One of our favourite things at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival is the incredible free "around town" events that take place across various venues in the town.

This dynamic programme showcases an exciting mix of performances, from intimate pop-up shows in pubs and bars to vibrant acts in unexpected spaces around town. With 70+ artists, it’s your chance to discover fresh talent, support emerging artists and maybe even catch a future headliner.

The venues include The Free Stage on the festival site, Bottle of Sauce, Smokey Joes, The Queens, Hotel du Vin, The Tavern, The Brewery Quarter, John Lewis, and the Imperial Garden Bar.

For the full day-to-day line-ups, visit www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/our-projects/around-town/cheltenham-jazz-festival-around-town

​In partnership with Visit Cheltenham
www.visitcheltenham.com

After a sell-out first Cabaret of Curiosities last week, multi-award-winning comedian, and Cheltenham resident, Dom Joly has added some new dates at The Steam and Whistle Pub in Cheltenham

The next dates are:

Thursday 1st May

Thursday 5th June

Thursday 3rd July

The 230 deep crowd enjoyed a performance from the "You're Gorgeous" famed 90s rockers Babybird and the brilliantly funny French comedian Marcel Lucont.

The Speakeazy is recorded for a podcast, with a mission to not only shine a light of local talent but invite bands he loves to do unplugged sets as well as a series of top mystery guests that, with the help of the audience, he will interview on stage. 

You can find all the information and ticket links HERE and photos from the first show below.

It has been confirmed today that season 4 of the superb Clarkson's Farm will land on Amazon Prime on Friday 23rd May.

The series follows Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper's ups and downs in the world farming and now, of course, the hospitality industry with Jeremy's pub The Farmer's Dog opening in the Cotswolds last summer.

Season 3 of the show breaking Amazon Prime UK's ratings record and we wouldn't be surprised if Season 4 does the same!

Multi-award-winning comedian, and Cheltenham resident, Dom Joly has created an awesome new night in town.

Dom’s first Cabaret of Curiosities will take place aton Thursday 3rd April at The Steam and Whistle Pub (opposite Chetenham Spa railway station) and have a late-night chat show vibe with guests, music & comedy.

Dom wants to provide a unique, off-beat experience. The idea is to have an evening that incorporates all of Joly’s interests- music, comedy, a bit of culture and a smattering of current affairs.  

It aims to be a monthly affair, taking place on the first Thursday of every month, and the evenings will be recorded for a podcast of the same name which he promises that it will not be your usual podcast. 

Joly wants to not only shine a light of local talent in his curiosity show, he has persuaded bands he loves to do unplugged sets and promises a series of top mystery guests that, with the help of the audience, he will interview on stage. These could be musicians, comedians, writers, politicians…anybody who Dom feels might be interesting and are foolish enough to accept his invitation. 

2025 is already a huge year with the 25th anniversary of global smash hit Trigger Happy TV, and a tour being announced this week.

You can find all the information of the Speakeazy HERE.

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!

With short days and long nights, winter can feel very long for many of us. 

However, there is lots to enjoy and we think that we have found some of the best things to do (in our humble opinion) in and around the Cotswolds to help get through the next few months, from great sport, music, films and, of course, food, booze and pubs!

Cheltenham (arguably) is the best National Hunt racecourse in the country. It has regular racedays pretty much every month up until May.

Enjoy the smaller meetings in October, December and January or dive into the buzz and excitement of the bigger days in November, New Year's Day (the best way to shake off a hangover!) and, of course, the Cheltenham Festival in March where the atmosphere is electric. 

BUY TICKETS

The Sub Rooms in Stroud and Cheltenham Town Hall are a hotbed of live music and comedy here in the Cotswolds.

Altered Images, Nick Heyward, The Bay City Rollers (yes, you read that correctly!) and John Power (Cast) can all be found playing in Stroud over the next few months.

For laughs, you will find Russell Kane, Jimmy Carr, Jimeoin, Dara O'Brien and Rob Beckett gracing the stage at Cheltenham Town Hall.

thesubrooms.co.uk
​
cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

All local rugby fans have probably experienced the atmosphere in The Shed at Kingsholm, but have you ever explored the hospitality options to elevate your day even more?

Perfect for birthdays, festive parties, corporate gatherings and rugby-loving stag and hen days, there is a wide range to choose from that suits all budgets, from boxes with spectacular views of the pitch, to the Captain’s Lounge and 1873 Bistro which offer fantastic dining and great match-day entertainment.

www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

Winter is the perfect time for settling into a comfy sofa and watching a film. We are big fans of The Living Room in Chipping Norton where you can do just that, as well as enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine or two at the same time.

With huge films including Gladiator II, Paddington, Blitz and Small Things Like These as well as their hugely popular Boozy Elf and Cheese, Wine and Love Actually Christmas specials, the cinema is a great place to spend a dark, chilly winter evening,

thelivingroomcinemachippy.co.uk

If you're looking for an uber-social sport to play in the winter, go a try padel. It's something we really bang the drum for as it's great fun and good fitness too.

Padel Shift at Bamford are in the process of building a roof on one of their courts and there are two new indoor courts at Far Peak near Northleach.

www.padelshift.com

www.cotswoldpadel.club

If this isn't your first visit to our site, you will know that we are huge supporters of the wonderful pubs that the Cotswolds has to offer.

Experiencing the Cotswolds on foot is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful countryside, and walking could have had its own section. 

However, what could be better than doing a circular walk from a pub and returning to enjoy a pint next a roaring log fire a with family, friends and dogs (most pubs are dog friendly now) and tucking into some incredible food from some top chefs.

Our Top 50 Pubs in the Cotswolds guide will help you discover some of the of the best ones, but if you need more info/help at all, drop us a note on our Instagram page and we will point you in the right direction.

The Everyman in Cheltenham is an architectural masterpiece and boasts some wonderful stage shows, music and comedy.

This winter, you can enjoy Chicago, Al Murray, Jack Dee, The Girl On The Train, Six and, of course, their legendary panto starring Tweedy the Clown.

www.everymantheatre.org.uk

​If you're in the Cirencester area, check out The Barn Theatre which has Room 13 and The Three Musketeers on their stage.

barntheatre.org.uk

There are quite a few Christmas Light Trails to enjoy in the Cotswolds to get you into the festival spirit.

Spectacle of Lights at Sudeley Castle, Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park and, probably the most spectacular, Blenheim Palace.

www.blenheimpalace.com

If you love your spirits, you will love a tour or masterclass at the Cotswolds Distillery.

A tour consists of a look around the distillery where you will see the process in action, before heading back to sample lots of their beautiful spirits and liqueurs.

If you want to experience something extra, why not book yourselves on a whisky or gin masterclass where you get to blend you very own drinks.

www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

The Manor House Golf Club in Castle Combe is one of the most stunning golf courses in the country. 

On top of that, the golf club is part of The Manor House estate, a luxury country house hotel with Michelin star dining, also home to The Castle Inn, a 12th century pub offering rooms and great food in the heart of of of the most beautiful villages in the UK.

www.exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house-golf-club

After much anticipation, Jeremy Clarkson has finally named his new pub, The Farmer's Dog.

Located in Asthall, near Burford, the pub will open it's doors this Friday (23rd August).

The full address for the pub is Asthall, Burford OX18 4HJ.

Follow them on instagram - ​www.instagram.com/thefarmersdogpub

​Following a hugely successful first year as publicans of The Halfway at Kineton, acclaimed chefs Nathan Eades and Liam Goff are excited to announce the expansion of their culinary portfolio in the Cotswolds.

Located in a stunning hillside location in Bourton on the Hill, The Horse and Groom, a favourite with both locals and visitors alike, has been purchased by Donnington Brewery and will reopen on Friday 28th June, 2024.

The pub boasts a beautiful restaurant with over 50 covers, a relaxed walk-in bar, perfect for drinks, lunch, dinner and a place to watch all the best horse racing which adds to the home comforts of a country pub.

Upstairs, the Horse and Groom has five charming and generously-sized guest bedrooms with spectacular views that celebrate its much-loved surroundings.  

The alluring Cotswolds landscape can also be enjoyed from the laid-back tranquility of the large garden which offers a combination of open and sheltered seating and provides the perfect setting to enjoy the British countryside all year round.

In a similar theme to The Halfway at Kineton which is known for serving exceptional food in a relaxed atmosphere, there will be a huge emphasis on creating a home-from-home feel with hearty seasonal dishes, while championing some of the Cotswolds’ finest producers, including Paddock Farm, Cacklebean Eggs and local game, accompanied with a pint or two of the renowned local Donnington ales.

Nathan says:

“The Horse and Groom has been the bastion of North Cotswolds pub scene for many years, and we are both thrilled, ridiculously excited and somewhat pinching ourselves to be the new custodians of such a much-loved pub. 
 
We want to create a pub that our locals love and the tourists dream of having on their doorstep.

We cannot wait to open the doors, (and our kitchen!) and welcome everyone new and old"

Table bookings are open via the Horse and Groom website. 

www.pubonthehill.com

Nathan Eades and Liam Goff

DEYA, in collaboration with FOUR CATS, will be opening a new venue, The Swamp, in Unit 33/34 Lansdown Industrial Estate, Cheltenham. Coming August 2024.

Taking over DEYA's former Mixed Fermentation Taproom (and our OG Brewery), the Swamp will offer a lineup of delicious DEYA beers, fresh FOUR CATS cocktails, and banging natural wines. A brand-new kitchen will provide amazing plates to accompany the drinks. Built on collaboration, this is a place that brings people together. 

​The Swamp will offer walk-ins and reservations from 4pm until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It's a cosy alternative to the main Taprooms for a drink, a bite to eat, and intimate service. The space will also host an eclectic calendar of festivals and events.  

“When imagining rejuvenating our OG DEYA brewery and taproom, collaboration has always been at the heart of the project. Our aim for The Swamp is to create a space that is unique to anything else Cheltenham currently has to offer. We feel that FOUR CATS was the perfect partner.. Working together to create an exciting menu of beer, cocktails, and an extensive events calendar for visitors of Cheltenham to enjoy.” - Katie Brown, DEYA, Brand Manager

“DEYA’s Mixed Ferm taproom always felt like a hidden gem to me. It’s an intimate, cosy space that contrasts perfectly with the main Tappy’s bustling beer hall vibe. We’re over the moon to be joining DEYA in reimagining their original unit as The Swamp. We’re really going to focus on maintaining the same kind of welcoming, friendly atmosphere and genuine service whilst extending the selection of quality bevs and making it accessible to everyone” Matt, FOUR CATS, Founder

Opening Hours: Thurs-Sat 4pm-12am

They are also offering the space out for private event hire. 

Contact [email protected]

THE PIG have announced that they have acquired the 17th century Barnsley House hotel, tucked away in the quintessential Cotswolds village of Barnsley, just four miles from Cirencester.

Nestled in historic arts and crafts style gardens, created by renowned garden designer Rosemary Verey, this little gem of a property has all the makings of a PIG already weaved into its DNA.

Chairman Robin Hutson commented on the exciting announcement, “We are absolutely thrilled to have acquired Barnsley House, it has been in my peripheral vision for many years as a possible acquisition, always thinking it would make a perfect ‘Pig’ and we are very excited to have our first pub too”.

Barnsley House will continue to operate with its existing team until Sunday 4th February, when the PIG team will go in to start the works to turn this stunner of a property into a PIG, with a view to opening the doors this summer as THE PIG-and The Village Pub, their first "Pig Pub".

THE PIG group is a personal collection of small lifestyle restaurants with rooms where the focus is on authenticity and informality of design, food and service.

With an obsessive commitment to home grown and local produce, THE PIG celebrates the seasons and uses only the best, freshest and most authentic foods and ingredients. It is all about the kitchen gardens, they are the beating heart of the operation. Everything is driven by the kitchen gardener/forager and chef. They grow and source the food and the chef then creates the menu; uncomplicated and simple kitchen garden food, true to the micro seasons with the emphasis squarely on fresh, clean flavours. What cannot be grown in THE PIG’s kitchen garden is sourced within a 25-mile radius of each hotel. There are no ‘cookiecutter roll-outs’; each hotel has its own personality and sense of self.

Every property comes with laid-back warm service and a genuine commitment to environmental and social responsibility. THE PIG hotels aim to deliver an outstanding experience for every guest; a ‘wow’ moment that surprises and delights for a price that won’t break the bank. Home grown in every way – breaking the mould of designed hotels by working with what it has and recognising what is good about that. Designed in the style that has become THE PIG’s signature, each hotel has a garden restaurant and bedrooms with a touch of luxury and bags of homely charm plus Potting Shed or Shepherd’s Hut massage treatment rooms in or near the kitchen gardens.

www.thepighotel.com/and-the-village-pub

Happy New Year!

Our highly anticipated Top 50 Pubs in the Cotswolds guide for 2024 will be landing very soon.

It's always hugely popular with the last two years' additions both attracting over 250,000 views, which it is absolutely ridiculous!

A huge thank you to all of our readers and followers for their incredible support.

It was a memorable night for The Killingworth Castle, picking up three AA Rosettes at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards.

​One of the industry’s most highly anticipated events, the glittering awards ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London was hosted by much-loved TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, celebrating the UK’s top hotels, restaurants, and pubs and the people behind them.

Nestled within the picturesque village of Wootton, Nr Woodstock, The Killingworth Castle has eight luxury en-suite rooms with exquisite food that focuses on seasonal, wild & organic fare from the Cotswolds.

Establishments with three AA Rosettes are all outstanding restaurants achieving standards which demand national recognition well beyond their local area and The Killingworth Castle is one of only 7 new inns with rooms in the whole of the UK to be awarded a third rosette in 2023 at the AA’s annual Hospitality Awards last night.

The AA, which has long been a marker of leading restaurant and accommodation venues, celebrates the crème de la crème of UK hospitality. Following a visit from an anonymous inspector, the hotel was reviewed against nine quality assessment areas, ranging from standards of service to cleanliness and quality of food. The inspector described the establishment as ‘well run in a personalised way with very good hospitality from a customer-focused team which made for a welcoming atmosphere throughout the stay’.

www.thekillingworthcastle.com

Following 37,000 nominations and six weeks of Good Food Guide inspections, The Halfway at Kineton continues to attract lots of attention after being included in The Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants of 2023. 

Since being taken on in February 2023 by chefs Nathan Eades and Liam Goff, the pub has caught the eye of foodies and critics (including Giles Coren who raved about the pie), and is the only pub or restaurant in the Cotswolds to feature in this list.

The Good Food Guide's Best Local Restaurant awards began 13 years ago to celebrate the places that are the beating heart of communities around Britain. 

You can find the full list HERE.

www.thehalfwayatkineton.com

On Monday 27th March,  the prestigious Michelin Stars were unveiled at a Ceremony for the Michelin Great Britain & Ireland Guide

There are four here in the Cotswolds, including one new addition to the guide for 2023.
​

What Michelin says:

One of the last true country house hotels, this fine 14C manor house sits within 365 acres of formal gardens and parkland in a picture-postcard village. A sweeping drive leads up to the main building and the immensely charming interior features characterful oak panelling and a host of cosy open-fired lounges.

Dining here is a very formal experience: drinks and snacks are served in the bar, before a set dinner in the cavernous dining room with its large feature wall, flower arrangements, leather chairs and immaculately laid solid oak tables.

Sustainable home-grown and local produce plays a pivotal role in the cooking, which results in a flavoursome blend of simple and more luxurious ingredients. Dishes are precisely prepared and arrive in refined, tried-and-tested combinations with modern overtones.

Luxurious bedrooms are split between the house and mews cottages.

guide.michelin.com/gb/en/wiltshire/castle-combe/restaurant/bybrook
​

What Michelin says:

For over 30 years, David and Helen Everitt-Matthias' brightly decorated restaurant has provided a ‘special occasion’ spot in the historic spa town of Cheltenham. The couple make a great team: Helen is in charge of the décor and keenly oversees the service, while David can be found behind the stoves day-in-day-out.
 
David enthusiastically seeks out the best of British ingredients to showcase in classically based French dishes which employ modern techniques and exhibit some original elements. There is a lightness of touch to many, like fillet of Cornish mackerel with kohlrabi and avocado, while others display bold, robust flavours, such as Brecon venison with parsnip purée and bitter chocolate. The seasons mean everything here and he isn’t afraid to use some lesser-known ingredients. Desserts are a highlight and the set priced menu is great value.

guide.michelin.com/gb/en/gloucestershire/cheltenham/restaurant/le-champignon-sauvage

What Michelin says:

In the centre of this charming spa town you’ll find an unassuming exterior concealing an elegant and stylish restaurant.

Helen runs the service and she’s a natural host, so you’ll be warmly welcomed and well looked after. Her experienced husband Jon runs things in the kitchen and his cooking is underpinned by a strong classical base, with some fine details running through his dishes. Flavours are well-judged and harmonious and his sauces are especially memorable. Many of the vegetables, herbs and edible flowers come from their own 15-acre smallholding.

guide.michelin.com/gb/en/gloucestershire/cheltenham/restaurant/lumiere

What Michelin says:

The Royal Oak started out as a drinks shelter catering for the workmen building the local church and is reputedly one of the oldest pubs in the country; Oliver Cromwell supposedly stayed here before the Battle of Edgehill in 1642. It’s a characterful place, with a lovely atmosphere, from the cosy bar to the bright, airy dining room.

Chef-owner Richard Craven has a passion for British produce and his cooking follows a strong farm-to-fork ethos, with produce coming from small producers in and around the nearby hills and estates; he favours organic and wild ingredients and game is often shot to order.

Assured, understated dishes are created with obvious care and a delicate touch – most have just 3-4 components, which allows each first-class ingredient to really shine. Richard’s charming wife Solanche looks after the service – and she clearly knows her wines.

guide.michelin.com/gb/en/warwickshire/whatcote/restaurant/the-royal-oak

What Michelin says:

Twelve acres of formal grounds surround this charming Cotswold stone house, which dates back to 1802 and offers lovely views out over the countryside.

Head Chef Ricki Weston oversees both the elegant brasserie and the intimate dining room; for a special occasion book the latter, with its neutral décor and serene, romantic feel.

The evening starts with snacks in the kitchen, before moving on to the 7 course set menu, which includes vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian versions. Don’t be misled; the terse, understated descriptions belie the detail and creativity that goes into the modern, artfully presented dishes, which come with some intriguing contrasts of texture and flavour. The wine list features both vegan and biodynamic options, as well as plenty of mature wines.
​
Stay overnight in one of the luxurious modern bedrooms.

guide.michelin.com/gb/en/wiltshire/malmesbury/restaurant/the-dining-room193454

​​All copy via Michelin Guide.

You can find a full list of every One, Two and Three Star restaurant in the MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2023 here - guide.michelin.com/gb/en/article/michelin-star-revelation/the-full-list-of-michelin-stars-in-the-michelin-guide-great-britain-ireland-2023

It felt like we had to wait an age for the Double Red Duke to finally open its doors. After the announcement in November 2020 that Sam and Georgie Pearman had acquired what was The Plough at Clanfield and would launch in February 2021, lockdowns and various restrictions delayed that until May 17th. 

Even more exiting was hearing that they had secured the services of Hawksmoor and PittCue's Richard Turner to work alongside Head Chef Richard Sandiford. This could only mean two things, fire and an abundance of meat.

Of course the menu isn't just full of meat. There is a cheese & onion tatin, veggie mixed grill and a trio of salads for the herbivores amongst us, but there's no fun in any of that, 

Unsurprisingly, and right up our street, there is a separate menu for steak cuts from where we picked a incredible chunk of medium-rare ribeye. I sat and watched the chefs cooking various ribs and T-bones over the flames from the 14-seater kitchen counter which felt like the front row of the world's best theatre. I always find open kitchens captivating and could sit there all day, especially watching these masters of meat at work. 

Away from beef steaks, the "Large Plate" menu boasts wild fish on-the-bone, grilled rose veal chop, fried oysters & egg tartare, spit roast turbot (which looked amazing when it went by to another table) and half a chicken spit roast, as well as the classic fish & chips, pie & mash and the Double Red burger. 

​The "small plates" menu (nobody does "starters" anymore) is equally exciting and includes some exquisite Wood Roast Sea Scallops with Wild Garlic Butter, Milk & Honey Lamb Chops with Pea & Haggis Salad (I will try this when I go next) and some superb sticky and perfectly charred Apple Glazed Bacon Ribs, Apple, Tamarind & Fennel Slaw. 

If you're feeling hungry, which we were, there's also a "snacks" menu at the very beginning featuring some wonderful light and crispy Dublin Bay Scampi and three different flatbreads. We chose the Courgette, Wild Garlic & Mint one to share but you would probably need one each depending on how many other dishes you choose and how big your appetite is.

There wasn't any room for a dessert. If I was staying the night, and home was just a short walk away up the stairs, I would have probably dipped for the white chocolate cheesecake or the sticky toffee pudding. However, if the choice is more meat or leaving room for a pudding, there is only ever going to be one winner.

If staying the night is an option for you, then the nineteen bedrooms are all as heavenly as you would expect. They each, like the whole of the interior, carry the Pearman stamp. There is an abundance of snugs where you can hide away from the world for an afternoon, and  the magnificent Downton Abbey-famed Oxfordshire countryside is quite literally on the doorstep. What's not to like?

www.countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke