and activities for children, making the pop-up an appealing option for families as well as those looking for a more leisurely evening out.
Reservations are now open, with walk-ins also welcome throughout the season.
Canteen at The Old Coal Yard, Chipping Norton, OX7 4EF.
www.canteen310.com/cotswolds
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There are still corners of the Cotswolds where lunch is not an obligation but a lightly dangerous social commitment. The kind that begins with perfectly respectable intentions and ends several hours later with empty wine bottles and rearranged evening plans
Ever since Rivals returned Jilly Cooper’s world of country-house chaos to public life, the idea of the long Cotswolds lunch has felt newly relevant again. Not the polished fantasy sold to weekenders, but the real thing: Bloody Marys before noon, flirtation over oysters, gossip that moves faster than the traffic through Burford, and the growing realisation that nobody has any serious intention of leaving before dark.
This is a landscape of polo, horse racing, expensive divorces and pubs where lunch is rarely just lunch, it's social theatre with side dishes.
And if the Rivals cast ever escaped the television screen, these are exactly the pubs where you would expect to find them.
Ever since Rivals returned Jilly Cooper’s world of country-house chaos to public life, the idea of the long Cotswolds lunch has felt newly relevant again. Not the polished fantasy sold to weekenders, but the real thing: Bloody Marys before noon, flirtation over oysters, gossip that moves faster than the traffic through Burford, and the growing realisation that nobody has any serious intention of leaving before dark.
This is a landscape of polo, horse racing, expensive divorces and pubs where lunch is rarely just lunch, it's social theatre with side dishes.
And if the Rivals cast ever escaped the television screen, these are exactly the pubs where you would expect to find them.
Rupert Campbell-Black
The Hollow Bottom
If the Cotswolds racing world has a headquarters, it is almost certainly The Hollow Bottom.
Tucked away on the edge of Guiting Power, this gloriously unpolished institution functions as the social centre of horse-racing life in the Cotswolds. Trainers, jockeys, owners and stable staff pass through with muddy boots, racing tips and opinions they absolutely did not intend to say out loud quite so publicly.
Breakfast is available every day and will usually begin with a Bloody Mary before anybody has properly decided whether this is wise. Lunch rapidly becomes afternoon drinking. Afternoon drinking somehow becomes dinner.
Dogs sleep on a makeshift bed (somebody's coat) beside the fire in winter, local ales named after racehorses line the bar, and the Monday Pie Night (a pie with a pint or glass of wine for £20) has become something close to rural ritual.
Rupert Campbell-Black would absolutely settle in here for dinner after a day at Cheltenham, with one eye on his steak and the other firmly on whichever female that happened to be walking past the table. By pudding, he would almost certainly have been invited to at least two different after-parties and caused three relationship break-ups entirely by accident, and still somehow emerged from the situation looking unfairly charming.
www.thehollowbottom.com
Tucked away on the edge of Guiting Power, this gloriously unpolished institution functions as the social centre of horse-racing life in the Cotswolds. Trainers, jockeys, owners and stable staff pass through with muddy boots, racing tips and opinions they absolutely did not intend to say out loud quite so publicly.
Breakfast is available every day and will usually begin with a Bloody Mary before anybody has properly decided whether this is wise. Lunch rapidly becomes afternoon drinking. Afternoon drinking somehow becomes dinner.
Dogs sleep on a makeshift bed (somebody's coat) beside the fire in winter, local ales named after racehorses line the bar, and the Monday Pie Night (a pie with a pint or glass of wine for £20) has become something close to rural ritual.
Rupert Campbell-Black would absolutely settle in here for dinner after a day at Cheltenham, with one eye on his steak and the other firmly on whichever female that happened to be walking past the table. By pudding, he would almost certainly have been invited to at least two different after-parties and caused three relationship break-ups entirely by accident, and still somehow emerged from the situation looking unfairly charming.
www.thehollowbottom.com
Declan and Maud O'Hara
The Feathered Nest
With spectacular views across the Oxfordshire countryside, The Feathered Nest has a setting that encourages optimism, poor judgement and another bottle of wine.
The pub has always been a reliable favourite among the local equestrian crowd. Saddles repurposed as bar stools nod to its horsey-country roots, while the terrace outside has witnessed more than its fair share of flirtation disguised as lunch.
The grilled Cornish monkfish deserves something crisp, white and expensive from the extraordinary wine list, which boasts more than 240 bins and has almost certainly contributed to several complicated romances over the years. For those fully embracing the long-lunch spirit, the eight-course tasting menu removes any realistic expectation of productivity long before dessert arrives.
This is exactly where Declan and Maud O’Hara would arrive determined to have a wonderful evening together. And to be fair, for at least the first hour they probably would. A glass of something cold, spectacular food, and perhaps even a brief moment of marital harmony. Then somewhere between the second bottle and dessert, Declan would say something faintly irritating, Maud would refuse to let it pass, and the entire evening would quietly unravel against one of the most beautiful Oxfordshire backdrops.
thefeatherednestinn.co.uk
The pub has always been a reliable favourite among the local equestrian crowd. Saddles repurposed as bar stools nod to its horsey-country roots, while the terrace outside has witnessed more than its fair share of flirtation disguised as lunch.
The grilled Cornish monkfish deserves something crisp, white and expensive from the extraordinary wine list, which boasts more than 240 bins and has almost certainly contributed to several complicated romances over the years. For those fully embracing the long-lunch spirit, the eight-course tasting menu removes any realistic expectation of productivity long before dessert arrives.
This is exactly where Declan and Maud O’Hara would arrive determined to have a wonderful evening together. And to be fair, for at least the first hour they probably would. A glass of something cold, spectacular food, and perhaps even a brief moment of marital harmony. Then somewhere between the second bottle and dessert, Declan would say something faintly irritating, Maud would refuse to let it pass, and the entire evening would quietly unravel against one of the most beautiful Oxfordshire backdrops.
thefeatherednestinn.co.uk
Lord Tony Baddingham and James Vereker
The Fox at Oddington
The Fox at Oddington is where the London crowd arrives on Friday evening in cashmere and oversized sunglasses insisting they are “escaping to the countryside”.
Beautifully done without ever feeling try-hard, this is modern Cotswolds pub glamour at its most seductive for people who are very aware of what they are wearing and why it might be noticed. The odd TV personality will drift through, couples discuss school catchments with alarming seriousness, and the sense of being seen is never entirely absent.
DJ & Pizza Thursdays have become something of an institution, while weekends bring a crowd that understands the importance of very good food, wine and cocktails.
The menu is generous, confident and unapologetically indulgent. Crispy lamb sweetbreads with wild garlic aioli practically demand a martini nearby, while the 10oz Hereford sirloin with triple-cooked chips feels entirely reasonable after several cocktails and a great deal of people-watching.
Lord Tony Baddingham and James Vereker would arrive in a convertible and pretend to discuss television over lunch, while keeping one eye firmly on the room in the hope somebody of the opposite sex was noticing them.
thefoxatoddington.com
Beautifully done without ever feeling try-hard, this is modern Cotswolds pub glamour at its most seductive for people who are very aware of what they are wearing and why it might be noticed. The odd TV personality will drift through, couples discuss school catchments with alarming seriousness, and the sense of being seen is never entirely absent.
DJ & Pizza Thursdays have become something of an institution, while weekends bring a crowd that understands the importance of very good food, wine and cocktails.
The menu is generous, confident and unapologetically indulgent. Crispy lamb sweetbreads with wild garlic aioli practically demand a martini nearby, while the 10oz Hereford sirloin with triple-cooked chips feels entirely reasonable after several cocktails and a great deal of people-watching.
Lord Tony Baddingham and James Vereker would arrive in a convertible and pretend to discuss television over lunch, while keeping one eye firmly on the room in the hope somebody of the opposite sex was noticing them.
thefoxatoddington.com
Freddie Jones and Lizzie Vereker
The Potting Shed, Crudwell
Sitting on the edge of Cotchester society but still close enough to remain firmly in the orbit of its chaos, The Potting Shed has mastered the particular art of feeling both smart, unpretentious and entirely relaxed at the same time.
This is exactly the sort of place Freddie Jones and Lizzie Vereker would disappear to for “just lunch” before the combined effects of excellent wine and emotional misjudgement quietly rearranged the rest of their day. Conveniently, the beautiful Rectory hotel sits directly across the road, which after several glasses would begin to feel less like useful planning and considerably more like temptation for the pair.
The food encourages glorious overcommitment. The Twice Baked Double Gloucester Soufflé with spinach and wholegrain mustard is the sort of deeply reassuring dish that immediately justifies ordering another drink, while the Pork & nduja croquettes with parmesan and wild garlic pesto arrive with enough swagger to derail even the most disciplined intentions.
Then comes the sharing 16oz Chateaubriand with grilled tomato, French fries and a choice of sauces, which feels less like lunch and more like a declaration that nobody has any plans for the rest of the day.
www.thepottingshedpub.com
This is exactly the sort of place Freddie Jones and Lizzie Vereker would disappear to for “just lunch” before the combined effects of excellent wine and emotional misjudgement quietly rearranged the rest of their day. Conveniently, the beautiful Rectory hotel sits directly across the road, which after several glasses would begin to feel less like useful planning and considerably more like temptation for the pair.
The food encourages glorious overcommitment. The Twice Baked Double Gloucester Soufflé with spinach and wholegrain mustard is the sort of deeply reassuring dish that immediately justifies ordering another drink, while the Pork & nduja croquettes with parmesan and wild garlic pesto arrive with enough swagger to derail even the most disciplined intentions.
Then comes the sharing 16oz Chateaubriand with grilled tomato, French fries and a choice of sauces, which feels less like lunch and more like a declaration that nobody has any plans for the rest of the day.
www.thepottingshedpub.com
Bas Baddingham (& Friends)
The Cat and Custard Pot
A few minutes from Beaufort Polo Club and within striking distance of Tetbury and King Charles' Highgrove, The Cat and Custard Pot sits firmly in prime Cotchester country.
It is a pub of two personalities. One side is all traditional comfort with fires, local beer and relaxed conversation. The other introduces a touch of Southern Italy to Gloucestershire society.
Start with the scallops, before moving onto a superb Luckington Farm steak, another bottle of wine and the growing suspicion that lunch may no longer be entirely under control.
Bas Baddingham and his friends would absolutely occupy a large table near the bar, flirting enthusiastically with almost everyone who walked through the door, whether invited to or not, and enjoying themselves far more loudly than strictly necessary.
catandcustard.co.uk
It is a pub of two personalities. One side is all traditional comfort with fires, local beer and relaxed conversation. The other introduces a touch of Southern Italy to Gloucestershire society.
Start with the scallops, before moving onto a superb Luckington Farm steak, another bottle of wine and the growing suspicion that lunch may no longer be entirely under control.
Bas Baddingham and his friends would absolutely occupy a large table near the bar, flirting enthusiastically with almost everyone who walked through the door, whether invited to or not, and enjoying themselves far more loudly than strictly necessary.
catandcustard.co.uk
Taggie O'Hara
The Wild Duck at Ewen
Just ten minutes from Cirencester Polo Club, The Wild Duck has the sort of easy confidence that comes from knowing everybody already wants to be there.
By late afternoon the pub fills with Royal Ag students, locals, and polo players and locals who appear to have perfected that particular skill of looking slightly dishevelled in a very intentional way. It is lively, unselfconscious and just chaotic enough to feel like something might happen at any moment.
The food is exceptional in a deeply dangerous way. Devilled Crab on Toast and Beef Tartare arrive at tables already crowded with wine glasses, while the Duck Fat Toast has become something close to local currency among regulars. The Wild Boar Pie is rich enough to derail afternoon productivity entirely and, on Fridays, lobster and fries begin appearing across the room as everybody quietly abandons any pretence of moderation.
In one corner, Taggie O’Hara sits with friends, probably pretending not to notice the attention she is attracting from various directions. Or perhaps genuinely not noticing, which somehow makes the situation considerably worse for everybody involved.
www.countrycreatures.com/wild-duck-ewen
By late afternoon the pub fills with Royal Ag students, locals, and polo players and locals who appear to have perfected that particular skill of looking slightly dishevelled in a very intentional way. It is lively, unselfconscious and just chaotic enough to feel like something might happen at any moment.
The food is exceptional in a deeply dangerous way. Devilled Crab on Toast and Beef Tartare arrive at tables already crowded with wine glasses, while the Duck Fat Toast has become something close to local currency among regulars. The Wild Boar Pie is rich enough to derail afternoon productivity entirely and, on Fridays, lobster and fries begin appearing across the room as everybody quietly abandons any pretence of moderation.
In one corner, Taggie O’Hara sits with friends, probably pretending not to notice the attention she is attracting from various directions. Or perhaps genuinely not noticing, which somehow makes the situation considerably worse for everybody involved.
www.countrycreatures.com/wild-duck-ewen
Sarah and Paul Stratton
The Rattlebone, Sherston
Just a few miles from Highgrove, The Rattlebone in Sherston, the sort of old-school village pub charm that makes people accidentally stay all afternoon while insisting they are “just popping in for one”.
For Paul Stratton, Cotchester’s permanently campaigning MP, this is exactly the kind of place where being seen matters. Supporting a much-loved community pub looks excellent politically, though the very good wine and beer probably doesn’t hurt either.
Sarah, meanwhile, has almost certainly been coming here for years with a tiny hope of trying to catch a young Prince's eye like she did during the early noughties whenever he came to the pub. In fact, large sections of South Cotswolds society spent the early 2000s strategically lingering here on exactly those grounds.
The Honey & chilli glazed local pork belly delivers precisely the sort of rich comfort that encourages another bottle, the roast rump of lamb will make you book again straight away, while the Tuesday Steak Night (two juicy 8oz rump steaks with chips, salad and a bottle of house wine for £68) feels tailor-made for couples who fully intend to leave after dinner and absolutely never actually do.
www.therattlebone.co.uk
For Paul Stratton, Cotchester’s permanently campaigning MP, this is exactly the kind of place where being seen matters. Supporting a much-loved community pub looks excellent politically, though the very good wine and beer probably doesn’t hurt either.
Sarah, meanwhile, has almost certainly been coming here for years with a tiny hope of trying to catch a young Prince's eye like she did during the early noughties whenever he came to the pub. In fact, large sections of South Cotswolds society spent the early 2000s strategically lingering here on exactly those grounds.
The Honey & chilli glazed local pork belly delivers precisely the sort of rich comfort that encourages another bottle, the roast rump of lamb will make you book again straight away, while the Tuesday Steak Night (two juicy 8oz rump steaks with chips, salad and a bottle of house wine for £68) feels tailor-made for couples who fully intend to leave after dinner and absolutely never actually do.
www.therattlebone.co.uk
And, perhaps that is why Rivals still feels so recognisable beneath all the glamour and spectacularly bad behaviour. Because the real centre of Cotswolds society was never the country house, it was always the pub.
Preferably one with excellent wine, very good food, a full bar and somebody harmless flirting in full view. Because the best Cotswolds pubs have never really been just about eating and drinking, they are where village life happens with gossip, celebrations, old friendships and the sort of afternoons that become the stories everybody is still talking about the following weekend.
And frankly, long may it continue.
Preferably one with excellent wine, very good food, a full bar and somebody harmless flirting in full view. Because the best Cotswolds pubs have never really been just about eating and drinking, they are where village life happens with gossip, celebrations, old friendships and the sort of afternoons that become the stories everybody is still talking about the following weekend.
And frankly, long may it continue.
There’s a particular moment, about now, when the Cotswolds countryside stops posing for postcards and starts quietly insisting you get involved.
The hedgerows thicken, the puddles dry out just enough to reveal the potholes they’ve been hiding all winter (mind those... your suspension will thank you), and pub gardens begin to fill in that wonderfully British way with no bookings, no agenda, just people turning up because the sun’s out and it would be rude not to.
So, we recommend you hop in the car and join them. Round up you friends. Jump in the car. Get the roof down if you’ve got one that comes down and it's not raining, windows open if you haven’t, a playlist that makes you feel faintly superior and nothing resembling a plan beyond the vague belief that lunch will happen at some point.
We’ve put together five routes where the pub isn’t a stop along the way. It’s the point. The drive is simply part of the pleasure.
One small note of boring-but-important sense. Please don’t drink and drive. Fortunately, every decent pub worth its salt now does very drinkable alcohol-free beer, so you can still have the pint, keep your licence and enjoy the day as much as everyone else.
The hedgerows thicken, the puddles dry out just enough to reveal the potholes they’ve been hiding all winter (mind those... your suspension will thank you), and pub gardens begin to fill in that wonderfully British way with no bookings, no agenda, just people turning up because the sun’s out and it would be rude not to.
So, we recommend you hop in the car and join them. Round up you friends. Jump in the car. Get the roof down if you’ve got one that comes down and it's not raining, windows open if you haven’t, a playlist that makes you feel faintly superior and nothing resembling a plan beyond the vague belief that lunch will happen at some point.
We’ve put together five routes where the pub isn’t a stop along the way. It’s the point. The drive is simply part of the pleasure.
One small note of boring-but-important sense. Please don’t drink and drive. Fortunately, every decent pub worth its salt now does very drinkable alcohol-free beer, so you can still have the pint, keep your licence and enjoy the day as much as everyone else.
1. Woolpack to Wild Duck
Valleys, cider houses, and a day that quietly becomes night
You begin in Slad, where the road already feels like it has read Laurie Lee and decided to behave accordingly. The Woolpack is perched above the valley with spectacular views that do most of the work for you. It’s an easy place to lose track of time in the best possible way: lunch becomes afternoon without anyone formally deciding it should.
From there, the road drops gently into Frampton Mansell and The Crown, a 17th-century cider house that feels wonderfully steady, rooted, unbothered by modern life. It’s low-ceilinged, slightly uneven underfoot and doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is, which is a perfect village pub.
A short drive and you reach The Bell at Sapperton. The garden feels designed for letting afternoons drift off-course, and the wine wall feels slightly smug, but in the right way like it knows you’re going to stay longer than you said you would.
By the time you reach The Wild Duck at Ewen, the structure of the day has already given up pretending. This is where you properly settle in and enjoy dinner on the beautiful terrace if the weather is on your side. This feels less like the final stop and more like the obvious conclusion to a day.
1. Woolpack to Wild Duck
Valleys, cider houses, and a day that quietly becomes night
You begin in Slad, where the road already feels like it has read Laurie Lee and decided to behave accordingly. The Woolpack is perched above the valley with spectacular views that do most of the work for you. It’s an easy place to lose track of time in the best possible way: lunch becomes afternoon without anyone formally deciding it should.
From there, the road drops gently into Frampton Mansell and The Crown, a 17th-century cider house that feels wonderfully steady, rooted, unbothered by modern life. It’s low-ceilinged, slightly uneven underfoot and doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is, which is a perfect village pub.
A short drive and you reach The Bell at Sapperton. The garden feels designed for letting afternoons drift off-course, and the wine wall feels slightly smug, but in the right way like it knows you’re going to stay longer than you said you would.
By the time you reach The Wild Duck at Ewen, the structure of the day has already given up pretending. This is where you properly settle in and enjoy dinner on the beautiful terrace if the weather is on your side. This feels less like the final stop and more like the obvious conclusion to a day.
2. Double Red Duke to The Stump
Postcard villages, long lunches, and the slow disappearance of time
You begin at The Double Red Duke, where the garden feels like it was built for exactly this: groups of friends arriving slightly too early, ordering slightly too much, and deciding that the weather warrants some lunch too. It’s the kind of place that encourages the first drink to turn into something longer without ever saying so out loud.
From there the roads tighten and unwind into Langford and The Bell, where if you didn't grab lunch at the Double Red Duke, you probaly should here. The food quietly takes centre stage. Nothing theatrical, nothing over-explained, just plates that arrive with a kind of quiet certainty that this is exactly what you came for, even if you didn’t know it when you set off.
The landscape softens again as you reach The Victoria Inn in Eastleach, where the village itself does most of the work. Stone cottages, a slow-moving river nearby, and a pub that feels less placed in the village than grown out of it. Time behaves differently here. It stretches without apology and it's an ideal spot to walk off some of your lunch.
Further into the valley sits The New Inn at Coln, ivy climbing the walls, light falling softly through the windows, and a perfect stop for a pint that somehow turns into a second without any real negotiation.
Then on to The Village Pub in Barnsley, the penultimate stop on a summer afternoon that is already beginning to ease towards evening. It’s a lovely pub in the most quietly assured sense: oak-beamed ceilings, dimly lit corners made for lingering, and a low, easy hum that suggests nobody here is in any particular rush to be anywhere else.
The day eventually gathers itself at The Stump: pizza, energy, and that easy late afternoon atmosphere where everyone arrives on time and leaves slightly later than they meant to. A place made for settling in properly for the evening with a quiet acceptance that there’s nowhere better to be.
3. Hare to The Bull
Country roads, river bends, and an afternoon well spent
This is a driving route as much as a pub route. The roads matter as much as the stops.
You begin at The Hare in Milton-under-Wychwood, a village pub that doesn’t try to define your day for you. It simply feeds you well, pours a decent pint, and lets you get on with it. That’s more valuable than it sounds.
From there, the road drops towards water and arrives at The Swan Swinbrook, sitting beside the river in a way that makes time feel optional. The garden draws people in and then quietly discourages them from leaving. It’s the sort of place where “we should head off soon” is said repeatedly without consequence.
Then on to The Three Horseshoes in Asthall, a charming village stop and a very good excuse to slow the pace. The garden is the main event here, and one of the best in the Cotswolds for soaking up a bit of sunshine with a drink in hand.
The climb out of the valley brings you to The Farmer’s Dog, wide views and a confident lack of pretension. It has Clarkson’s name attached to it, but the appeal is more straightforward than that; cold beer, and British grub. It works because it doesn’t try to be clever.
From there, the tone settles again at The Royal Oak Ramsden, a village pub in a beautifully picturesque setting that barely needs introducing. There’s good beer, a grill garden doing proper work outside, and an easy rhythm to the place that makes it feel like the right pause in the day.
The day finishes at The Bull at Charlbury for dinner, a place that understands exactly what an evening should feel like without ever needing to explain it. It’s a great spot to spend a long, unhurried evening with friends, inside, where it’s all low light and easy conversation, or outside where the evening quietly extends itself.
4. Norman Knight to The King's Head
Winding roads, village greens, and a day that refuses to rush
You start at The Norman Knight in Whichford, recently reopened and already acting as though it has always been there. It’s a great place to start the day with a wonderful lunch; unhurried, quietly confident and the sense that it has quietly slipped back into village life as if it never left.
From there, the road takes you to The Red Lion in Long Compton, a near-perfect village pub with a garden that seems designed entirely around the simple pleasure of a pint in the sunshine. Nothing overly complicated, just a decent stop, in exactly the right place, doing exactly what it should.
The route winds down to The Fox at Oddington, where the garden does exactly what a good gardens should by quietly persuading you there’s time for one more, then probably another. It’s an easy place to lose a couple of hours in the sunshine with friends, cocktails coming a little too easily, and conversation drifting on without any need to land anywhere in particular.
Then on to Kingham, where you can park the car and simply walk between the Kingham Plough and the Wild Rabbit, taking a drink at each and letting the village do the rest. Together they give you exactly what you need at that point in the day: no big decisions, just the simple pleasure of moving a short distance for a very good reason to stop again.
From there, the route continues to The King’s Head in Bledington, where everything opens out onto the village green. It’s the sort of place where summer simply takes care of itself, time slips slightly out of view, and that easy sense of having arrived at exactly the right point in the day at one of the Cotswolds' favourite pubs.
5. The Fox to The Hollow Bottom
Picture-perfect villages, timeless pubs, and long evenings over pizza and a final drink
You begin at The Fox Broadwell, overlooking the green, where everything starts gently and has a habit of staying that way longer than it strictly needs to. Nothing pushes you on here, which is precisely the point. Lunch can be a snack from their blackboard or it's just a lovely spot to enjoy a pint, outside the front of the pub watching the world go by.
The road then lifts to The Horse & Groom in Bourton-on-the-Hill. The garden with delightful views across the Evenlode Valley is made for letting the afternoon run on properly, glasses never quite empty, and the food has that quiet competence that doesn’t ask for attention but earns it anyway.
Then onto the Snowshill Arms which is tucked into one of the Cotswolds’ most chocolate-box villages, where everything feels just a fraction removed from the modern world. It’s an old-world pub in the best sense, no airs and graces, and absolutely no attempt to reinterpret itself for anyone passing through. It simply exists as it always has, which is exactly why it works so well.
Some narrow roads then lead you to The Halfway at Kineton, which is exactly what it says on the tin and exactly where you end up staying longer than intended. The recent new home of Zonda, the incredible pizzas feel designed for sharing in the garden with a drink in hand, conversation loosening as the afternoon slips a little further out of view.
And finally onto The Hollow Bottom, a pub brought back to its former glory and now comfortably re-established as it should be. It’s the perfect place for a final drink of the night; unforced, welcoming, and made for that last proper pause before heading home. A pint of something local in hand, named after a racehorse you half recognise, and the evening quietly sorts itself out in front of you, without any need for ceremony.
These routes aren’t rules, they’re more a framework and a decent excuse to head out, take the long way through villages you’ve only ever driven past, and stitch together a few pubs you might not have bothered with otherwise.
The journeys between them aren’t long, and that’s exactly the point. Just enough road to build a bit of anticipation, and make that next pint or plate feel properly earned.
If you’re going to do it properly, book ahead. In summer especially, the better places quietly fill with people who had the same idea. And better still, make a night of it. Stay at the final stops, settle in, and let the evening run on without the need to move again.
Then all you have to do is turn the music up, keep the roof down, and let the Cotswolds do what it does best: feed you well and send you home slightly later than intended.
And of course, a brief and entirely unromantic reminder: pick your designated driver early, keep them well supplied with soft drinks and gratitude, and please don’t be tempted at any point to mix driving with anything stronger than common sense.
The journeys between them aren’t long, and that’s exactly the point. Just enough road to build a bit of anticipation, and make that next pint or plate feel properly earned.
If you’re going to do it properly, book ahead. In summer especially, the better places quietly fill with people who had the same idea. And better still, make a night of it. Stay at the final stops, settle in, and let the evening run on without the need to move again.
Then all you have to do is turn the music up, keep the roof down, and let the Cotswolds do what it does best: feed you well and send you home slightly later than intended.
And of course, a brief and entirely unromantic reminder: pick your designated driver early, keep them well supplied with soft drinks and gratitude, and please don’t be tempted at any point to mix driving with anything stronger than common sense.
Early June will see the arrival of Zonda at The Halfway at Kineton, marking a quietly significant moment for one of the north Cotswolds’ most respected food-led pubs. It is, in essence, a pairing that feels both natural and long considered: a much-admired pizza concept finding a permanent home within a pub that has already established itself as a destination in its own right.
Zonda, created by Cam Kelly, has built its reputation in unusually organic fashion. What began, modestly enough, in a gazebo at Stow-on-the-Wold Rugby Club has developed into a word-of-mouth success story across the Cotswolds. Over the past two years, Cam has refined the offering in the kitchen at The King’s Arms in Chipping Norton, steadily growing both technique and following. The result is a pizza concept that has attracted genuine loyalty throughout the Cotswolds.
“This feels like a huge moment for us,” says Cam. “Zonda started very small, and so many people supported us from the beginning. To now have a permanent home at The Halfway is incredibly exciting.”
That sense of progression is important. Zonda is not arriving as a pop-up or an occasional residency, but as a defined, ongoing presence, the first time the business has operated from a dedicated pub home. In a culinary landscape increasingly shaped by short-term collaborations, there is something quietly decisive about permanence.
The Halfway at Kineton, meanwhile, has already established its own identity since opening in March 2023 under chefs Nathan Eades and Liam Goff, also known for The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power and the Bib Gourmand-awarded Horse and Groom in Bourton-on-the-Hill. In a relatively short period, The Halfway has become one of the most talked-about pub restaurants in the area, featuring in the Michelin Guide for the past two years and attracting consistent national attention.
This new chapter reflects a pragmatic evolution of that success. As Nathan Eades explains, the decision is rooted in both growth and balance across their existing sites. “With the successful opening of The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power last July, we felt we needed to diversify our local offering to benefit both businesses rather than competing against one another,” he says. “The Halfway was our first pub, and the emotional attachment we have to it is huge. Zonda at The Halfway is a rebirth of our mothership.”
Zonda will serve its signature pizzas alongside a carefully considered small plates menu, and a drinks list that includes selected wines and a concise cocktail offering designed to sit comfortably within the relaxed pub setting. The Halfway will also continue to serve its popular Sunday roasts, which remain a central part of its weekly rhythm.
Taken together, the collaboration signals a confident step forward for both names: a respected pub refining its offer, and a distinctive pizza concept moving into a permanent setting for the first time. In the wider context of the Cotswolds dining scene, it is a simple idea executed with intent and one that feels likely to settle in quickly, as though it had always belonged there.
Zonda at The Halfway will open in early June, with bookings now open!
www.thehalfwayatkineton.com
Zonda, created by Cam Kelly, has built its reputation in unusually organic fashion. What began, modestly enough, in a gazebo at Stow-on-the-Wold Rugby Club has developed into a word-of-mouth success story across the Cotswolds. Over the past two years, Cam has refined the offering in the kitchen at The King’s Arms in Chipping Norton, steadily growing both technique and following. The result is a pizza concept that has attracted genuine loyalty throughout the Cotswolds.
“This feels like a huge moment for us,” says Cam. “Zonda started very small, and so many people supported us from the beginning. To now have a permanent home at The Halfway is incredibly exciting.”
That sense of progression is important. Zonda is not arriving as a pop-up or an occasional residency, but as a defined, ongoing presence, the first time the business has operated from a dedicated pub home. In a culinary landscape increasingly shaped by short-term collaborations, there is something quietly decisive about permanence.
The Halfway at Kineton, meanwhile, has already established its own identity since opening in March 2023 under chefs Nathan Eades and Liam Goff, also known for The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power and the Bib Gourmand-awarded Horse and Groom in Bourton-on-the-Hill. In a relatively short period, The Halfway has become one of the most talked-about pub restaurants in the area, featuring in the Michelin Guide for the past two years and attracting consistent national attention.
This new chapter reflects a pragmatic evolution of that success. As Nathan Eades explains, the decision is rooted in both growth and balance across their existing sites. “With the successful opening of The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power last July, we felt we needed to diversify our local offering to benefit both businesses rather than competing against one another,” he says. “The Halfway was our first pub, and the emotional attachment we have to it is huge. Zonda at The Halfway is a rebirth of our mothership.”
Zonda will serve its signature pizzas alongside a carefully considered small plates menu, and a drinks list that includes selected wines and a concise cocktail offering designed to sit comfortably within the relaxed pub setting. The Halfway will also continue to serve its popular Sunday roasts, which remain a central part of its weekly rhythm.
Taken together, the collaboration signals a confident step forward for both names: a respected pub refining its offer, and a distinctive pizza concept moving into a permanent setting for the first time. In the wider context of the Cotswolds dining scene, it is a simple idea executed with intent and one that feels likely to settle in quickly, as though it had always belonged there.
Zonda at The Halfway will open in early June, with bookings now open!
www.thehalfwayatkineton.com
There are few things more absurd than a Michelin-starred restaurant being declared dead by blog post. Not criticised, not reviewed harshly, not even quietly dismissed as “not what it once was,” but pronounced closed, like some sort of culinary obituary written by Chat GPT.
And yet this is precisely what happened recently to Lumière in Cheltenham, the husband-and-wife jewel that has just retained its Michelin star (again, because of course it has), and is very much open for business. Not merely open, but flourishing; confident, polished, and quietly at the top of its game.
So when the confusion began circulating on social media, we did what any sensible person would do. We booked lunch immediately. Not out of spite, exactly, though there may have been a dash of it, but because if someone is going to spread rumours about one of the Cotswolds’ finest dining rooms, the least we can do is turn up, eat magnificently, and report back.
Lumière has now been operating for 17 years under husband-and-wife team Jon and Helen Howe, and it shows in the best possible way. It offers tasting menus in four, six or eight courses (£85, £130, £175). We went for six. Which is the sweet spot, really: enough to feel thoroughly indulged, not enough to require a nap in Montpellier Gardens afterwards with your belt undone and your soul drifting gently out of your body.
Jon is the artist in the kitchen, trained under some of the country’s finest Michelin-starred talent, but very much cooking in his own voice. Meanwhile, Helen leads the front of house with warmth and ease, alongside Restaurant Manager Matthew, and together they create that most elusive of experiences: service that feels attentive, personal, professional, but never stiff. There are white tablecloths, certainly, but no sense of intimidation. Nobody is whispering and nobody is judging your pronunciation of “velouté.”
A lovely touch is the menu itself, presented on a tablet at the table, a legacy of going paperless after Covid. It sounds like the sort of thing that might ruin the romance. It doesn’t. In fact, it’s rather wonderful: each dish laid out like a chapter in a novel, complete with origins, technique and detail. Between courses I read like a crime novel on a Kindle, except the evidence was crab, asparagus and dangerously good sourdough.
The canapés arrived first. Creedy Carver duck doughnut with fig and lime; Cornish crab in a delicate waffle tart with peas and elderflower; and Stinking Bishop with pear and chive.
The duck doughnut was an outrageously good one-biter, crisp, rich, sweet, sharp. The sort of thing that makes you briefly consider asking if they do them by the dozen. The crab was all freshness and finesse you could wish for, and the Stinking Bishop was exactly as advertised: you could smell it before you ate it, which was no surprise. What was a surprise is that it may have been my favourite of the three.
Then came the sourdough. Not just bread, but an event. A 32-hour labour of obsession, with Wildfarmed flour and the sort of crust that makes a noise when you break it. Two butters followed: Ampersand cultured with Himalayan pink salt, and a chicken butter crowned with crisp skin, which sounds faintly outrageous until you taste it and realise it’s simply genius.
Soon after arrived the Cornish John Dory with fennel, St Austell mussels, cauliflower and vadouvan, the dish I would return for alone.
Perfectly cooked fish is one of life’s great luxuries, so often promised, so rarely delivered, but this was immaculate. Lightly cured, delicately caramelised, and sitting in a sauce so good I momentarily forgot I was a respectable adult and began mopping it up with bread like a man who’d just survived a famine. Fortunately, I was then told that this was not only acceptable, but seemingly encouraged. Alongside it we had a glass of Woodchester Valley Blanc de Blancs 2019, which felt like the perfect local nod: ripe, elegant, all lemon zest and creamy mousse. The sort of wine that you can't believe is made just down the road.
Next came Wye Valley asparagus with morel, wild garlic, truffle and Jersey Royals, a plate that looked like it belonged in a gallery. I'm still a bit unsure how Jon made an asparagus spear look so glamorous. The morels, stuffed and roasted, were earthy and decadent; the truffle butter made everything feel faintly sinful; and the whole dish sang with that early-summer optimism that only asparagus season can bring.
Then, a palate cleanser; Lumière’s legendary take on a Tequila Slammer, which has been on the menu for 14 years and is still delivering theatre. Smoke billowed. Sorbet appeared. A lime sphere waited ominously, daring you not to nibble. It was playful, clever, and oddly nostalgic. Tequila is the drink I swore off after a house party at the age of seventeen and have never revisited. If it had always tasted like this, I'd have ended up as tequila connoisseur rather than emotionally scarred.
Up next came the “main event”, if such a concept exists on a tasting menu: Mount Grace Farm Kerry Hill hogget, with ewe’s curd, carrot, mint and Cobble Lane pancetta.
This was serious cooking. Deeply savoury, beautifully judged, the lamb aged for complexity rather than youth. The loin was tender and caramelised, the belly transformed into something like hogget bacon and the sauce rich with roasted bones and intelligence. It was rustic ingredients treated with refined discipline and the sort of dish that reminds you why fine dining matters when it’s done properly.
The wine pairing was Pyramid Valley ‘Earth Smoke’ Pinot Noir 2022, and at £30 a glass it was the price that persuaded us to share a glass. Fortunately, it was superb.
Dessert was the first of the British strawberries: New Forest strawberry with duck egg custard, caramelised filo and sorrel. Bright, fresh, intricate, and beautifully balanced. Strawberries in several forms, frozen with liquid nitrogen, compressed, gelled, granita’d (all the technical wizardry I've never really understood). It tasted like the start of summer, centre court at Wimbledon, or, perhaps, like the first day you dare to leave the house without a jumper.
And that, really, is the magic of Lumière.
It is Michelin-starred dining that never forgets it is meant to be enjoyed. It is clever without being overly showy, luxurious without being pompous. Everything is about the food, yes, but it is also about the feeling. The welcome. The comfort. The sense that you are somewhere special without having to endure any of the stuff that sometimes comes with “somewhere special.”
Frankly, this is one of the standout dining experiences in the Cotswolds, and although we went in fully aware of the £130 six-course menu, we still left slightly surprised it wasn’t higher, which is perhaps the highest compliment you can give a restaurant in 2026 without sounding like a complete lunatic.
And Lumière, very happily, is not going anywhere.
lumiererestaurant.co.uk
And yet this is precisely what happened recently to Lumière in Cheltenham, the husband-and-wife jewel that has just retained its Michelin star (again, because of course it has), and is very much open for business. Not merely open, but flourishing; confident, polished, and quietly at the top of its game.
So when the confusion began circulating on social media, we did what any sensible person would do. We booked lunch immediately. Not out of spite, exactly, though there may have been a dash of it, but because if someone is going to spread rumours about one of the Cotswolds’ finest dining rooms, the least we can do is turn up, eat magnificently, and report back.
Lumière has now been operating for 17 years under husband-and-wife team Jon and Helen Howe, and it shows in the best possible way. It offers tasting menus in four, six or eight courses (£85, £130, £175). We went for six. Which is the sweet spot, really: enough to feel thoroughly indulged, not enough to require a nap in Montpellier Gardens afterwards with your belt undone and your soul drifting gently out of your body.
Jon is the artist in the kitchen, trained under some of the country’s finest Michelin-starred talent, but very much cooking in his own voice. Meanwhile, Helen leads the front of house with warmth and ease, alongside Restaurant Manager Matthew, and together they create that most elusive of experiences: service that feels attentive, personal, professional, but never stiff. There are white tablecloths, certainly, but no sense of intimidation. Nobody is whispering and nobody is judging your pronunciation of “velouté.”
A lovely touch is the menu itself, presented on a tablet at the table, a legacy of going paperless after Covid. It sounds like the sort of thing that might ruin the romance. It doesn’t. In fact, it’s rather wonderful: each dish laid out like a chapter in a novel, complete with origins, technique and detail. Between courses I read like a crime novel on a Kindle, except the evidence was crab, asparagus and dangerously good sourdough.
The canapés arrived first. Creedy Carver duck doughnut with fig and lime; Cornish crab in a delicate waffle tart with peas and elderflower; and Stinking Bishop with pear and chive.
The duck doughnut was an outrageously good one-biter, crisp, rich, sweet, sharp. The sort of thing that makes you briefly consider asking if they do them by the dozen. The crab was all freshness and finesse you could wish for, and the Stinking Bishop was exactly as advertised: you could smell it before you ate it, which was no surprise. What was a surprise is that it may have been my favourite of the three.
Then came the sourdough. Not just bread, but an event. A 32-hour labour of obsession, with Wildfarmed flour and the sort of crust that makes a noise when you break it. Two butters followed: Ampersand cultured with Himalayan pink salt, and a chicken butter crowned with crisp skin, which sounds faintly outrageous until you taste it and realise it’s simply genius.
Soon after arrived the Cornish John Dory with fennel, St Austell mussels, cauliflower and vadouvan, the dish I would return for alone.
Perfectly cooked fish is one of life’s great luxuries, so often promised, so rarely delivered, but this was immaculate. Lightly cured, delicately caramelised, and sitting in a sauce so good I momentarily forgot I was a respectable adult and began mopping it up with bread like a man who’d just survived a famine. Fortunately, I was then told that this was not only acceptable, but seemingly encouraged. Alongside it we had a glass of Woodchester Valley Blanc de Blancs 2019, which felt like the perfect local nod: ripe, elegant, all lemon zest and creamy mousse. The sort of wine that you can't believe is made just down the road.
Next came Wye Valley asparagus with morel, wild garlic, truffle and Jersey Royals, a plate that looked like it belonged in a gallery. I'm still a bit unsure how Jon made an asparagus spear look so glamorous. The morels, stuffed and roasted, were earthy and decadent; the truffle butter made everything feel faintly sinful; and the whole dish sang with that early-summer optimism that only asparagus season can bring.
Then, a palate cleanser; Lumière’s legendary take on a Tequila Slammer, which has been on the menu for 14 years and is still delivering theatre. Smoke billowed. Sorbet appeared. A lime sphere waited ominously, daring you not to nibble. It was playful, clever, and oddly nostalgic. Tequila is the drink I swore off after a house party at the age of seventeen and have never revisited. If it had always tasted like this, I'd have ended up as tequila connoisseur rather than emotionally scarred.
Up next came the “main event”, if such a concept exists on a tasting menu: Mount Grace Farm Kerry Hill hogget, with ewe’s curd, carrot, mint and Cobble Lane pancetta.
This was serious cooking. Deeply savoury, beautifully judged, the lamb aged for complexity rather than youth. The loin was tender and caramelised, the belly transformed into something like hogget bacon and the sauce rich with roasted bones and intelligence. It was rustic ingredients treated with refined discipline and the sort of dish that reminds you why fine dining matters when it’s done properly.
The wine pairing was Pyramid Valley ‘Earth Smoke’ Pinot Noir 2022, and at £30 a glass it was the price that persuaded us to share a glass. Fortunately, it was superb.
Dessert was the first of the British strawberries: New Forest strawberry with duck egg custard, caramelised filo and sorrel. Bright, fresh, intricate, and beautifully balanced. Strawberries in several forms, frozen with liquid nitrogen, compressed, gelled, granita’d (all the technical wizardry I've never really understood). It tasted like the start of summer, centre court at Wimbledon, or, perhaps, like the first day you dare to leave the house without a jumper.
And that, really, is the magic of Lumière.
It is Michelin-starred dining that never forgets it is meant to be enjoyed. It is clever without being overly showy, luxurious without being pompous. Everything is about the food, yes, but it is also about the feeling. The welcome. The comfort. The sense that you are somewhere special without having to endure any of the stuff that sometimes comes with “somewhere special.”
Frankly, this is one of the standout dining experiences in the Cotswolds, and although we went in fully aware of the £130 six-course menu, we still left slightly surprised it wasn’t higher, which is perhaps the highest compliment you can give a restaurant in 2026 without sounding like a complete lunatic.
And Lumière, very happily, is not going anywhere.
lumiererestaurant.co.uk
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There’s a new name to note for summer dining in the Cotswolds.
LARDON, a European-inspired small plates restaurant championing ingredient-led, wood-fired cooking, is set to open in early summer 2026 at Elkstone Studios, the beautifully curated destination nestled between Cirencester and Cheltenham.
Heading up the kitchen is Mikey Bain, formerly of Calcot Manor and Whatley Manor, bringing serious pedigree and a refined approach to bold, seasonal flavours. Leading front of house is Josh Newman, previously of No. 38 The Park (Lucky Onion Group), ensuring the service matches the ambition on the plate.
LARDON is the latest venture from the team behind two much-loved Cotswolds staples: KNEAD Bakery and Jesse Smith Butchers. Founders John & David Hawes and Kris Biggs are combining their passion for exceptional produce with a relaxed, modern dining experience rooted in European tradition.
Expect honest cooking, open fire, and plates designed for sharing — all set within one of the region’s most exciting lifestyle and hospitality developments.
For updates, follow @lardon_restaurant on Instagram or visit www.lardon-restaurant.com.
LARDON, a European-inspired small plates restaurant championing ingredient-led, wood-fired cooking, is set to open in early summer 2026 at Elkstone Studios, the beautifully curated destination nestled between Cirencester and Cheltenham.
Heading up the kitchen is Mikey Bain, formerly of Calcot Manor and Whatley Manor, bringing serious pedigree and a refined approach to bold, seasonal flavours. Leading front of house is Josh Newman, previously of No. 38 The Park (Lucky Onion Group), ensuring the service matches the ambition on the plate.
LARDON is the latest venture from the team behind two much-loved Cotswolds staples: KNEAD Bakery and Jesse Smith Butchers. Founders John & David Hawes and Kris Biggs are combining their passion for exceptional produce with a relaxed, modern dining experience rooted in European tradition.
Expect honest cooking, open fire, and plates designed for sharing — all set within one of the region’s most exciting lifestyle and hospitality developments.
For updates, follow @lardon_restaurant on Instagram or visit www.lardon-restaurant.com.
Let’s be honest, the Cotswolds isn't exactly short of some incredible places to eat in some of its most popular towns. There’s The Old Butchers in Stow-on-the-Wold, Smiths in Bourton-on-the-Water and Juliet in Stroud. All brilliant. But push a little further north, in and around Shipston on Stour (don't squint) and you will stumble upon some of the region’s most exciting food that seems to slip under the radar. Quietly brilliant, exactly where you least expect it.
Take The Bower House, the sort of place that makes you wonder why more people haven’t stumbled off the beaten track sooner. Set in a handsome Georgian townhouse in the heart of Shipston on Stour, it feels like a proper neighbourhood restaurant with rooms; warm, elegant, and surprisingly ambitious. Under Head Chef Leo Kattou, menus rotate with the seasons and celebrate British ingredients with ingenuity and restraint, earning AA Rosettes, Michelin Guide recommendations and plenty of local admiration along the way.
Now, cross the road, figuratively, if not literally, and you’ll find Bastardo’s Trattoria. Born from the same creative minds (Richard Craven) behind the Michelin‑starred Royal Oak at Whatcote, it wears its Italian inspiration with a distinctly British twist: seasonal produce treated with bold flavour and just the right amount of irreverence. The kitchen is led by John Broughton, formerly Head Chef at the Royal Oak, while the menu is shaped by Craven, whose love of Italian cooking was forged during the early years of his career. Warm, buzzy, and effortlessly confident.
The town seems to be staging a culinary coup.
And while we're on the subject, we should talk about The Royal Oak at Whatcote. A rarity for the Cotswolds; a village pub with a Michelin star and the quiet confidence to use it without preening. Run by chef‑owner Richard Craven and his wife Solanche, this is proper country cooking with brains and heart. The menu shifts with the micro‑seasons, rooted in wild ingredients and local foragers, from game shot on nearby hills to vegetables and rare breeds sourced from neighbouring estates, all celebrated in dishes pared down to their best possible selves. The service, warm and unpretentious, makes you feel you’re in the hands of friends rather than critics, and that’s part of the magic.
Twelve minutes from Shipston is Whichford, one of those villages you could easily drive past without a second thought, which would be a mistake, because it is quietly blessed with not one but two reasons to stop. The Norman Knight (recently reopened under Matt and Katie Beamish of The Kingham Plough) sits comfortably on the village green, all low beams and flagstones, the reassuring heartbeat of a proper country pub and a good menu. Classic dishes are handled with care rather than fuss, making it the sort of place where you arrive for a pint and stay for supper without ever regretting the decision.
A short stroll away, The Straw Kitchen at Whichford Pottery offers something more intimate and quietly distinctive. Tucked inside the garden of a working pottery, it's unique, small, brilliant and somewhere that laughs in the face of coordinated colour palettes. Head Chef Christne Bottine creates a menu that is creative without being complicated, the setting charming without trying too hard, and the whole experience feels personal rather than performed.
Ten minutes in the other direction from Shipston, The Howard Arms in Ilmington feels like one of those places that has quietly mastered the art of being exactly what a Cotswold village pub should be. The food sits comfortably between classic British pub cooking and something a little more considered, with seasonal menus that avoid unnecessary complication. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and unhurried rather than showy especially with the fires roaring and a dog sitting by you feet in winter months.
In addition to these and, again, all within 10 minutes of Shipston you will find The Cherington that offers the reassuring warmth of a proper country pub, honest cooking and long, relaxed lunches. The Fuzzy Duck at Armscote that offers polished seasonal dishes that sit neatly between rustic charm and modern confidence. Meanwhile, Pit Kitchen brings open-fire energy and bold, flavour-forward cooking, proving the countryside can handle a little urban culinary attitude. Herd at Todenham Manor is a quietly confident arrival. The menu leans on farm-sourced meat and locally inspired produce, driven by chef Christopher Ellis in a unique tented restaurant on the farm.
in the northern Cotswolds — a wine, produce and pantry concept that feels less like a shop and more like an invitation to savour the region’s best ingredients, with thoughtful selections and seasonal discoveries that reward curiosity rather than hurry.
And to wash it down? The Cotswolds Distillery in Stourton does rather lovely things with gin and whisky that reward slow, appreciative sipping rather than hurried drinking. You can lose a morning or afternoon here with brunch or lunch in their Still House cafe. Beer wise, North Cotswold Brewery make proper country ales just outside Shipston that feel designed for worn wooden tables, late afternoon sunlight and conversations that wander pleasantly off topic. They don't offer tours, but you will find their ales behind the bar at many local pubs. Shagweaver is particularly good.
And there you have it, this edge of the Cotswolds has been quietly getting rather good at this food and drink lark. While other parts chase crowds and postcards, this is the Cotswolds many people may not have heard about which, in some way, is still part of its charm. If you enjoy eating well, drinking properly, and quietly knowing you’ve found somewhere rather good before the crowds catch on, this is a corner of the Cotswolds worth remembering.
Take The Bower House, the sort of place that makes you wonder why more people haven’t stumbled off the beaten track sooner. Set in a handsome Georgian townhouse in the heart of Shipston on Stour, it feels like a proper neighbourhood restaurant with rooms; warm, elegant, and surprisingly ambitious. Under Head Chef Leo Kattou, menus rotate with the seasons and celebrate British ingredients with ingenuity and restraint, earning AA Rosettes, Michelin Guide recommendations and plenty of local admiration along the way.
Now, cross the road, figuratively, if not literally, and you’ll find Bastardo’s Trattoria. Born from the same creative minds (Richard Craven) behind the Michelin‑starred Royal Oak at Whatcote, it wears its Italian inspiration with a distinctly British twist: seasonal produce treated with bold flavour and just the right amount of irreverence. The kitchen is led by John Broughton, formerly Head Chef at the Royal Oak, while the menu is shaped by Craven, whose love of Italian cooking was forged during the early years of his career. Warm, buzzy, and effortlessly confident.
The town seems to be staging a culinary coup.
And while we're on the subject, we should talk about The Royal Oak at Whatcote. A rarity for the Cotswolds; a village pub with a Michelin star and the quiet confidence to use it without preening. Run by chef‑owner Richard Craven and his wife Solanche, this is proper country cooking with brains and heart. The menu shifts with the micro‑seasons, rooted in wild ingredients and local foragers, from game shot on nearby hills to vegetables and rare breeds sourced from neighbouring estates, all celebrated in dishes pared down to their best possible selves. The service, warm and unpretentious, makes you feel you’re in the hands of friends rather than critics, and that’s part of the magic.
Twelve minutes from Shipston is Whichford, one of those villages you could easily drive past without a second thought, which would be a mistake, because it is quietly blessed with not one but two reasons to stop. The Norman Knight (recently reopened under Matt and Katie Beamish of The Kingham Plough) sits comfortably on the village green, all low beams and flagstones, the reassuring heartbeat of a proper country pub and a good menu. Classic dishes are handled with care rather than fuss, making it the sort of place where you arrive for a pint and stay for supper without ever regretting the decision.
A short stroll away, The Straw Kitchen at Whichford Pottery offers something more intimate and quietly distinctive. Tucked inside the garden of a working pottery, it's unique, small, brilliant and somewhere that laughs in the face of coordinated colour palettes. Head Chef Christne Bottine creates a menu that is creative without being complicated, the setting charming without trying too hard, and the whole experience feels personal rather than performed.
Ten minutes in the other direction from Shipston, The Howard Arms in Ilmington feels like one of those places that has quietly mastered the art of being exactly what a Cotswold village pub should be. The food sits comfortably between classic British pub cooking and something a little more considered, with seasonal menus that avoid unnecessary complication. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and unhurried rather than showy especially with the fires roaring and a dog sitting by you feet in winter months.
In addition to these and, again, all within 10 minutes of Shipston you will find The Cherington that offers the reassuring warmth of a proper country pub, honest cooking and long, relaxed lunches. The Fuzzy Duck at Armscote that offers polished seasonal dishes that sit neatly between rustic charm and modern confidence. Meanwhile, Pit Kitchen brings open-fire energy and bold, flavour-forward cooking, proving the countryside can handle a little urban culinary attitude. Herd at Todenham Manor is a quietly confident arrival. The menu leans on farm-sourced meat and locally inspired produce, driven by chef Christopher Ellis in a unique tented restaurant on the farm.
in the northern Cotswolds — a wine, produce and pantry concept that feels less like a shop and more like an invitation to savour the region’s best ingredients, with thoughtful selections and seasonal discoveries that reward curiosity rather than hurry.
And to wash it down? The Cotswolds Distillery in Stourton does rather lovely things with gin and whisky that reward slow, appreciative sipping rather than hurried drinking. You can lose a morning or afternoon here with brunch or lunch in their Still House cafe. Beer wise, North Cotswold Brewery make proper country ales just outside Shipston that feel designed for worn wooden tables, late afternoon sunlight and conversations that wander pleasantly off topic. They don't offer tours, but you will find their ales behind the bar at many local pubs. Shagweaver is particularly good.
And there you have it, this edge of the Cotswolds has been quietly getting rather good at this food and drink lark. While other parts chase crowds and postcards, this is the Cotswolds many people may not have heard about which, in some way, is still part of its charm. If you enjoy eating well, drinking properly, and quietly knowing you’ve found somewhere rather good before the crowds catch on, this is a corner of the Cotswolds worth remembering.
Mentioned in this piece:
The Bower House
bower.house
Bastardo’s Trattoria
www.bastardostrattoria.co.uk
The Royal Oak, Whatcote
www.theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk
The Norman Knight
thenormanknight.co.uk
The Straw Kitchen
www.whichfordpottery.com/visit/straw-kitchen
The Howard Arms
howardarms.com
The Cherington
thecherington.co.uk
The Fuzzy Duck
www.fuzzyduckarmscote.com
Pit Kitchen
www.pitkitchen.co.uk
Herd
todenhammanorfarm.co.uk/herd
Cotswolds Distillery
www.cotswoldsdistillery.com
North Cotswold Brewery
www.northcotswoldbrewery.co.uk
On Monday the 9th of February, the culinary world gathered in anticipation as the new MICHELIN Stars were revealed at the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Ceremony, held at the Convention Centre in Dublin.
Here in the Cotswolds, we are pleased to report that five of our restaurants have once again retained their coveted one-star distinction, and here they are!
Here in the Cotswolds, we are pleased to report that five of our restaurants have once again retained their coveted one-star distinction, and here they are!
BYBROOK
THE MANOR HOUSE, CASTLE COMBE
Among those continuing to shine is Bybrook, the quietly assured dining room within The Manor House in Castle Combe. Long regarded as one of the Cotswolds’ most accomplished tables, Bybrook combines heritage, precision and seasonality with effortless poise. Under the direction of Executive Chef Robert Potter, its Michelin-starred kitchen celebrates the best of British produce, thoughtfully sourced from local suppliers and the estate’s own gardens, and expressed through dishes of clarity, balance and restraint. Set against the backdrop of a 14th-century country house and rolling parkland, Bybrook exemplifies the enduring elegance and culinary confidence that define the very best of the Cotswolds.
www.exclusive.co.uk/bybrook
www.exclusive.co.uk/bybrook
LUMIERE
CHELTENHAM
Lumiere continues to stand as one of the region’s most quietly confident dining rooms, where modern British cooking is shaped by clarity, seasonality and thoughtful craft. Led by husband-and-wife team Jon and Helen Howe, the Michelin-starred restaurant places ingredients at the centre of its philosophy, drawing on the finest British produce sourced from trusted farmers, fishermen and its own family-run farm. Since opening in 2009, Lumiere has earned national recognition for its refined yet innovative approach to fine dining, combining technical precision with warmth and understated elegance. It is a restaurant that reflects the contemporary spirit of the Cotswolds — rooted in provenance, guided by taste, and expressed with assured simplicity.
lumiererestaurant.co.uk
lumiererestaurant.co.uk
THE ROYAL OAK
WHATCOTE, NR SHIPSTON ON STOUR
On the northern tip of the Cotswolds, The Royal Oak at Whatcote exemplifies a rare and quietly compelling chapter in British dining; a Michelin‑starred village pub where history, terroir and ingenuity converge. Housed in a building whose roots reach back to the 12th century, this singular establishment has been transformed by chef‑patron Richard Craven and his wife Solanche into a destination that honours both its ancient walls and the rhythms of the land. Here, menus evolve with the micro‑seasons, drawing on wild, sustainably sourced ingredients and game from nearby woodlands to produce dishes of assured simplicity and vibrant expression. The experience is warm yet refined, rooted in community and guided by a deep respect for provenance, making The Royal Oak one of the Cotswolds’ most engaging and distinguished tables.
www.theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk
www.theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk
THE DINING ROOM
WHATLEY MANOR
The Dining Room at Whatley Manor stands as a quietly compelling testament to contemporary British fine dining, where sustainability and seasonality are as integral to the experience as the dishes themselves. Under the stewardship of Executive Chef Ricki Weston, the kitchen celebrates local gardens, estate‑grown produce and a thoughtful, low‑waste ethos that honours both ingredient and land with gentle ingenuity. Evenings at The Dining Room unfold with a hint of theatre, beginning in the Drawing Room before guests are seated to savour menus that evolve with the seasons and reveal a thoughtful balance of technique and imagination. From refined tasting journeys to an inventive à la carte, the cuisine reflects a modern yet rooted approach, quietly affirming Whatley Manor’s place among the Cotswolds’ most distinguished culinary addresses.
www.whatleymanor.com/eat-drink/the-dining-room
www.whatleymanor.com/eat-drink/the-dining-room
LE CHAMPIGNON SAUVAGE
CHELTENHAM
Le Champignon Sauvage stands as a quietly revered institution, where nearly four decades of devotion to craft have shaped one of Britain’s most enduring fine‑dining experiences. Since opening in 1987, chef‑patron David Everitt‑Matthias and his wife Helen have tended this Michelin‑starred kitchen with unwavering diligence, blending classical French technique with a profound understanding of British terroir and seasonal abundance. Here, menus evolve with the rhythms of the countryside, turning foraged treasures and local produce into dishes of bold, nuanced character and refined sensibility. The dining room is intimate, unpretentious and reflects a philosophy that honours both ingredient and guest alike, making Le Champignon Sauvage a cherished jewel in Cheltenham's culinary crown.
www.lechampignonsauvage.co.uk
www.lechampignonsauvage.co.uk
Image from Lumiere in Cheltenham
The November Meeting descends upon Cheltenham from Friday 14 - Sunday 16 November. Three days of passion, tradition, and unforgettable racing.
This is not merely a race meeting, but a rite of autumn. It's where the season truly finds its voice. The air is sharp with anticipation, the horses are fit, the trainers keen, and the talk on every tongue is of the battles to come. This is the first great skirmish of the campaign, the moment when the curtain rises on a new chapter of dreams, deeds, and destinies.
For those who know, there is no better weekend in racing. Three glorious days when Prestbury Park becomes the beating heart of the sport. It is a meeting steeped in spirit and substance, where champions are unearthed, stories are written, and the Cotswold hills themselves seem to lean in to listen.
Billed as Racing’s ultimate weekender, the curtain rises with Countryside Day, honouring rural life and the traditions that bind sport and countryside together. Then comes Super Saturday, the roaring crescendo of competition and celebration. The biggest day of the season so far, when talent meets theatre and the air fizzes with that unmistakable Cheltenham magic. Finally, Carnival Sunday brings warmth, laughter, and community with a softer rhythm to close a grand symphony.
Friday: Countryside Day
The weekend opens in true Cheltenham style, where rural tradition meets top-class sport. It is a celebration of the fields and fences that shaped this nation, of the people and pursuits that keep those roots alive.
Arrive early to the music of hounds and horn as local packs parade before racing, a stirring prelude to the action ahead. Then join the Preview Show live from the Winner’s Enclosure, where racing legends and sharp-eyed pundits share their thoughts, their tips, and a little inside knowledge on the afternoon’s runners.
Live Music on Friday
In the Guinness Village, Cheltenham favourites LAMPA return to lift the rafters; Irish tunes, anthems, and good cheer ringing out from first race to last. As the shadows lengthen, the celebrations continue with an hour of post-racing music, the perfect encore to a day at Jump racing’s spiritual home.
In The Centaur, Tommy and The Fuse provide a softer close; an hour of acoustic tunes, mellow and reflective, perfect for easing into the evening with good company and a glass in hand.
Super Saturday
If Friday is a nod to tradition, Saturday is a roar to the heavens. Super Saturday is the beating heart of the meeting, when the sport reaches its peak and the grand amphitheatre of Cheltenham thrums with life. The Paddy Power Gold Cup takes centre stage, the biggest race of the season so far, steeped in history and local pride. Claimed many a time by the shrewd hands of Cotswold trainers, this year could well see another local champion emerge.
Before the racing begins, the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade graces the Parade Ring, a moment of quiet dignity amid the anticipation. Here, former champions return not in competition, but in celebration of life after racing. Last year’s parade featured the likes of Bristol De Mai, Coneygree, and Pineau de Re, each one a name etched into racing folklore, each now thriving in a new arena.
Live Music on Super Saturday
As the light fades and the final cheers drift over the course, the celebration continues. The Guinness Village comes alive once more with LAMPA.
You can catch Richard James in the Tattersalls Sales Arena Bar between races and post racing. The latter set will sure to raise the roof.
Over in The Centaur, the afterparty continues with an hour of feel-good acoustic tunes that’ll have you swaying along and soaking up the last bits of what is sure to be a fantastic day.
Carnival Sunday
After the fire and frenzy of Saturday, Carnival Sunday arrives with a softer step but no less joy.
Offering top-class racing in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, the day features six thrilling races, Shetland pony racing, and a lively mascot race, a programme designed to delight racegoers of every age. It is a true celebration of Cheltenham, the perfect finale to a weekend alive with sport and spirit.
The Shetland Pony Race
Tiny, spirited, and full of energy, the Shetland Pony Race returns at 12:10 on Sunday. A beloved highlight of The November Meeting, it thrills both children and adults alike. Ridden by promising young talent, each pint-sized competitor dashes for glory, and onlookers may just witness a future champion make their very first mark on Cheltenham’s turf.
Sue Ryder Mascot Race
Returning for 2025, the Sue Ryder Mascot Race brings Gloucestershire’s most spirited two-legged athletes together in a lively, good-hearted contest. Each mascot aims to raise £1,000 for the Sue Ryder Charity, supporting their vital hospice care and grief services. Who will claim the 2025 Mascot Cup and take the spoils in this fun, fiercely contested highlight of Carnival Sunday?
‘The Cadbury Family Fun Zone’
Cheltenham have teamed up with Cadburys for ‘The Cadbury Family Fun Zone’ and the fun includes:
Live Music
Around the course, the festivities continue. Gather in the Guinness Village with a pint of Guinness, where traditional Irish melodies fill the air. While in the Tattersalls Sales Arena, Luke Gittins and Ash Smith lift the crowd with uplifting favourites, the soundtrack to a day that brims with life, laughter, and racing magic.
Under 18s Go Free
For younger racegoers, the welcome is generous with Under 18s going free. Children’s tickets can be reserved via the ticketing page, giving the next generation a chance to experience the thrill of a Cheltenham weekend alive with life, tradition, and exhilarating racing.
For tickets and any further information, please visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-november-meeting
This is not merely a race meeting, but a rite of autumn. It's where the season truly finds its voice. The air is sharp with anticipation, the horses are fit, the trainers keen, and the talk on every tongue is of the battles to come. This is the first great skirmish of the campaign, the moment when the curtain rises on a new chapter of dreams, deeds, and destinies.
For those who know, there is no better weekend in racing. Three glorious days when Prestbury Park becomes the beating heart of the sport. It is a meeting steeped in spirit and substance, where champions are unearthed, stories are written, and the Cotswold hills themselves seem to lean in to listen.
Billed as Racing’s ultimate weekender, the curtain rises with Countryside Day, honouring rural life and the traditions that bind sport and countryside together. Then comes Super Saturday, the roaring crescendo of competition and celebration. The biggest day of the season so far, when talent meets theatre and the air fizzes with that unmistakable Cheltenham magic. Finally, Carnival Sunday brings warmth, laughter, and community with a softer rhythm to close a grand symphony.
Friday: Countryside Day
The weekend opens in true Cheltenham style, where rural tradition meets top-class sport. It is a celebration of the fields and fences that shaped this nation, of the people and pursuits that keep those roots alive.
Arrive early to the music of hounds and horn as local packs parade before racing, a stirring prelude to the action ahead. Then join the Preview Show live from the Winner’s Enclosure, where racing legends and sharp-eyed pundits share their thoughts, their tips, and a little inside knowledge on the afternoon’s runners.
Live Music on Friday
In the Guinness Village, Cheltenham favourites LAMPA return to lift the rafters; Irish tunes, anthems, and good cheer ringing out from first race to last. As the shadows lengthen, the celebrations continue with an hour of post-racing music, the perfect encore to a day at Jump racing’s spiritual home.
In The Centaur, Tommy and The Fuse provide a softer close; an hour of acoustic tunes, mellow and reflective, perfect for easing into the evening with good company and a glass in hand.
Super Saturday
If Friday is a nod to tradition, Saturday is a roar to the heavens. Super Saturday is the beating heart of the meeting, when the sport reaches its peak and the grand amphitheatre of Cheltenham thrums with life. The Paddy Power Gold Cup takes centre stage, the biggest race of the season so far, steeped in history and local pride. Claimed many a time by the shrewd hands of Cotswold trainers, this year could well see another local champion emerge.
Before the racing begins, the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade graces the Parade Ring, a moment of quiet dignity amid the anticipation. Here, former champions return not in competition, but in celebration of life after racing. Last year’s parade featured the likes of Bristol De Mai, Coneygree, and Pineau de Re, each one a name etched into racing folklore, each now thriving in a new arena.
Live Music on Super Saturday
As the light fades and the final cheers drift over the course, the celebration continues. The Guinness Village comes alive once more with LAMPA.
You can catch Richard James in the Tattersalls Sales Arena Bar between races and post racing. The latter set will sure to raise the roof.
Over in The Centaur, the afterparty continues with an hour of feel-good acoustic tunes that’ll have you swaying along and soaking up the last bits of what is sure to be a fantastic day.
Carnival Sunday
After the fire and frenzy of Saturday, Carnival Sunday arrives with a softer step but no less joy.
Offering top-class racing in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, the day features six thrilling races, Shetland pony racing, and a lively mascot race, a programme designed to delight racegoers of every age. It is a true celebration of Cheltenham, the perfect finale to a weekend alive with sport and spirit.
The Shetland Pony Race
Tiny, spirited, and full of energy, the Shetland Pony Race returns at 12:10 on Sunday. A beloved highlight of The November Meeting, it thrills both children and adults alike. Ridden by promising young talent, each pint-sized competitor dashes for glory, and onlookers may just witness a future champion make their very first mark on Cheltenham’s turf.
Sue Ryder Mascot Race
Returning for 2025, the Sue Ryder Mascot Race brings Gloucestershire’s most spirited two-legged athletes together in a lively, good-hearted contest. Each mascot aims to raise £1,000 for the Sue Ryder Charity, supporting their vital hospice care and grief services. Who will claim the 2025 Mascot Cup and take the spoils in this fun, fiercely contested highlight of Carnival Sunday?
‘The Cadbury Family Fun Zone’
Cheltenham have teamed up with Cadburys for ‘The Cadbury Family Fun Zone’ and the fun includes:
- Stage shows from Fool's Delight Circus
- Flower crown and feather headdress making
- Face painting and glitter tattoos
- Party Peeps interactive shows and end-of-day disco
- Inflatables
- Walking pet balloons
- Arts and crafts
- Character meet and greet - meet the Minions, Freddo frog and The Sour Patch Kids
Live Music
Around the course, the festivities continue. Gather in the Guinness Village with a pint of Guinness, where traditional Irish melodies fill the air. While in the Tattersalls Sales Arena, Luke Gittins and Ash Smith lift the crowd with uplifting favourites, the soundtrack to a day that brims with life, laughter, and racing magic.
Under 18s Go Free
For younger racegoers, the welcome is generous with Under 18s going free. Children’s tickets can be reserved via the ticketing page, giving the next generation a chance to experience the thrill of a Cheltenham weekend alive with life, tradition, and exhilarating racing.
For tickets and any further information, please visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-november-meeting
Elevate your day in The Mandarin Restaurant
The Mandarin has an easy warmth about it. It’s styled more country pub than a corporate hospitality suite; relaxed, comfortable, and pleasingly unpretentious. There are tables for singles or couples, larger ones for groups and booths for a slightly more private get together. Once seated, that table is yours for the whole day and you can come and go as you please. Wander out and about to watch the horses in the Parade Ring (literally just outside the door), drift around the course watching the races from the rails, or simply stay put with a glass of wine in hand and watch the races unfold on one of the screens around the restaurant or from its own outside viewing area. And the real magic? The three courses of lunch arriving precisely when you desire, allowing the afternoon to linger at your own pace.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW HERE
Whether in October’s gold or March’s first green, there's always something special about a day at Cheltenham. The air has that unmistakable energy, a hum of excitement and murmur of anticipation before the first race that seems to roll off Cleeve Hill itself.
A crisp wind sweeps the course, bringing tweed back into fashion, and the faint threat of rain makes our booked hospitality in The Mandarin Restaurant feel all the more inviting.
The Mandarin has an easy warmth about it. It’s styled more country pub than a corporate hospitality suite; relaxed, comfortable, and pleasingly unpretentious. There are tables for singles or couples, larger ones for groups and booths for a slightly more private get together. Once seated, that table is yours for the whole day and you can come and go as you please. Wander out and about to watch the horses in the Parade Ring (literally just outside the door), drift around the course watching the races from the rails, or simply stay put with a glass of wine in hand and watch the races unfold on one of the screens around the restaurant or from its own outside viewing area. And the real magic? The three courses of lunch arriving precisely when you desire, allowing the afternoon to linger at your own pace.
Lunch began with our chosen starters, Salt and Pepper Squid and the Martell Double Gloucester Cheese Soufflé.
The squid arrived looking far smarter than squid really has any right to, laid out on a little bed of leaves, golden and glistening in all the right places. The coating was thin, crisp, and gave way to the tender flesh beneath. A few curls of pickled red chilli brought the right flicker of heat, just enough to wake it up without becoming too shouty. It was as close to impressive as a plate of squid ever gets.
The soufflé, meanwhile, was a triumph, both in look and taste. Light, airy, and beautifully soft, it carried the rich flavour of the cheese with effortless charm. The Stowford Press cider apple chutney lent a gentle sweetness that sang in harmony, while the toasted honey seeds offered a subtle crunch.
A crisp wind sweeps the course, bringing tweed back into fashion, and the faint threat of rain makes our booked hospitality in The Mandarin Restaurant feel all the more inviting.
The Mandarin has an easy warmth about it. It’s styled more country pub than a corporate hospitality suite; relaxed, comfortable, and pleasingly unpretentious. There are tables for singles or couples, larger ones for groups and booths for a slightly more private get together. Once seated, that table is yours for the whole day and you can come and go as you please. Wander out and about to watch the horses in the Parade Ring (literally just outside the door), drift around the course watching the races from the rails, or simply stay put with a glass of wine in hand and watch the races unfold on one of the screens around the restaurant or from its own outside viewing area. And the real magic? The three courses of lunch arriving precisely when you desire, allowing the afternoon to linger at your own pace.
Lunch began with our chosen starters, Salt and Pepper Squid and the Martell Double Gloucester Cheese Soufflé.
The squid arrived looking far smarter than squid really has any right to, laid out on a little bed of leaves, golden and glistening in all the right places. The coating was thin, crisp, and gave way to the tender flesh beneath. A few curls of pickled red chilli brought the right flicker of heat, just enough to wake it up without becoming too shouty. It was as close to impressive as a plate of squid ever gets.
The soufflé, meanwhile, was a triumph, both in look and taste. Light, airy, and beautifully soft, it carried the rich flavour of the cheese with effortless charm. The Stowford Press cider apple chutney lent a gentle sweetness that sang in harmony, while the toasted honey seeds offered a subtle crunch.
After taking in a race from the rails opposite the final hurdle, we strolled back to the restaurant for our mains.
The Supreme of English Chicken took us a little by surprise and quietly stole the show. The meat was perfectly tender, the tender stem broccoli made us feel better about ourselves and the potato dauphinoise added just the right creamy richness without feeling heavy. A Glastonbury Tor goat’s cheese bonbon offered a gentle tang, while the chimichurri brought a fresh lift that pulled it all together.
The 28-day aged Rib-Eye was equally impressive; bold, confident, and cooked rare, though you can, of course, request it more done if you prefer. Full of flavour, it was paired with thick-cut chips that were crisp, fluffy, and some of the best we’ve ever tasted. The onion rings were self-assured circles of crunch and the tomato added a gentle sweetness. But let’s be honest, the meat and chips were the stars here.
Throughout the afternoon, the restaurant carried an easy rhythm. Guests drifted in and out between races, there were cheers and groans from those watching the screens, and the sound of the Cheltenham crowd floated in from outside.
We shared a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (priced at £34.50 which we didn't think was actually too horrendous) that was bright, crisp, and perfectly pleasant. We're not entirely sure why The Mandarin doesn’t serve wine by the glass, but in the spirit of the day, the bottle was hardly a problem.
Dessert made a perfectly polite exit from the meal, but in the best possible way. The Selection of British Cheeses was just right with no huffing, puffing, or pretence, just cheese behaving exactly as it should. The Sticky Toffee Apple Pudding, meanwhile, was the sort of warm, gently sweet thing that makes you sigh in approval. The apple added a touch of balance, the honeycomb crisp added a different texture and a scoop of salted caramel ice cream melted lazily and eventually feel off its tower into the sauce.
All told, a lunch at The Mandarin is the sort of thing that quietly transforms a day at the races. You’re not just watching horses, you’re settling in, eating well, drinking something decent, and drifting in and out of the action without ever feeling hurried. It’s a clever way of elevating your raceday and the sort of indulgence that makes a day at Cheltenham even more enjoyable and entirely worth doing.
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/hospitality/restaurant-packages/the-mandarin-restaurant
Save 25% on the gate price for The November Meeting when you book by October 31st.
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The view from the Mandarin Restaurant
Cheltenham’s dining scene continues to evolve, and its latest addition brings something altogether new. COALHOUSE, a smokehouse and taproom created by chef-restaurateur Lewis Spencer and co-owned by Jay Rahman of Prithvi, promises to add depth, warmth and a touch of smoke to the town’s food landscape.
At its heart lies the philosophy of “Brew & Que”- the simple but irresistible idea of live-fire cooking paired with excellent local brews. The inspiration draws from the fire pits of the United States and the bold flavours of Mexico, but the execution will feel firmly rooted in Cheltenham.
Expect dishes led by the smoker; slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, flame-charred vegetables, each imbued with that unmistakable smokiness which only time and wood can achieve. This is food designed for sharing, generous in both flavour and spirit, with the emphasis on comfort rather than ceremony.
Alongside the food sits an equally important element: the taproom. The bar champions craft beers and ciders from local breweries, with a rotating selection designed to complement the food. A hoppy pale ale with ribs, perhaps, or a crisp cider to cut through the richness of tacos, each pairing is considered, without being overthought.
The atmosphere is intended to be lively and welcoming; less formal restaurant, more gathering place. Music, conversation and the comforting aroma of smoke will define the experience, creating somewhere to settle in for an evening with friends as much as to enjoy a quick bite and a pint.
With Spencer’s expertise in live-fire cooking and Rahman’s proven eye for creating standout dining destinations, COALHOUSE is set to become a distinctive new fixture in Cheltenham. A place where the focus is on flavour, sociability and craft – all the right ingredients for a restaurant the town will quickly make its own.
Where & when:
32-34 Clarence St, Cheltenham GL50 3NX
17.10.2025
At its heart lies the philosophy of “Brew & Que”- the simple but irresistible idea of live-fire cooking paired with excellent local brews. The inspiration draws from the fire pits of the United States and the bold flavours of Mexico, but the execution will feel firmly rooted in Cheltenham.
Expect dishes led by the smoker; slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, flame-charred vegetables, each imbued with that unmistakable smokiness which only time and wood can achieve. This is food designed for sharing, generous in both flavour and spirit, with the emphasis on comfort rather than ceremony.
Alongside the food sits an equally important element: the taproom. The bar champions craft beers and ciders from local breweries, with a rotating selection designed to complement the food. A hoppy pale ale with ribs, perhaps, or a crisp cider to cut through the richness of tacos, each pairing is considered, without being overthought.
The atmosphere is intended to be lively and welcoming; less formal restaurant, more gathering place. Music, conversation and the comforting aroma of smoke will define the experience, creating somewhere to settle in for an evening with friends as much as to enjoy a quick bite and a pint.
With Spencer’s expertise in live-fire cooking and Rahman’s proven eye for creating standout dining destinations, COALHOUSE is set to become a distinctive new fixture in Cheltenham. A place where the focus is on flavour, sociability and craft – all the right ingredients for a restaurant the town will quickly make its own.
Where & when:
32-34 Clarence St, Cheltenham GL50 3NX
17.10.2025
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Image: Matt Higgs
There are weekends that pass without incident, and then there are weekends that feel like they ought to be chiselled into the walls of the Cheese Hub as a reminder of why we endure the long English winter. The Big Feastival, once again, delivered the latter. Under skies that behaved themselves with uncharacteristic good manners, Alex James' farm became a sun-dappled playground for music, food, drink, and more happy faces than one field should reasonably contain. Quite simply, it was the best weekend of the year.
Friday got off to a start that was both nostalgic and effervescent. Scouting For Girls bounded onto the stage with the sort of energy that made you forget that their heyday had supposedly passed. They had the crowd onside instantly, and by the time Rizzle Kicks took over, the field was bouncing like it was 2011 all over again. The duo reminded us what pop-rap sounds like when it’s fun, cheeky, and completely unpretentious. It was a perfect opening salvo; big smiles, bigger choruses, and the first hint that this weekend was going to be special.
Saturday leaned into pure indie nostalgia. The Pigeon Detectives transported us back to 2007, when jeans were tighter, haircuts were sharper, and indie disco ruled the night. Their set was a joyful reminder that guitars, when deployed with enough northern swagger, are still capable of lifting a crowd to euphoric heights. Tom Walker followed, and if the Pigeons were all youthful abandon, Walker brought heart and heft. His voice soaring over the farm, rich and gravelly, commanding the sort of hushed reverence that only a proper singer-songwriter can conjure. Then came The Wombats, who brought chaos, colour, and choruses sharp enough to slice the night in two. It was the sort of set that demanded you dance, sing, and then immediately Google when they’re next touring. Faithless’ headline set was electric and was beautifully capped by a poignant tribute to maxi Jazz during “Insomnia” that turned the field into a mid-nineties dancefloor.
In among all of this, over in the Cheese Hub, James Buckley, Simon Pegg, and Woody Smith spun awesome DJ sets that felt like the ultimate afterparty in the middle of the day, chaotic and brilliant in equal measure.
The final day included Caity Baser, the rising star of pop, who brought a breezy confidence that felt perfectly pitched for a Sunday afternoon. Then, as the sun dipped low over the Cotswold hills, Travis took to the stage. There are moments at festivals that transcend the ordinary, and this was one of them. As Fran Healy’s voice floated across the fields with "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?", the irony was not lost, we’d been gifted pretty much flawless weather all weekend. It was spine-tingling, communal, and utterly unforgettable. To close, Alex James’ Britpop Classical wrapped the weekend with sweeping strings, guest appearances from some stars of the time, including a trip back in time with Parklife and Phil Daniels, and a celebration of the genre that made him famous. It was both tongue-in-cheek and grandiose, a fitting curtain call on a festival that understands how to end with style.
Of course, The Big Feastival is as much about food as it is music, and 2025 did not disappoint. Poor Boys’ shrimp and chicken mixed box was an unashamed crowd-pleaser among our group: smoky, spicy, crunchy, and entirely addictive. The Bab House won many a heart with their birria tacos, a messy, glorious indulgence which we waited all weekend to enjoy. Banquet 1415 brought a piece Argentina to the Cotswolds with their grilled meats, smoky and succulent in a way that would make a gaucho weep with pride. And then there were the burgers from local boys Smiths; juicy, towering creations that proved once again that simple can be incredibly delicious.
The drinks side of things was equally well covered. The Cotswolds Distillery kept us cool and just the right side of merry with their gin slushies. Cold, sharp, and refreshing, they were the unofficial currency of the weekend, clutched in both hands as we meandered back and forth to the main stage and street food stalls. It was the kind of drink that made you wonder why anyone ever bothers with lager.
But beyond the music, the food, and the drink, what really makes The Big Feastival the highlight of the year is its atmosphere. It is, quite simply, for everyone. Toddlers danced in ear defenders, parents swayed with gin in hand, teenagers screamed the words to songs that their parents had introduced them to last week, and the veterans of Glastonbury past nodded approvingly at how civilised the whole affair has become. It is joy distilled into a weekend, with the added bonus that it’s just ten minutes down the road for those of us lucky enough to call this part of the world home.
And that luck is not to be underestimated. For all the talk of acts and eats, the quiet hero of the weekend is Alex James himself. To open his farm, year after year, to tens of thousands of revellers, and to curate an event that manages to be both a world-class festival and a neighbourly gathering, is no small feat. We should be grateful, not just for the music and the food, but for the spirit of generosity and community that underpins it all. Without him, our August bank holiday would be infinitely poorer.
So, what can be said of The Big Feastival 2025? That it was sunlit, spirited, and satisfying in every possible way. That it reminded us why festivals matter: because they bring us together, make us dance, feed us well, and send us home happier than when we arrived. It was, in short, everything you’d hope for from the best weekend of the year. And until next August rolls around, we’ll all be quietly humming Wombats choruses, craving birria tacos, and wondering if gin slushies can be made at home.
Early Bird tickets for Big Feastival 2026 are on sale now - bigfeastival.com
 Poor Boys mixed box courtesy of Big Eats Global |  The Bab House Birria Tacos courtesy of Big Eats Global |
Image courtesy of Matt Higgs
Bourton on the Water is the sort of village that looks like it was designed to lull you into a false sense of calm, with the River Windush trickling obligingly under tiny bridges and where tourists clutch cameras and phones as though the scenery might vanish if unphotographed for the umpteenth time. However, if you go in the middle of summer it's anything but calm. It’s also, possibly, the last place you’d expect a burger that could outshine some of London’s finest. And yet, tucked into a modest side street, Smiths of Bourton has quietly been turning patties into an art form, proving that culinary audacity often thrives where you least expect it.
The story begins in 2020, when the world collectively paused and hospitality teetered on the brink. The Smith family’s tea room closed its doors, and the sensible thing would have been to wait it out. Instead, with a leap of faith and youthful confidence, the two brothers Theo and Seb did the brilliant thing: they started serving burgers to locals from the tiny kitchen. It was a survival tactic with swagger and Smiths as we know it today was born.
In less than five years, Smiths has gone from takeaway experiments to national recognition with a much bigger kitchen. Their “MR.P” burger scooped third place at the 2025 National Burger Awards, and they were crowned Best Burger in Gloucestershire. But accolades, as the brothers would happily tell you, are just frosting on a very juicy patty. The real magic is in their 'Passionate About Patties' ethos. That passion permeates everything that the restaurant has to offer, from the service, the music and the ever-evolving menu, turning every visit into a carefully orchestrated, indulgent experience.
This year, Smiths takes on yet another stage: The Big Feastival. For something that started with a handful of buns and a pinch of optimism, this is a remarkable step. The Big Feastival is one of the UK’s most celebrated food festivals. It’s a gathering of culinary talent from all over the UK and, for us, it's great to see a Cotswolds brand taking centre stage. As well as offering a selection of their classics, the pair have been working on the Big Feastival Stack; a one-off creation designed to wow both eyes and taste buds. It’s a burger that makes a statement without shouting and one every patty-loving Feastival-goer should try.
Yet awards, festivals, and viral Instagram reels and TikToks tell only half the story. Smiths is ultimately a tale of resilience and they continue to innovate and refine their product to be the best it can possibly be. From a crisis-born experiment to a nationally recognised brand, it’s powered by sheer determination, creativity, and a healthy dose of stubborn charm and every burger served is a testament to what happens when ambition meets craft, and when a tiny village kitchen refuses to be ordinary.
The bridges in Bourton on the Water will still get their fair share of photos, but we all know the real attraction is now served in a bun.
www.smithsofbourton.com
The story begins in 2020, when the world collectively paused and hospitality teetered on the brink. The Smith family’s tea room closed its doors, and the sensible thing would have been to wait it out. Instead, with a leap of faith and youthful confidence, the two brothers Theo and Seb did the brilliant thing: they started serving burgers to locals from the tiny kitchen. It was a survival tactic with swagger and Smiths as we know it today was born.
In less than five years, Smiths has gone from takeaway experiments to national recognition with a much bigger kitchen. Their “MR.P” burger scooped third place at the 2025 National Burger Awards, and they were crowned Best Burger in Gloucestershire. But accolades, as the brothers would happily tell you, are just frosting on a very juicy patty. The real magic is in their 'Passionate About Patties' ethos. That passion permeates everything that the restaurant has to offer, from the service, the music and the ever-evolving menu, turning every visit into a carefully orchestrated, indulgent experience.
This year, Smiths takes on yet another stage: The Big Feastival. For something that started with a handful of buns and a pinch of optimism, this is a remarkable step. The Big Feastival is one of the UK’s most celebrated food festivals. It’s a gathering of culinary talent from all over the UK and, for us, it's great to see a Cotswolds brand taking centre stage. As well as offering a selection of their classics, the pair have been working on the Big Feastival Stack; a one-off creation designed to wow both eyes and taste buds. It’s a burger that makes a statement without shouting and one every patty-loving Feastival-goer should try.
Yet awards, festivals, and viral Instagram reels and TikToks tell only half the story. Smiths is ultimately a tale of resilience and they continue to innovate and refine their product to be the best it can possibly be. From a crisis-born experiment to a nationally recognised brand, it’s powered by sheer determination, creativity, and a healthy dose of stubborn charm and every burger served is a testament to what happens when ambition meets craft, and when a tiny village kitchen refuses to be ordinary.
The bridges in Bourton on the Water will still get their fair share of photos, but we all know the real attraction is now served in a bun.
www.smithsofbourton.com
Photography: Katherine Williams
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One of Montpellier’s most iconic pubs is making its comeback, promising the same legendary vibe that has made it so popular over the last decade or more.
The Beehive Montpellier has officially reopened with a brand-new kitchen, a bold food direction, and a powerhouse team at the helm. This isn’t just a reopening – it’s a complete reset.
Leading the charge is a formidable duo.
Tom Rains, Executive Chef at the acclaimed Fildes Restaurant at Montpellier Wine Bar, is now taking the reins across both venues – becoming Executive Chef for Fildes and The Beehive. With a background that includes kitchens like The Berkeley, Claridge’s, L’Escargot, and Gstaad Palace, Tom brings serious culinary firepower to Cheltenham’s pub scene. At The Beehive, he’s delivering elevated comfort food with real craft: handmade pies, stacked burgers, and scratch-made sauces — done properly, with no shortcuts.
The Beehive Montpellier has officially reopened with a brand-new kitchen, a bold food direction, and a powerhouse team at the helm. This isn’t just a reopening – it’s a complete reset.
Leading the charge is a formidable duo.
Tom Rains, Executive Chef at the acclaimed Fildes Restaurant at Montpellier Wine Bar, is now taking the reins across both venues – becoming Executive Chef for Fildes and The Beehive. With a background that includes kitchens like The Berkeley, Claridge’s, L’Escargot, and Gstaad Palace, Tom brings serious culinary firepower to Cheltenham’s pub scene. At The Beehive, he’s delivering elevated comfort food with real craft: handmade pies, stacked burgers, and scratch-made sauces — done properly, with no shortcuts.
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Joining him is returning favourite Richard Shakeshaft, now back as General Manager after a much-loved run at The Beehive from 2016 to 2019. With 25 years in hospitality, a passion for real ale, and a CV packed with CAMRA-recognised pubs and standout independents, Richard brings warmth, precision, and personality to the front of house.
“We’re not just back — we’re better,” says Shakeshaft. “We’ve kept the soul of The Beehive, but we’ve raised the bar. Proper pints, handcrafted food, and the same buzz locals love.”
thebeehivemontpellier.com
Get ready to pack your wellies and picnic blankets as Big Feastival 2025 is back, bigger and tastier than ever!
Set against the backdrop of Alex James’ farm in Kingham from 22 - 24 August 2025, the weekend is a glorious mash-up of top-tier live music, dining experiences, family fun and, of course, incredible street food.
If you're there for all three days or just one, here is some of the best food that you need to try.
Set against the backdrop of Alex James’ farm in Kingham from 22 - 24 August 2025, the weekend is a glorious mash-up of top-tier live music, dining experiences, family fun and, of course, incredible street food.
If you're there for all three days or just one, here is some of the best food that you need to try.
SMITHS OF BOURTON
We couldn't start with anyone else than our fellow Cotswoldians, Smiths of Bourton.
Brothers Theo and Seb have been smashing awesome burgers in their parent's old tea room in Bourton on the Water since 2020, and will be appearing at Feastival for the first time.
You can expect huge flavours in their hand-pressed beef burgers made with Aubrey Allen dry-aged beef, buns from Marks Cotswold Bakery, homemade sauces and a while lot of love.
www.smithsofbourton.com
Brothers Theo and Seb have been smashing awesome burgers in their parent's old tea room in Bourton on the Water since 2020, and will be appearing at Feastival for the first time.
You can expect huge flavours in their hand-pressed beef burgers made with Aubrey Allen dry-aged beef, buns from Marks Cotswold Bakery, homemade sauces and a while lot of love.
www.smithsofbourton.com
BAB HAUS
Our favourites from last year's festival, Bab Haus specialise in Mexican Street Food with a focus on pure, bold flavours and fresh ingredients. Their food is a fresh mix of authentic Mexican recipes with strong influences from LA and the West Coast.
Their loaded nachos are awesome, but the Birria Taco is next level and an absolute must.
www.babhausmex.co.uk
Their loaded nachos are awesome, but the Birria Taco is next level and an absolute must.
www.babhausmex.co.uk
GAME AND FLAMES
If wild game is your thing, then you need to visit Game and Flames.
Created by Cai Ap Bryn, a renowned wild food chef, hunter, and outdoor cooking expert with a deep passion for field-to-fork cuisine, Game and Flames not only caters using wild game but also sources high-quality meat from across the British Isles, supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices. Combining culinary creativity with traditional skills, Cai and his team deliver unforgettable, flame-fired feasts that reconnect people with the origins of their food
www.gameandflames.com
Created by Cai Ap Bryn, a renowned wild food chef, hunter, and outdoor cooking expert with a deep passion for field-to-fork cuisine, Game and Flames not only caters using wild game but also sources high-quality meat from across the British Isles, supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices. Combining culinary creativity with traditional skills, Cai and his team deliver unforgettable, flame-fired feasts that reconnect people with the origins of their food
www.gameandflames.com
BANQUET 1415
At Banquet 1415, you can expect delicious Beef Short Ribs to Argentine Sausage, Pork Collar and mixed grill with the famous chimichurri that will have your taste buds dancing.
Insta: @banquet1415
Insta: @banquet1415
POOR BOYS
These guys have been a staple of Feastival for a few years and are a must if you're going this summer.
Serving classic New Orleans and Regional American flavours with their and Buttermilk Fried, don't be surprised if you venture back more than once!
eatpoorboys.com
Serving classic New Orleans and Regional American flavours with their and Buttermilk Fried, don't be surprised if you venture back more than once!
eatpoorboys.com
THAT'S IT PANCIT
That’s It Pancit is your go-to for bold Filipino BBQ, loaded noodle bowls, and crispy fries with a twist.
They're all about big u, street food vibes, and sharing the love for pancit—Filipino-style stir-fried noodles—done right. Whether it’s juicy skewers fresh off the grill, saucy pancit packed with toppings, or fries drizzled with our signature sauces, we keep it simple, fun, and full of Filipino soul.
They're all about big u, street food vibes, and sharing the love for pancit—Filipino-style stir-fried noodles—done right. Whether it’s juicy skewers fresh off the grill, saucy pancit packed with toppings, or fries drizzled with our signature sauces, we keep it simple, fun, and full of Filipino soul.
THE LAUNDRY
Inspired by classic European bistros, neighbourhood bars and cafés that have influenced Australasian culinary duo Melanie Brown and Sami Harvey, The Laundry will be bringing their masterfully slow-cooked caramelised NZ spiced pork belly, a rich and creamy Mac'n'Cheese with smoked manuka and crispy Pangrattato, as well as a BBQ Brekky Bun to kick-start your day at Big Feastival.
thelaundrybrixton.com
thelaundrybrixton.com
ELOTE TACOS
If, like us, you love Mexican food, you will definitely love Elote Tacos.
If you are a regular at Gloucester Food Dock, you will be familiar with these guys, and they will be bringing their flavour-packed authentic Mexican cuisine to the farm for the first time in 2025.
elotetacos.com
If you are a regular at Gloucester Food Dock, you will be familiar with these guys, and they will be bringing their flavour-packed authentic Mexican cuisine to the farm for the first time in 2025.
elotetacos.com
BLONDIES KITCHEN
For anyone with a sweeter tooth, look no further than Blondies Kitchen. Founded in 2016 by two blonde foodies and professionally trained chefs, Kristelle and Chelsie, the girls became obsessed with American style cookies and have taken the cookie world by storm with their unique flavours and irresistible taste.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/blondieskitchen
Instagram: www.instagram.com/blondieskitchen
MANDALA
We absolutely love Dumplings and these hand-crafted Himalayan ones are a thing of beauty. Their usual offering includes traditional pork and leek, signature beef and their vegan ones too.
CHICK 'N' SOURS
A restaurant in London for over a decade, Chick 'N' Sours have been taking their awesome fried chicken and flavours around the UK and is just another you should be trying at Big Feastival this August.
www.chicknsours.co.uk
www.chicknsours.co.uk
FEASTIVAL TICKETS
There are lots of places where I go to eat and don't write about, however, I feel a bit of a need to shout about the lunch we had this weekend at BAO + BBQ in Cheltenham.
We're already in a good mood when we arrive. The sun is shining, although not as warm as it has been in previous days, the town is buzzing with the Jazz Festival in full swing and we're off to watch David Gray in the evening. It's a pretty good day.
After getting a seat downstairs in the corner by the window, it dawned on me that it must have been three years since I last came here which is utterly ridiculous. It was my wife's first time.
We browsed the menu over a Marg (hers) and a Asahi (mine) and picked some of the things we wanted and some of the things we definitely didn't.
The dreaded second "are you ready to order" after asking for another few minutes came, and you feel obliged to decide. However, this time was different. The waiter asked how many dishes we were thinking (five to six?) and whether we wanted them to choose for us. We told him what we didn't want; chicken wings (too messy), anything tofu (I imagine these guys can make it taste nice) and the Sticky BBQ Pork Ribs (for the same reason as the wings. You just can't take that risk in a white t-shirt).
First to arrive were the Longhorn Brisket and Cornflake Chicken bao buns. The brisket was smoked with a sake BBQ sauce, chillies and pickles. The chicken and a panko and cornflake crumb (hence the name), Korean hot sauce, pickled chilli and cucumber. It was seriously good and quite possibly both of our favourite dish of the meal.
We're already in a good mood when we arrive. The sun is shining, although not as warm as it has been in previous days, the town is buzzing with the Jazz Festival in full swing and we're off to watch David Gray in the evening. It's a pretty good day.
After getting a seat downstairs in the corner by the window, it dawned on me that it must have been three years since I last came here which is utterly ridiculous. It was my wife's first time.
We browsed the menu over a Marg (hers) and a Asahi (mine) and picked some of the things we wanted and some of the things we definitely didn't.
The dreaded second "are you ready to order" after asking for another few minutes came, and you feel obliged to decide. However, this time was different. The waiter asked how many dishes we were thinking (five to six?) and whether we wanted them to choose for us. We told him what we didn't want; chicken wings (too messy), anything tofu (I imagine these guys can make it taste nice) and the Sticky BBQ Pork Ribs (for the same reason as the wings. You just can't take that risk in a white t-shirt).
First to arrive were the Longhorn Brisket and Cornflake Chicken bao buns. The brisket was smoked with a sake BBQ sauce, chillies and pickles. The chicken and a panko and cornflake crumb (hence the name), Korean hot sauce, pickled chilli and cucumber. It was seriously good and quite possibly both of our favourite dish of the meal.
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Next to arrive before we had taken a mouthful of the buns were the Gochu-glazed King Prawns in a sesame yogurt and three Wagyu beef sliders, both of which looked potentially very messy.
We'd have never had ordered the sliders, but these were awesome with juicy little brisket patties, BBQ mushrooms, pickled cucumber, chillies and caramelised onions. And the prawns? We would go back for these alone they were that good, and the yogurt became the dipping sauce for everything else on the table.
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Some courtesy greens arrived in the shape of scorched sprouting broccoli, cashew miso butter, garlic ginger and lemon (if I'm going to have to eat broccoli, this is the way to do it) and some kicky kale + cucumber salad, followed by a smoked brisket rice bowl with a cured duck egg and beef bone broth and the glazed pork belly in the most incredible blueberry hoisin sauce with crispy cabbage and pickled veg.
We probably didn't need the rice bowl but we gave it a good go. In hindsight, maybe, six dishes was too many, but YOLO and all that!
The pork was one of the best plates I have eaten for a long time. It was the cherry on the cake dish, at the end of a gruelling (in the loosest sense of the word) 90 minutes of eating. I had genuinely forgotten just how good this place is.
baobbq.co.uk
If you have ever experienced the Woozy Pig food, you will probably be as excited as we are about their brand-new restaurant on Suffolk Road in Cheltenham.
Opening its doors of Friday 9th May, the restaurant will offer their classic burgers, sides and tater tots, as well as an awesome brunch menu on a Sunday including the Woozy full English, waffles and, of course, brunch burgers.
You will find local brewers Deya on the taps with a quality selection of cans and bottles from the fridge, alongside a few cocktails including a Spicy Mango Marg, Spiced & Stormy and a Woozy Groni.
You can check out the restaurant here www.woozypig.co.uk.
Illustrations: Punkross
Tables: Barebones
Photos: The Same Grain
Opening its doors of Friday 9th May, the restaurant will offer their classic burgers, sides and tater tots, as well as an awesome brunch menu on a Sunday including the Woozy full English, waffles and, of course, brunch burgers.
You will find local brewers Deya on the taps with a quality selection of cans and bottles from the fridge, alongside a few cocktails including a Spicy Mango Marg, Spiced & Stormy and a Woozy Groni.
You can check out the restaurant here www.woozypig.co.uk.
Illustrations: Punkross
Tables: Barebones
Photos: The Same Grain
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This is a seriously Easter treat for any Gloucester Rugby supporters and their families.
On Wednesday 23rd April 2025, you can enjoy time with your family and a delicious lunch cooked by our Gloucester Rugby team chef, all whilst watching the Gloucester Rugby team train from premium balcony seating at Kingsholm as they prepare to face Exeter Chiefs.
This family-friendly afternoon features Easter egg treats & crafts for kids hosted by our Community team, plus an exclusive post-training Q&A with Attack Coach James Lightfoot-Brown and Gloucester Rugby players - with chances for selfies and autographs!
The Itinerary
- 12pm: Arrival
- 12.30pm: Lunch
- 1pm: Watch training and take part in Easter crafts
- 2.15pm: Q&A with James Lightfoot-Brown & players
- 3.30pm: Event closes
For more information and tickets, visit www.universe.com/events/easter-family-dining-experience-tickets
On Wednesday 23rd April 2025, you can enjoy time with your family and a delicious lunch cooked by our Gloucester Rugby team chef, all whilst watching the Gloucester Rugby team train from premium balcony seating at Kingsholm as they prepare to face Exeter Chiefs.
This family-friendly afternoon features Easter egg treats & crafts for kids hosted by our Community team, plus an exclusive post-training Q&A with Attack Coach James Lightfoot-Brown and Gloucester Rugby players - with chances for selfies and autographs!
The Itinerary
- 12pm: Arrival
- 12.30pm: Lunch
- 1pm: Watch training and take part in Easter crafts
- 2.15pm: Q&A with James Lightfoot-Brown & players
- 3.30pm: Event closes
For more information and tickets, visit www.universe.com/events/easter-family-dining-experience-tickets
Kingham Plough Head Chef Ashleigh Farrand will represent the South West on the new series of the Great British Menu on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Keep your eyes peeled this coming Tuesday 4th February at 8pm.
We wish Ashleigh all the very best!
Keep your eyes peeled this coming Tuesday 4th February at 8pm.
We wish Ashleigh all the very best!
IMAGE VIA THE KINGHAM PLOUGH
IMAGE VIA THE KINGHAM PLOUGH
It was three weeks ago when a video popped up on Instagram and opened with the words "Please, Please, Help... Please!" splattered across the screen.
It was a plea from Ols Halas, probably best know for being "The Circus Chef" at Giffords Circus, who had got his 25-tonne wag’n’drag lorry stuck in a field near South Cerney. This wasn't just a lorry getting stuck in a field, this was the home of Ols, his partner Amber, their four-month-old baby Zephyr, black lab Steve and their business. In layman's terms, they were royally buggered.
A week later, thanks to some lads with tractors, they were out and on their way.
Their next destination was a bit of a secret, unless you looked on their website which told you it was another field (what could go wrong?) in Evenlode, three-four miles from Stow on the Wold.
The reason I had access to their website was because I was sent an invite to the "soft launch".
I then did something I never ever do, I accepted.
This was for a few reasons;
A donation to their gofundme page and a cash tip after I had eaten eased the guilt slightly.
We arrived at the new site on a mizzly, November, Thursday evening and I wondered whether "summer under canvas" would be a better idea than Christmas.
From the outside, it was a canvas awning on the side of a lorry. However, inside (when we eventually found the "door") was a beautiful. warm space full of oak tables, candelabras, foilage and a raised kitchen from an adjacent trailer.
It was a plea from Ols Halas, probably best know for being "The Circus Chef" at Giffords Circus, who had got his 25-tonne wag’n’drag lorry stuck in a field near South Cerney. This wasn't just a lorry getting stuck in a field, this was the home of Ols, his partner Amber, their four-month-old baby Zephyr, black lab Steve and their business. In layman's terms, they were royally buggered.
A week later, thanks to some lads with tractors, they were out and on their way.
Their next destination was a bit of a secret, unless you looked on their website which told you it was another field (what could go wrong?) in Evenlode, three-four miles from Stow on the Wold.
The reason I had access to their website was because I was sent an invite to the "soft launch".
I then did something I never ever do, I accepted.
This was for a few reasons;
- I really like Ols and really loved his food at Gifford's.
- The invite came from a friend and amazing creative wizard who was helping Ols create this brand and promote the restaurant.
- Seeing them stuck in the mud two weeks earlier, how could I possibly say no?
- I wanted to meet Steve.
A donation to their gofundme page and a cash tip after I had eaten eased the guilt slightly.
We arrived at the new site on a mizzly, November, Thursday evening and I wondered whether "summer under canvas" would be a better idea than Christmas.
From the outside, it was a canvas awning on the side of a lorry. However, inside (when we eventually found the "door") was a beautiful. warm space full of oak tables, candelabras, foilage and a raised kitchen from an adjacent trailer.
PHOTOGRAPHY: TOM CROSS
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We were greeted by Ols who showed us inside the lorry. "Once you start living this life, it's hard to escape it" he mentioned as we walked up the steps. The interior was ridiculously impressive with a Scandi-like wooden cabin feel. A double bed took up one end which Steve sleeps under.
Back "downstairs" it was a case of sitting wherever we liked, before being greeted with wine, homemade sourdough and a butter softened by a candle wick.
It wasn't long before the stunning, crispy and zingy King Prawn Butterfly, Spiced Cocktail Sauce and Avocado arrived.
Naturally, I had read the menu before we arrived and was very excited about the Roast Hereford Beef, Braised Blade, Sticky Dates, Hazelnuts, Root Vegetable Pave, Winter Greens main which was truly immense, but I think the prawns were the highlight of my evening.
Between those two courses were some delicious, festive feeling Chestnut Cream Canoli with a rosehip jam, before the meal concluded with the most insane Winter Berry Knickerbocker Glory.
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Another reason I never accept soft launch invites is because you are obliged to say something positive, even when it's actually mediocre.
However, this was anything but. This was cooking of the highest quality in the most wonderful unique setting, and you can't get much more unique than sitting in a the middle of a field in early November. And, we never got to meet Steve which gives us the perfect excuse to go back, as if we needed one.
josserrestaurant.com
Christmas Under Canvas officially starts on Thursday 28th November and is available on Thursday, Friday & Saturday Evenings.
They are also doing the most incredible sounding Sunday lunch under the canvas too which start on December 1st.
There are 28 seats for every sitting which makes it a beautifully intimate and truly special dining experience.
Photographs: www.crosscreative.uk
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