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THE BELL AT LANGFORD TO OPEN SISTER PUB IN THE COTSWOLDS

26/2/2021

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Landlords Pete Creed and Tom Noest of The Bell at Langford are opening a sister pub in the Cotswolds.

The Lamb Inn at Shipton-under-Wychwood will be opening on June 21st 2021.

​You can see the sample menu below.

You can keep up to date with developments at www.thelambshipton.com.
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THIS WEEK'S GUIDE TO TAKEAWAYS IN THE COTSWOLDS

21/1/2021

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There are lots of restaurants, delis and pubs offering awesome takeaways this week here in the Cotswolds. Check with each for their opening times and availability and support as many as you can.
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The Stump, Nr. Northleach
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Incredible pizza from the Stump Shack
thestump.co.uk
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Smiths, Bourton on the Water
Burger and dirty fries heaven
www.smithsofbourton.com
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Hiro Sushi, Chipping Norton and surrounding areas
Awesome sushi to your door
www.instagram.com/hiro__sushi/
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Greedys Fish and Chips, Stow on the Wold
Great British classic
www.instagram.com/greedysfishandchips/
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Holee Cow, Cheltenham
The best burgers in 'Nam
holeecowburgers.co.uk/
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The Coconut Tree, Cheltenham
Sri Lankan heaven
www.thecoconut-tree.com/take-away-menu
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The Old Butchers, Stow on the Wold
The best takeaway menu on the market
theoldbutchers.squarespace.com/
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Kibou, Cheltenham
Click and collect Japanese takeaway
kibou.co.uk/click-and-collect-preoday-cheltenham/
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The Bell Inn, Langford
Awesome menu
www.thebelllangford.com
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Lumiere, Cheltenham
Michelin quality food at home
www.lumiere.cc/
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Bhoomi, Cheltenham
Sublime Indian Cuisine
www.bhoomikitchen.co.uk/
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Woodsman, Stratford upon Avon
Wild at heart
www.thewoodsmanrestaurant.com/
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The Ebrington Arms, Nr Chipping Campden
A weekend takeaway for your walk
​www.theebringtonarms.co.uk/takeaway-menu
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Woodkraft, Cheltenham
Great food at home
​woodkraftcheltenham.com/
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Purslane, Cheltenham
Fine-dining at home
www.purslane-restaurant.co.uk/
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D'Ambrosi, Stow on the Wold
The best deli in the Cotswolds
www.dambrosi.co.uk/
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Bottle of Sauce, Cheltenham
Burger Click and collect
dodopubs.com/locations/the-bottle-of-sauce/
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The Cotswold Guy
Great food delivered to your door
www.thecotswoldguy.co.uk/
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The Find, Cheltenham
Brunch and Sunday Lunch at Home
thefind.co.uk/
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The Bathurst Arms, North Cerney
Great takeaway menu
bathurstarms.co.uk/
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Sourdough Revolution, Lechlade
Wonderful bread, pizza, chicken + more!
sourdoughrevolution.co.uk/
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The Killingworth Castle, Nr Woodstock
A treat for your walk
www.thekillingworthcastle.com/takeaway-menu
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COTSWOLDS PUB BECOMES FIRST IN THE UK TO RECEIVE 5 STAR ORGANIC RATING

30/10/2020

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The Bathurst Arms in North Cerney, Nr Cirencester, has been awarded five prestigious stars for "Organic Served Here" by the Soil Association Certification.

It is the first pub in the UK to receive 5 stars and the award has been a target for Bathurst Arms director, Jordan Pelly and his head chef, Michal Wlodarcyk, since they reopened the doors to the famous pink pub in July this year.

Mark Machin, Development Manager for Soil Association Certification said, “We’re very proud to welcome The Bathurst Arms to the movement of hospitality businesses that have decided to grow back better by putting sustainability at the heart of their business.

“After a particularly challenging period for the industry, it’s really encouraging to see businesses like The Bathurst continue engaging with Organic Served Here. By sourcing organic food and drink, Organic Served Here award holders are helping reduce the carbon footprint of their menu and ensure higher levels of biodiversity on our farmland.”

Jordan said: “This is great news for us as a young team with my first business, the message behind what we offer here is a strong one and something we should all learn more about.  We are so lucky to have such fantastic farmers on our doorstep like Purton House Organics, Duchy Home Farm and Daylesford Organic and fishmongers New Wave and Flying Fish, all of these businesses help us source the finest ingredients for our menu with strong sustainable principals. As well as the ethical contribution sourcing organic & wild foods is such an obvious choice for us, as we strive for the best quality ingredients. From beef fed on a pasture diet to ingredients in season, flavor is paramount with these choices inevitably kinder to the environment and world we live in.
“We offer great small plates that showcase our approach using the best the seasons have to offer.  Right now we are serving dishes like “Salt baked celeriac with wild girolles and mushroom”; “Purton Farm organic pork belly with Jerusalem artichoke with pork & apple sauce”; and for the seafood lovers, line caught plaice, on the bone with a smoked lime butter and pickled sea lettuce.”
 
The pub has also recently been using surplus organic vegetables and fruit from the village as there are several allotments owned by the nearby Bathurst Estate looked after by hard working villagers.

“We plan to roll out a five star organic menu in a take away format as well, we understand that in the current climate not everyone is comfortable eating out so we want to be able to create our dishes for you to take home and enjoy. “Jordan added.

bathurstarms.co.uk
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THE VILLAGE GRILL WITH RICHARD H TURNER

8/9/2020

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There is no better way to celebrate the end of summer than a feast at The Swan at Ascott-under-Wychwood with ex Hawksmoor Executive Head Chef, Richard H Turner. 

From Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September, Richard will be cooking abundance of  grilled, smoked and spiced food including slow grilled prime rib of beef with bone marrow nihari sauce, devilled monkfish skewer with tomato and curry leaf, spiced tomahawk lamb chops, smoked aubergine with mint pomegranate and cashew cream, the list goes on, including an array of flatbreads and sides.

Saturday has already sold out but spaces remain for Friday and Sunday.

You can find the full menu HERE or at the bottom of the page. 

Booking is essential and social distancing rules will be in place.

Adults £30 and children (under 16) £12.

For all the information, visit www.countrycreatures.com/the-village-grill-with-richard-turner
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3 COTSWOLDS PUBS NAMED IN TELEGRAPH PUB OF THE YEAR

6/9/2020

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The readers of the Telegraph have voted for their favourite pubs in the UK and have named 3 from the Cotswolds in the list.

The Ebrington Arms, near Chipping Campden, was voted the winner in the "Best for Food" category. 

The Potting Shed in Crudwell near Malmesbury was runner-up in the "Pub of the Year" with The Swan at Ascott-under-Wychwood achieved the same position in the "Best for Rooms" class. 

You can find all the winners at runner-ups here - www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/pubs-and-bars/raise-glass-telegraph-pub-year-2020-plus-best-pubs-food-families/
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THE ALCHEMIST ANNOUNCES AUGUST OPENING DATE IN CHELTENHAM

9/8/2020

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Originally scheduled for an April opening, theatre is soon to be served in Cheltenham. The Alchemist will be launching on the 28th August bringing immersive experiences, expertly crafted cocktails and all day dining to Gloucestershire. Creative bar and restaurant concept, The Alchemist is bringing its famed cocktail concoctions to The Brewery Quarter, which is set to be a new favourite with cocktail connoisseurs in Cheltenham.

The 4,500 sqft venue designed by London agency Turner Bates will feature an impressive emerald marbled bar top and signature dark wall murals.  It’s not just the menu that plays with your senses as the bespoke mind bending floor-to-ceiling bar takes centre stage and will provide the perfect back drop for The Alchemists signature cocktails. Cocktails served with a dash of theatre such as the Colour Changing One created with Grey Goose Vodka, Briottet Apple, soda & citrus which, as the name suggests, will mysteriously change colour before your eyes! Guests can also opt for The Cherry Poppins; a concoction of Whitley Neil raspberry gin, cherry, strawberry, citrus and a cherry fog bubble that’s sure to set alight anyone’s Instagram feed!
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To complement the show-stopping cocktails, The Alchemist Cheltenham will offer an all-day dining menu which of course includes a touch of playfulness, starter dishes such as the Chorizo & Cheddar Doughballs (choose your cheese level with the accompanying syringe) and Tempura Prawn Lollipops. For something more substantial, enjoy Pan-Fried Seabass with spicy Bombay potatoes, coconut yoghurt and charred lime and for a delicious plant-based  meal try the Vegan Cauliflower Katsu Curry. To finish, the flaming Cotton Candy Baked Alaska is a must for a dessert with extra-oomph or, for something a little more low-key, order an Espresso Martini & Petit Fours.

The Alchemist Cheltenham will open on Friday 28 th  of August at 10am.

For more information, please visit: www.thealchemist.uk.com
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BAZ & FRED TAKE OVER THE NEW INN AT COLN ST ALDWYNS

3/8/2020

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Pizza masters Baz and Fred have taken over The New Inn at Coln St Aldwyns.

The duo known for their incredible food at The Stump at Foss Cross will open the pub later this month. 

In a statement on Instagram they announced "Roughly a year ago Baz & Fred achieved their childhood dream and opened their first pub together The Stump, a Cotswold pub turned pizzeria. Simple, delicious food done well. It’s been a fantastic first year and we can’t wait for many more to follow and working alongside our awesome team and customers."

"We’ve had such a great time running The Stump so we’ve decided to do it all over again. Introducing Baz & Fred’s New Inn, located in the beautiful village of Coln St Aldwyns. A stunning pub not too far from The Stump. During lock down we introduced a burger night at The Stump which has been an overwhelming success. We thought it was only fitting to increase this offering and give the people more of what everyone clearly wants. As a result of this we have taken to the streets of Coln! Expect smokey blues, booze, burgers & an all-round good time. The main staple of the menu will be a variety of burgers which have been a real hit. There will be other rolling specials, sides and main dishes on offer that will have Spanish, Portuguese and Italian influences plus anything that Baz & Fred feel is delicious enough to make an appearance, which is a fair bit!"

"The New Inn is similar to The Stump. It’s an old roadside Inn that is ingrained into the history of the village. The pub is currently closed so Baz & Fred could move in for renovations and are currently in the process of changing things around, attempting to bring the inside of the pub back to its original design decades ago. Everything is full steam ahead; the new open kitchen is being fitted alongside the new local’s bar plus lots more."

"We aim to be open by the end of the month but please keep your eyes peeled for updates. We can’t wait to see you all down here!!"
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THE STUMP OPENS DRIVE-THRU TAKEAWAY

20/3/2020

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The Stump at Foss Cross, located between Northleach and Cirencester, is looking to support the local community and businesses by opening a  drive-thru take away service and farm shop, welcome  ’The Stump Shack’. 
  
Due to open from Monday, they’ll be bringing out their old events trailers from 2014, giving it a re-vamp, and opening it as a  drive-thru pizzeria, produce shop and breakfast cafe. Perfect if you are looking for something quick to eat, pick up your local groceries or even grab a beer or two whilst keeping your ‘Social Distancing’ in check. 
  
Locals will be able to purchase The Stump's knockout pizza - made by award winning pizza duo,  Baz & Fred - soups, sarnies, drinks as well as  local produce - without having to leave their car. Order from the car, park up and wait for it to be delivered straight to you!  
  
Keeping the community eating well, ’The Stump Shack’ will be working along side  a host of local producers, including  Sourdough Revolution, Cackleberry Farm, Deya Brewery, The Cotswold Cider Co., Mimi’s Kitchen, The Extra Virgin Farm and many more. They have even found a way to freeze their own delicious pizzas, so everyone can continue to enjoy them from the comfort of their own home.  

thestump.co.uk
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THE HOLLOW BOTTOM AND TAVERN CHELTENHAM LAUNCH TAKEAWAY SERVICE

17/3/2020

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Two of The Lucky Onion’s restaurants, The Tavern in Cheltenham and The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power have launched takeaway options in light of the Coronavirus outbreak.

In a message to all their customers, The Lucky Onion said.
  
In light of current events we have be working away on some different ways to support our local communities in Northleach, Guiting Power, Minchinhampton and Cheltenham Town.  
  
From 5:30pm tonight we will be offering a take-away service for food and drinks at the Tavern in Cheltenham and the Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power. 
  
We are working towards providing further food and drink options at our other properties in the next 24 hours as well as looking into ways we can re-purpose our business to support the current environment.  
  
We will provide further communication on this as soon as we have it. 
  
Please see all our food and beverage offerings below and gives us a call to order. 
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We will be taking orders from 5:30pm to 9:30pm every night. 
  
Please note* You will need to collect and pay for your order. Our staff will be vigilant with regard to social distancing.

TAVERN TAKEAWAY MENU (To order Please call 07934 716729)


FOOD MENU

TO BEGIN… 
CHORIZO SCOTH EGG                                                £4.5  
ROAST BEETROOTS (v)                                                £8 
Whipped feta, dill & dukkah 
DUCK & PORCINI MEATBALLS                                     £8.5 
Slow cooked tomato sauce 
  
THE MAIN EVENT… 
PUY LENTIL & VEGETABLE LASAGNE (v)                     £14 
Baby gem, radish & shallot salad 
COTSWOLD WHITE CHICKEN MILANESE                    £16 
Garlic butter, parmesan & chicory salad 
HOT BUFFALO WINGS & blue cheese dip                   £8  
SWEET STICKY WINGS sesame & spring onions          £8 
KOREAN WINGS radish & black sesame                     £8  
MAC ‘N’ CHEESE (v)                                                     £6  
CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD                                             £11 
TAVERN BURGER & fries                                             £10 
AMERICAN CHEESE BURGER                                       £13 
Streaky bacon & fries   
BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN BURGER & fries           £10 
8oz FLAT IRON (ANGUS)                                             £15.5  
8oz ONGLET (ANGUS)                                                 £18  
8oz SIRLOIN (HEREFORD)                                            £22  
10oz RIB-EYE (HEREFORD)                                          £26 
  
SIDES all at £4.50 
French fries (v) 
Tavern slaw (v) 
Chilli cheese fries (add 1.5) 
Sweet potato fries (v) 
  
DRINKS MENU AND PRICES: 

House White - £18 
French Sauv Blanc - £22 
  
House Red - £18 
Malbec - £26 
  
House Rose - £18 
Studio Rose - £29 
  
Prosecco - £26 
Nyetimber - £56 
  
Dunkertons - £4.50 
Peroni - £4.50 

THE HOLLOW BOTTOM TAKEAWAY MENU (To order, please call 07398 620737)

FOOD MENU: 
  
Mains 
Vegan Burger and Fries £12.50 
Cheese Burger and Fries £12.50 
Fish and Chips £14.50 
  
DRINKS MENU: 
  
House White - £18 
French Sauv Blanc - £22 
  
House Red - £18 
Malbec - £26 
  
House Rose - £18 
Studio Rose - £29 
  
Prosecco - £26 
Nyetimber - £56 
  
Dunkertons - £4.50 
Peroni - £4.50
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RAYMOND BLANC'S KING'S ARMS IN PRESTBURY OPENS ITS DOORS

16/12/2019

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The King's Arms in Prestbury, on the outskirts of Cheltenham, has reopened its doors today by Raymond Blanc's White Brasserie Company.

​The pub has undergone an extensive renovation since closing at the end of last year and will offer fresh, seasonal French fare and Great British pub classics. 

The pub is steeped in history with parts pf the building dating back to the 14th Century. There has been a huge effort to bring the best of the old pub back to life, reinstating the three fireplaces, restoring original beams and floors and rehanging the front door so it could be open from the High Street for the first time in over two decades.

Take a look for yourself here - kingsarmsprestbury.com
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REVIEW: THE SWAN INN ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD

26/11/2019

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We live in a very weird world, and that's not to mention anything to do with politics. Just this week I found myself defending the presentation of The Swan's pie on twitter to a "chef" who told me that the mash should have been quenilled [sic] with a little jus around the plate and some fresh watercress. I told him he was very wrong, and it's not the 90s anymore. Nobody puts watercress on top of food nowadays do they?
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It's been a couple of years since I visited The Swan and lots has changed in that time. Most importantly it has been taken over by Sam and Georgie Pearman, the original founders of The Lucky Onion, with pubs like the brilliant Chequers at Churchill which they still own and the delightful Wheatsheaf at Northleach which they don't. 

The pub has changed a bit too. Thinking back it was slightly disjointed but certainly not unpleasant. There was an odd little room if you entered the pub through the door on the road. That has gone has become an extension to the bar area with a few nice tables. The dining room which once had outlandish green walls, green wallpaper, and lots of flowers (the former owner was an interior and floral stylist) now boasts more subtle blues and looks more like a restaurant than someone's living room. There was a roaring fire in the other bar surrounded by the best seats in the house and a lovely room, perfect for celebrations and shoot parties leading out onto the courtyard garden which I imagine would be a nice spot in the summer. The pub has a warmer feel throughout.

It's very rare I order bread, or ever bother to talk about it when I do. However, the Chipping Norton sourdough came with horseradish and dripping butter which is very much worth shouting about. 

I'm always torn between dishes and usually leave up to the waiter or waitress to decide for me. It was between the BBQ native prawns, English peas, Chipping Norton nduja and mussels. Without any hesitation, the prawns won. They were huge, messy (the water bowl and napkin both turned the colour your fingers go after eating a packet of Wotsits) and brilliant. I've never had peas with prawns before but it worked, and the nduja-fueled juice at the bottom of the copper bowl was incredibly good to for dipping the spelt toast in. 

I wasn't torn for my main. It was 3 degrees outside and I wanted a pie. Chicken and leek or ox cheek and smoked bacon, and choosing the latter wasn't a difficult choice. It arrived standing wonderfully unpretentious on a bed of mash and gravy. It was a thing of beauty and yes Mr Angry Twitter Chef stuck in a different decade, there was no need for spooned mash or watercress. If anything, it could have done with an extra small jug of gravy as the mashed soaked it up like a sponge. The side of squash and cavolo nero, curly kale to you and me, was a decent addition.

This was some of the best pub food I have eaten in quite a while. I have a lot of time for places who have a one main menu fits all for lunch and dinner too. 

The Swan will lure locals (there's a special menu in the bar with a £10 dish on every day ) and Londeners alike (there's a station in Ascott where one train a day stops from The Big Smoke). There are also 8 rooms at the pub for anyone wanting to make a couple of days of it which we would obviously highly recommend.

www.countrycreatures.com/the-swan
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Food pictured is;

​Ox Cheek and Smoked Bacon Pie
Crispy Cacklebean Egg
Triple ‘Ham’ Burger, Savoy Slaw, Toffee Apple Sauce, Blue Affine, Tabacco Onions, Alabama Fries 
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THE BEST PLACES TO REVEL AFTER CHELTENHAM RACES

5/11/2019

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With The November Meeting at Cheltenham just 10 days away, we have found the best places to go after you leave Prestbury Park. 

​See the full guide HERE.
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THE HARCOURT ARMS REOPENS ITS DOORS

1/11/2019

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After an extensive four-year-long renovation, The Harcourt Arms in in the charming Oxfordshire village of Stanton Harcourt has reopened its doors to the public.

Headed up by Olivier Bonte, former GM of No.131 and Alan Gleeson, previously Head Chef of The Lucky Onion’s No.131 and No.38 The Park, The Harcourt Arms will offer exceptional pub food using the finest produce, ingredients sourced through long-standing relationships with ethical suppliers.

​The drinks menu will feature beer and wine from small but talented producers across the world with amazing brands such as Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, William Chase Rose and Chateau Musar alongside Hook Norton Beers, Butcombe and Timothy Taylors Landlord. They will also be serving up delicious cocktails such as Negroni with a twist, proper Espresso Martini and their very own Bloody Mary, allowing guests to order an old favourite or try something new.

Since the renovation, there are an additional 10 individually style en-suite bedrooms, making this 17th-century pub with rooms ideal for both leisure and business needs.

With the local community at its heart, The Harcourt Arms have created The Harcourt Stores, which will offer luxury, artisan produce alongside healthy everyday essentials. A one-stop-shop for locals, there will be fresh coffee, cured and smoked produce,sweet treats and everyday essentials.

The ultimate village pub with a home away from home feel makes it the perfect place to visit.

www.theharcourtarms.com
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AWARD-WINNING CHEF JOINS THE PRIORY INN AT TETBURY

17/10/2019

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One of Bristol’s brightest star chef’s is coming to take over the kitchen at Tetbury’s The Priory Inn. 

New head chef Tom Bannister has worked at some of Bristol’s best eateries including a head chef role at The Souk Kitchen.He is planning to introduce a new, more casual approach to dinning focusing on the social side of eating, using the charming dining space at The Priory.

The Arkell’s Brewery hotel has undergone a management makeover since Greg Heath took over the reins of the hotel in July. 

theprioryinn.co.uk
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COTSWOLDS PUB WINS MICHELIN STAR

9/10/2019

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The Royal Oak in Whatcote has been awarded a Michelin Star.

The menu showcases high quality local, organic, wild ingredients and game often 'shot to order' by gamekeepers on local estates, while keeping the local pub ethos throughout.

Chef Richard Craven has been a well-know name in the culinary world in the Cotswolds after the success of The Chef's Dozen in Chipping Campden and said on twitter "We’re still reeling from last night but we would like to sincerely thank our little team and incredible part timers for all their hard work. Thank you Michelin for taking the time to visit us and for awarding us this absolute honour."

​www.theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk
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THE HOLLOW BOTTOM REOPENS ITS DOORS

7/10/2019

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The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power opened its doors again after its shock closure in July. 

The famous 17th century Cotswolds racing pub has been taken over by The Lucky Onion Group, which is owned by Julian Dunkerton. 

​Obviously we went to have a look. The pub's interior looks and feels warmer, and there is still a racing theme throughout. There is, of course, Dunkertons Cider of draft as well as other local ales and lagers.

We also had a bite too. The Ham, Egg and Chips is immense with an orange glazed whole ham hock on the plate. 

hollowbottom.com
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THE HOLLOW BOTTOM ANNOUNCE OPENING DATE

27/9/2019

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It has been announced that The Hollow Bottom will officially reopen on Monday 7th October.

The popular horse racing pub in Guiting Power closed suddenly in July before being bought buy The Lucky Onion Group, owned by clothing brand Superdry's co-founder Julian Dunkerton. 

hollowbottom.com

​Check out the new menu below.
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COTSWOLD INN NAMED 'INN OF THE YEAR' BY THE GOOD PUB GUIDE

6/9/2019

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The King's Head Inn in Bledington has been named 'Inn of the Year' for 2020 in the latest Good Pub Guide awards. 

They were one of 14 pubs awarded and  follows up being named Good Pub Guide 'Pub of the Year' in 2017. 

Other winners from around the UK include;

Pub of the Year 2020
The Inn at Whitewell, near Clitheroe, Lancashire

Dining Pub of the Year 2020
The Assheton Arms in Downham, Lancashire

Licensee of the Year 2020
The Wyvill Arms in Constable Burton, Yorkshire

New Pub of the Year 2020
The Swan in Marbury, Cheshire

Value Pub of the Year 2020
The Dipton Mill Inn, Diptonmill, Northumbria

Unspoilt Pub of the Year 2020
The Kings Head, Laxfield, Suffolk

Country Pub of the Year 2020
The Harp , Old Radnor, Wales

Town Pub of the Year 2020
Babbity Bowster, Glasgow, Scotland

Inn of the Year 2020
The Kings Head, Bledington, Oxfordshire

Beer Pub of the Year 2020
The Fat Cat, Norwich, Norfolk

Own Brew Pub of the Year 2020
The Beer Hall, Hawkshead Brewery, Cumbria

Wine Pub of the Year 2020
The Woods, Dulverton, Somerset

Whisky Pub of the Year 2020
The Bon Accord, Glasgow, Scotland

Gin Pub of the Year 2020
The Cholmondeley Arms, Cholmondeley, Cheshire
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THE HOLLOW BOTTOM TO REOPEN IN OCTOBER

4/9/2019

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The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power is the latest addition to The Lucky Onion portfolio and will reopen its doors in October 2019.

The pub has always been a huge favourite of the horse racing community and was the scene of celebrations both after Bindaree won the Grand National and when Imperial Commander landed the Cheltenham Gold Cup for nearby trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies. 

Away from racing, the pub's charming rural setting is perfect for a quiet lunch and supper, with The Lucky Onion's lovingly-cooked good food, and the finest ingredients from the around the UK, at the heart of the menus. There's an extensive beer and wine list too.

A beautiful 17th-century Cotswold stone building with excellent country views, The Hollow Bottom will feature The Lucky Onion’s signature design touches around its already existing deep recessed windows, low ceilings and exposed stone walls and timbers.

In the winter, expect a roaring wood-burning fire in the bar. In summer months, you can soak up the sunshine with drinks and food on the terrace.

The Lucky Onion took over ownership after the property closed in July 2019. 

Below is the new Hollow Bottom logo.
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THE STUMP: NEW COTSWOLDS INN TO OPEN THIS AUGUST

9/8/2019

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The former Hare and Hounds pub at Fosse Cross between Northleach and Cirencester is reopening with a new name this August. 

The Stump, the locals' nickname for the Hare and Hounds, will open on August 19th after a complete renovation and will offer a wonderful Italian inspired menu with pizza legends Baz and Fred at the helm.

​A huge bar spans the length of the pub, three open fires keep the pub cosy in the winter and there is the sunny garden for the summer months. Oak beams and stone floors are juxtaposed with the modern tiled open kitchen and the huge wood fired pizza oven. 

Pizza aficionados Baz & Fred have created a simple yet delectable menu of wood fired pizzas, classic pastas, as well as salads and small plates. All of the food will be served freshly prepared from the new open kitchen.

Local beers line the bar including  DEYA Steady Rolling Man Pale Ale and there is a good selection of local gin for The Stump G&Ts. You can also enjoy an aged negroni, the signature cocktail at The Stump.

The pub also boasts  ten simple ensuite rooms for anyone wanting to make a weekend of it. 

Enjoy 25% off all food during opening week from 19th -23rd August 2019.

Check them out at thestump.co.uk
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THE NEW INN AT COLN REOPENS ITS DOORS AFTER SUDDEN CLOSURE

8/4/2019

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After a sudden closure 3 months ago, The New Inn at Coln St Aldwyns has been reopened by experience chef Dominic Hewitt, formerly of The Wild Duck and The Bull Inn at Charlbury. 

With a weekly changing menu full fresh seasonal food and the 15 en-suite bedroomrooms all all enjoying a refresh to include more modern comforts, the new owners hope to create a relaxed environment for customers new and old.

​We wish them all the luck and will be visiting soon to take a proper look!

www.thenewinncoln.co.uk
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REVIEW: SUNDAY LUNCH AT THE PLOUGH AT COLD ASTON

26/3/2019

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We live in a weird world nowadays. Everyone with an Instagram account seems to be a blogger of some sort and feel entitled to free things everywhere they go. They bully businesses into believing that their 32 likes on a post and hyped up figures will get people flocking to their establishment. Believe me, they really don't. For businesses, this might be some cheap content to post on social media. A meal doesn't really cost that much and nobody will write anything bad if it's free so it's a win win. 

Sadly for me the tide has turned. I am someone who loves eating out. A piece of me dies inside when I'm referred to as a "blogger" as that is the last thing I am. The Cotswolds Gentleman has taken 3 years to grow into what it is today and to gain the trust from my loyal readers. I now won't attend "launch events" who invite every Tom, Dick and Harry just to fill the place, most of whom will never return. I will no longer eat at restaurants that just throw free meals to "blaggers" (a term I stole from Koj). Why would you gift someone an event invite or meal who has no influence or following whatsoever? For me it dilutes your brand. I may be wrong. 

Obviously in my line of work I am always offered complimentary meals, and yes I sometimes accept. However, I always pay for my meal with a tip of the value of my meal so the staff who worked so hard to produce my meal get something back. 

Last weekend we returned to The Plough at Cold Aston for a roast purely for the fact that it was so good when we visited 3 weeks before. 

"Please tell me you have the Truffle Cauliflower Cheese" was my only request. They did. 

Cold Aston is one of those villages that you would never have any real reason to drive through unless you are going to the pub or to see the mechanic. It's about 3 miles from Bourton on the Water and the same from Northleach. But not really in the middle if that makes sense? Google it. 

The pub is back to its best since Tom and Josie Hughes took it on (Tom was former manager at The Wheatsheaf in Northleach) and is quickly growing a big reputation. The busier the pub is, the more cars are dotted around the grass triangle out on the road forming a makeshift car park. Sunday was very busy. The sun obviously helped to with people eating outside. They are a lot braver than me. 

Our table ordered Red Ruby roast beefs. It arrived under a Yorkshire and on top of orange and cinnamon carrots, a parsnip that could have done with another 5 minutes and 3 roast potatoes, along with the truffle cauliflower cheese, greens, extra gravy and horseradish cream on the side. 

It was again very good and with a carafe of wine, a Guinness, a Cotswold Lager, Cotswolds Gin & Tonic, pint of coke and two lemonades our bill was a tiny bit over £100 which we all paid and we all also chipped in with the tip.

Whatever next?

coldastonplough.com
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EBRINGTON ARMS AND KILLINGWORTH CASTLE SCOOP TOP ORGANIC AWARD

26/3/2019

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The Ebrington Arms and Killingworth Castle have joined just 10 other pubs and restaurants throughout the whole of the UK to achieve 3 stars or above in the ‘Organic Served Here’ awards scheme, run by The Soil Association.

This means that both pubs are committed to offering between 50-75% organic produce on our menus.

A recent Soil Association poll revealed that 50% of people are more likely to choose a restaurant that highlights its ethical and sustainable credentials and 43% of people think that having organic on the menu makes a restaurant more appealing.

Check out both pubs on our Cotswold Pub Guide!
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EMILY WATKINS TO LEAVE KINGHAM PLOUGH

25/2/2019

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Emily Watkins has announced today that she and husband Miles Lampson will leave the Kingham Plough after 12 years. 

Watkins' journey as a chef began in the kitchens of Ristorante Beccofino in Florence before moving to work for Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck in Bray in 2002 and then to the Kingham Plough in 2007. 

In her time at the Kingham Plough, Emily has featured on The Hairy Bikers, Tom Kerridge's Proper Pub Food as well as winning BBC's Great British Menu in 2014 with her fish course, going onto cook for war veterans at St Paul’s Cathedral in a banquet commemorating the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
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So after 12 incredibly happy years at The Kingham Plough, Miles and I are moving on. We have had an incredible time and share so many incredible memories, from the exciting opening and achieving so many amazing accolades over the years, we have celebrated our wedding there, had 4 babies and made great friends. We want to say a huge thank you to the staff, customers, our families and suppliers, we wouldn’t have got anywhere without you. We wish Matt and Katie - the new owners, the very best of luck and many happy years ahead. We look forward to watching the Kingham Plough move forward to the next chapter of its life. #thekinghamplough #top50gastropubs #cotswolds #tolifeindorset #thankyouall #farewell

A post shared by Emily Watkins (@emilywatkinskinghamplough) on Feb 25, 2019 at 10:49am PST

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THE CHURCHILL ARMS CONFIRMED FOR PUB IN THE PARK

5/2/2019

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The Churchill Arms in Paxford have joined pub line-ups for Tom Kerridge's Pub in the Park at both Warwick and Bath. 

Taking place across 8 locations between May and September, Pub in the Park describes itself as the "biggest celebration of the best food and music the country has to offer". 

For all tickets and info, please visit www.pubintheparkuk.com
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