Head Chef James will be joined in the kitchen by Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens of Muse in London, a restaurant celebrated for its elegant, contemporary approach to modern cuisine.

A meeting of creativity and skill
For this exclusive event, the two chefs will work side by side to create a menu that reflects their shared commitment to quality ingredients, creativity and refined technique. The result is set to be a carefully composed dining experience, where two individual styles come together seamlessly on one menu.

Guests can look forward to dishes that balance innovation with precision, offering a rare opportunity to experience the work of both chefs in an intimate and thoughtfully curated setting.

A seasonal, ingredient-led menu
The evening begins with a selection of bread and snacks, including roosterkoek with chicken and cèpe butter, celeriac chawanmushi with pine and Oscietra caviar, and chicken liver parfait paired with a hazelnut hobnob. The menu then moves through a series of seasonal dishes, from ricotta with blood orange and bitter leaves to a Cornish crab muffin with Cape Malay butter, fermented fennel and sea herbs.

Further courses celebrate the best of the season, including white asparagus with morel and horseradish, followed by monkfish with elderflower and lemon. A standout main features Welsh hogget served as roast loin, crisp belly and glazed faggot with wild garlic, artichokes and sunflower seeds. To finish, a Westcote honey tart is served with chamomile and crème fraîche.

∙ READ MORE OR BOOK YOUR TABLE HERE ∙

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Launching this season, Alchemy After Hours invites visitors to step behind the scenes for a relaxed and immersive 90-minute session where creativity takes centre stage. More than a tasting, it is an opportunity to help shape what comes next.

Hosted by founder and distiller Dave Blick, the evening begins with a welcome drink before guests are guided through a curated selection of experimental gins, alongside the distillery’s distinctive honey rum. Each spirit has its own story, inspiration and flavour profile, offering a deeper insight into the thinking behind the brand.

What makes this experience particularly unique is its interactive element. Guests are invited to explore a further selection of experimental flavours, from inventive combinations such as rhubarb, mint and blackcurrant to more unexpected profiles like green valley tea. These small-batch creations exist only within the distillery, and feedback from the evening will help influence which flavours could one day make it into full production.

It is a concept that reflects the spirit of Warwickshire Gin Company itself. Each of its existing gins is rooted in local history, from Leamington on Parade, inspired by a 19th-century circus elephant trainer, to The Kingmaker, Peeping Tom, Pelota Dry Gin and The Philosopher’s Daughter, all drawing on stories that have shaped the region.

Alongside Alchemy After Hours, the distillery continues to offer a range of well-loved experiences, including guided gin tastings, cocktail sessions and its popular Afternoon Gin & Tea, as well as curated gift bundles for those looking to take a piece of the experience home.

With over 170 five-star reviews and recognition among the top-rated attractions globally, Warwickshire Gin Company has firmly established itself as one of the region’s standout craft distilleries.

For those looking for something a little different, Alchemy After Hours offers a rare chance to not only taste something new, but to be part of its story.

∙ BOOK ALCHEMY AFTER HOURS HERE ∙

The post An after-hours gin experience with a creative twist at Warwickshire Gin Company first appeared on Taste of the Cotswolds.

Gold for the Apple Brandy

In the prestigious Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards 2026, the brandy has been awarded Gold, an accolade that places it firmly among the very best artisan food and drink products in the UK. With a record number of entries judged by a panel of industry experts, competition was exceptionally strong this year, making the achievement all the more meaningful. To be singled out at this level is a clear sign that something truly distinctive is being created.

Silver in London

That success is echoed on the international stage too. At the London Spirits Competition, Spirit of Ilmington Apple Brandy was awarded an impressive 94 points, securing a Silver Medal and falling just one point short of Gold. Judged on taste, appearance and value for money, the scoring reflects a beautifully balanced spirit that delivers on every level.

Crisp apple and green grape

The tasting notes paint a vivid picture. Crisp apple and green grape notes lead on the nose, followed by a palate that is clean and gently sweet, with hints of pear and melon. The finish is fresh and bright, leaving a soft, lingering fruit character that invites another sip. It is a profile that feels both refined and deeply rooted in the orchard.

Soft and mellow

Even Fortnum & Mason has praised the spirit, describing it as “a soft, mellow brandy with a surprisingly fresh cider nose, warming and refreshing on the palate with a lingering aftertaste of apple.” High praise from one of the country’s most respected names in fine food and drink.

The connection to the land

What makes this brandy particularly special is its connection to the land. Crafted using locally grown apples, it reflects the richness of the surrounding countryside and the care taken at every stage, from fruit to bottle. It is a reminder that some of the most exciting drinks being produced today are not mass-made, but thoughtfully created in small batches with real provenance.

The flavours of the Cotswolds

Spirit of Ilmington Apple Brandy stands as a perfect example of what the region does so well. Honest ingredients, skilled craftsmanship, and a genuine sense of place. For those looking to explore the flavours of the Cotswolds in a glass, this is one to seek out.

∙ SHOP FOR SPIRIT OF ILMINGTON HERE ∙

The post Spirit of Ilmington’s Apple Brandy earns national acclaim first appeared on Taste of the Cotswolds.

The Bar & Lounge at The Fish has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, with cosy corners and inviting fireplaces creating a laidback space that feels both stylish and comfortable. It has that easy vibe of a place where people settle in, feel right at home, and just enjoy.

That rare genuine service

Service at The Fish is second to none, not only in the Cotswolds but far beyond. Once again, the team delivered with that rare blend of professionalism and genuine warmth. The staff are attentive, friendly and instinctively helpful, and as we ordered from the new bar menu, they catered beautifully to my vegan requests as well as my partner’s vegetarian choices, making thoughtful suggestions and ensuring everything was just right.

As if served in a little Italian pizzeria

We had come to try the new pizzas from the Bar & Lounge menu, and they were exceptional. Light, perfectly crisp bases topped with vibrant ingredients and cooked just right. In fact, if someone had quietly told us they had come straight from a small neighbourhood pizzeria tucked away down a cobbled street in Italy, we would have believed them. The balance of flavour, the quality of the toppings and the perfect crust made every bite pure pleasure.

Linger over lunch

The whole experience captured what makes The Fish so appealing and what makes us come back again and again and again. It is relaxed but refined, welcoming yet polished, with food that feels thoughtful and elevated without being pretentious. It is the sort of place where you can happily linger over lunch, with a drink in hand, enjoying the atmosphere and the sense that you are free to put your feet up and truly relax.

Go, just go

Now, do yourself a favour: Go and take on that space, go and enjoy the vibe, and most importantly, go and try those pizzas for yourself.

∙ BOOK YOURSELF IN AND CHECK THE MENU HERE ∙

The post Pizza perfection and pure relaxation at The Fish first appeared on Taste of the Cotswolds.

At the heart of his approach is a respect for classic brasserie tradition, elevated through his signature modern British style; bold flavours, playful contrasts and a keen sense of seasonality. Carefully sourced ingredients from Worcestershire and the surrounding counties sit alongside refined technique and a lightness of touch that makes each dish feel both luxurious and approachable. The result is dining that feels perfectly attuned to The Wood Norton itself: historic yet fresh, sophisticated yet welcoming.

Within the grandeur of the hotel’s country house setting, Purnell’s menus invite guests to move effortlessly between refined evening dining and relaxed daytime indulgence, whether lingering over a multi-course dinner or sharing plates on the terrace with views across the gardens. His presence has ushered in a confident new culinary chapter for The Wood Norton, positioning it firmly as a destination for discerning diners seeking character, creativity and a true sense of place in the Worcestershire countryside.

French culinary heritage marries seasonal British

At Fleur de Lys, Purnell’s sophisticated Brasserie dinner menu marries French culinary heritage with seasonal British produce and inventive twists. Dishes such as scallops in squid bouillabaisse, masala monkfish and venison with bordelaise showcase his hallmark bold flavours, while his award-winning dessert, The Egg, brings theatrical finesse to the table. Served within the Wood Norton’s grand, historic surroundings, the experience is designed for leisurely, indulgent evenings.

Modern and sociable

For a more relaxed yet equally flavour-driven approach, Purnell’s Lounge & Terrace sharing plates offer modern, sociable dining inspired by his belief that great food is best enjoyed together. Seasonal small plates and light bites bring his signature touch to daytime dining, perfectly suited to long lunches or informal gatherings in the Worcestershire countryside.

Glynn & Tonic ∙ Gin Tasting and Dinner Experience

Adding a further layer of culinary theatre, the Wood Norton also hosts exclusive experiences such as the intimate Glynn & Tonic, an exceptional evening of flavour, craft and conversation. Glynn & Tonic, an intimate dining experience hosted by Glynn Purnell on Saturday 28 February, this exclusive event brings together Purnell’s inventive modern British cooking with the characterful, small-batch spirits of local producer Hentony Gin of Evesham.

Limited to just 20 guests, the evening has been thoughtfully designed to feel relaxed, personal and immersive. It begins in the elegant Terrace Lounge, where guests will enjoy a guided tasting of Hentony’s artisan gins, exploring their distinctive botanicals, provenance and flavour profiles. From there, the experience moves to the intimate setting of the Boardroom for dinner, where Glynn Purnell presents a specially curated menu inspired by the very gins tasted earlier in the evening. Each dish is created to echo, complement or contrast the botanicals and notes within the spirits, resulting in a cohesive and memorable gastronomic journey.

Blending local collaboration, seasonal ingredients and culinary creativity, Glynn & Tonic offers a rare opportunity to experience the chef’s food in an intimate setting, with stories, insights and flavours woven throughout the evening.

∙ BOOK YOUR TICKETS TO GLYNN & TONIC HERE ∙

Purnell’s rural retreat

Set against sweeping views of formal gardens and the Bredon Hills, The Wood Norton has become Purnell’s rural retreat, a place where heritage, landscape and contemporary gastronomy meet. Whether for refined evening dining, relaxed sharing plates or immersive culinary events, his presence ensures this historic Worcestershire hotel continues to shine as a destination for memorable food experiences.

The day we met Glynn Purnell

29 June 2025 ∙ “We were delighted to be invited to experience the launch of Glynn Purnell’s new Lounge & Terrace menu at The Wood Norton, and it turned into a truly memorable summer afternoon. Bathed in sunshine, the terrace offered an idyllic setting against the elegant backdrop of the hotel, with glasses of fizz in hand and gentle music drifting through the warm air. Glynn Purnell, affectionately known as the ‘Yummy Brummie’, was every bit as charming as expected, and his dishes were exceptional”, ~ Mette, Cotswolds Concierge.

The post Glynn Purnell at The Wood Norton ∙ Michelin-starred flair meets country house elegance first appeared on Taste of the Cotswolds.

Small-batch production

At the heart of the brand is a commitment to quality and authenticity. From carefully selected botanicals to small-batch production, every bottle is made with intention. Rather than following trends, Hentony Gin focuses on creating a balanced, elegant gin that speaks for itself; one that can be enjoyed simply, shared with friends, or paired beautifully with food. It’s this dedication to craftsmanship that has earned the brand a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.

Relationships matter

Supporting independent businesses is central to the ethos of this business. By working closely with regional partners, venues and producers, the brand plays an active role in strengthening the local economy and championing Cotswolds creativity. In a world of mass production, Hentony Gin represents a slower, more meaningful approach where relationships matter and quality always comes first.

Glynn and Tonic ∙ Craft and flavour at The Wood Norton

This commitment to collaboration and creativity is perfectly reflected in Glynn and Tonic, an exclusive evening hosted by Anna & Aga on Saturday 28 February. Limited to just 20 guests, the event begins with a guided tasting of Hentony Gin, exploring its signature botanicals and refined flavours.

The evening continues with a specially curated dining experience by Glynn Purnell, Culinary Director at The Wood Norton and one of the UK’s most respected chefs, known for his Michelin-starred career and appearances on Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen. Guests will enjoy dishes inspired by the character and botanicals of Hentony Gin, bringing together spirits and cuisine in a truly memorable way. The event is a celebration of craftsmanship, flavour and understated elegance, and a testament to what can happen when talented local businesses come together. To book, email katiebutterworth@thewoodnorton.com.

A proud part of the Cotswolds community

Beyond its award-worthy flavour and beautifully presented bottles, Hentony Gin represents something deeper: pride in place, passion for independent enterprise, and belief in doing things well. Whether found behind the bar of a local pub, served at a special event, or enjoyed at home, each glass carries a story of collaboration, creativity and care.

In supporting Hentony Gin, customers are also supporting the wider network of small businesses, makers and venues that make the Cotswolds such a vibrant and distinctive place. It’s proof that when local businesses are nurtured, everyone benefits, from producers and partners to the communities they serve.

Hentony Gin is more than a drink; it’s a celebration of local talent, independent spirit and the enduring value of doing things properly, one bottle at a time.

∙ SHOP WITH HENTONY GIN HERE ∙

The post Hentony Gin ∙ Celebrating craft, community and independent spirit first appeared on Taste of the Cotswolds.

In fact the historic inn is the home of the pie which bore its name for many decades. Whilst the original pies ultimately became part of Pukka Pies, the Fleur de Lys team have worked hard to keep their pie legacy alive by creating the award-winning Lowsonford Pie Company – serving 11 flavours of handmade pie in the Fleur De Lys kitchen every day.

The Fleur De Lys started out as a row of three 15^th-century cottages which became canal workers’ accommodation and were later knocked together. Subsequent uses included a blacksmith’s forge and even a mortuary, from where the bodies were taken to Rowington Church in the absence of a village church at the time. The arches where they would have horse and wagons going through to build the canal can also still be seen.

Coincidentally, pies, which have been with us since the Middle Ages, were originally called ‘coffyns.’ At that time the poor ate pies made from the entrails of venison, which are called ‘umbles’ hence the expression ‘To Eat Umble Pie.’

It wasn’t until the early 20th century when the premises first opened as a tavern, later going on to introduce the ‘pioneering’ idea of serving food and giving rise to the now famous Fleur De Lys pies. The remains of the bread oven, installed in the 1930s, can still be seen at the side of the main fireplace, and it was here where the licensee at the time, began cooking his now famous Steak & Kidney and Chicken & Mushroom pies.

The Grade II listed Fleur De Lys pub first began serving pies through the infamous kitchen hatch during the 1950s, drawing crowds from all over the Midlands to sample the finest steak and kidney or chicken and mushroom pies. The pub also went on to supply its pies to chip shops all over the county, becoming a staple treat for many.

The inn was mainly frequented by farmers who’d come in for a pie and a pint after they’d finished harvesting. The licensee of The Fleur from 1950 to 1958 was Mr. Brookes, who decided to increase the scale of his venture by moving production to Emscote Mill in Warwick, and so this became the home of Fleur de Lys pie production, distributing nationwide. Indeed, most of the buildings on the Emscote Road next to the Warwick and Napton/Grand Union Canal are remembered as the home of the Fleur de Lys pie factory, also fondly associated with those familiar aromas of pie production!

But in 1964 the original pie recipe was sold to Avana Meat Products in South Wales, who were subsequently absorbed by Premier Foods. The factory at Emscote was purchased by PUKKA Pies of Syston, Leicestershire, and eventually demolished in 1993.

Determined to keep the pie legacy alive, under the auspices of current landlords Emma and Nick Woodhouse, in 2018 The Lowsonford Pie Company was born, the Fleur de Lys pies continuing tradition and once again becoming sought after – handmade and served from the Fleur De Lys kitchen.

All their artisan pies are encased in a shortcrust pastry with a puff pastry lid and, when enjoyed at the pub, come accompanied with chunky chips, seasonal veg and lashings of gravy. Uniquely, all the pies are also available to takeaway, either chilled or frozen for just £6!

The pies have also received national recognition, enjoying great success at The National Pie Awards in 2021, 2023 and 2024.

Current custodians Emma and Nick Woodhouse took over as licensees of the pub from Greene King nearly 12 years ago.

Emma said: “We’d decided to take on our first pub together and this place came up for sale. I remembered it because we used to go here when we were kids, my family would bring us here. I remember swinging on the willow trees over the canal.

“When we visited we knew immediately this place could be an absolute treasure chest. It’s the perfect location and exactly what you think an Old English country pub would be like. It’s so cozy with the log fires going in the winter and a beautiful canal-side garden to enjoy in the summer months.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved in our time here so far, making the pub much more family-focused but it’s always a work in progress.

“The village was so supportive of us and that first night that we were here, they all came out in force to greet us. Despite certain changes over the years, we have tried hard to keep honouring the character of the building. But the biggest compliment for us is when people say, ‘oh, I used to come here in the 50s for a pie through the kitchen hatch, and it’s just the same as it was then, but a bit nicer!’

“We strive to make people feel like they’re home away from home, so that whenever you’re here, there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.”

A Fleur de Lys is an ancient heraldic symbol of a lily flower with three petals. It can also mean an iris, which is botanically more correct as they do have three petals. It features on many coats of arms, including that of the British Royal Family.

∙ BOOK YOUR TABLE AND STOP BY FOR A PIE HERE ∙

The post The Fleur de Lys ∙ Lifting the lid on inn’s famous pie history first appeared on Taste of the Cotswolds.

Seasonal by nature

Set within the grounds of the estate, the garden is thoughtfully planned to reflect the changing seasons, providing a steady supply of produce that evolves throughout the year. The kitchen team builds menus around what’s growing locally and at its best, embracing a natural, seasonal approach that places freshness front and centre.

By harvesting little and often, ingredients can be picked at their peak and used straight away, giving the chef complete confidence in both quality and flavour. Everything grown in the garden is organic, nurtured without chemicals or pesticides, and handled with care from soil to plate. This approach not only enhances taste, but also helps reduce waste, ensuring only what’s needed is taken from the garden at any one time.

A wider commitment to nature

Burleigh Court’s environmental focus extends beyond the vegetable beds. The estate is also home to the Burleigh bees, with three hives carefully looked after on site. These busy pollinators thrive among the hotel’s gardens and the surrounding countryside, drawing from a rich mix of plants and wildflowers.

The result is a distinctive, naturally produced honey that reflects the landscape it comes from. Bottled and available to purchase at reception, it offers guests a delicious reminder of Burleigh Court’s connection to its environment.

From garden-grown produce to thriving hives, Burleigh Court’s thoughtful approach to sustainability ensures that nature, flavour and responsibility are always beautifully intertwined.

∙ BOOK YOUR CULINARY EXPERIENCE AT BURLEIGH COURT ∙

The post The Chef’s Garden at Burleigh Court ∙ Commitment to sustainability first appeared on Taste of the Cotswolds.

This month marks an exciting milestone for Hentony, as the brand joins the Craft Gin Club community with two spectacular festive spirits. Members unboxing their December boxes are discovering Hentony Festive Gin and Hentony Festive Rum – a glamorous pair of limited-release drinks that bring a touch of Polish heritage and Cotswold charm to Christmas celebrations.

∙ ORDER YOUR FESTIVE HENTONY GIN TODAY ∙

Born from the close friendship of Anna Kiryla and Agnieszka Niedzwiedz, Hentony is a distillery shaped by shared history, bold experimentation, and a willingness to start small and grow slowly. Originally from Lublin in southeastern Poland, Anna and Agnieszka relocated to Evesham in the Vale of Evesham more than twenty years ago. Over time, they fell in love with the region’s friendly market-town spirit, rich food culture, and the local enthusiasm for craft gin – something that had yet to take off back home.

Fuelled by curiosity, the pair began exploring the world of botanicals from the bottom shelf up – tasting supermarket gins, visiting tastings and festivals, and eventually taking part in a gin-making class. That hands-on experience rekindled the chemistry of their university years in food science, sparking a new idea: why not make a spirit that felt classic and elegant, yet had a flavour profile unlike anything else they had tried?

Slowly, they worked through recipes with the help of a contract distillery, crafting a gin built on juniper, lavender, grapefruit and three types of peppercorn. When the final recipe was finished, the first bottle happened to land on Anna’s birthday, with the contract signed on Agnieszka’s – a serendipitous moment that set the tone for what Hentony would become.

The name itself reflects their roots: Hentony combines Henry, Agnieszka’s son, and Antony, Anna’s. Though stylish and sophisticated, the brand is tied to something personal and heartfelt – a reminder that creativity can be both luxurious and sentimental.

∙ ORDER YOUR FESTIVE HENTONY GIN TODAY ∙

Since launching in 2021, Hentony has grown into a locally treasured name in the Vale of Evesham. The distillery is owned and operated by just the two founders and frequently collaborates with local organisations, charities and businesses – even using a bicycle for local gin deliveries. Alongside their signature London Dry Gin, the range has expanded to include expressions like Lemon & Black Lime Gin, inspired by a request from a loyal customer, and Honey Old Tom Gin, created with a neighbouring beekeeper.

Despite juggling full-time careers, Anna and Agnieszka take a deliberately slow approach to growth. Their focus is on quality, visibility, and community, preferring to meet people at festivals and markets, listen to feedback, and build a brand with depth and story rather than rushing to scale.

Now, with the December Gin and Rum of the Month selections, Hentony takes its biggest step to date: entering the homes of Craft Gin Club members nationwide. The festive releases are inspired by a traditional Polish Christmas cake called Piernik – a layered gingerbread flavoured with almond paste and plum jam. That combination of spices, fruit and sweet warmth forms the soul of both spirits.

Hentony Festive Gin brings a refined, elegant expression with citrus brightness, cacao and almond layered over Christmas spices. Hentony Festive Rum is richer and more indulgent, highlighting jammy plum alongside cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. Individually, each is a celebration of the season; together, they form a pair that echoes the strength of the partnership behind the brand.

The bottles themselves reflect another tradition from the founders’ heritage. In Poland, cut crystal glassware is a symbol of celebration, luxury and familial pride – something treasured and passed between generations. Hentony’s cut-glass style bottles honour that tradition while giving the spirits the kind of dramatic presence that deserves centre stage on a festive bar trolley. The label artwork also nods to where Anna and Agnieszka first met: two goats climbing a juniper bush – a playful twist on the goat seen on Lublin’s coat of arms.

∙ ORDER YOUR FESTIVE HENTONY GIN TODAY ∙

Behind the polish and presentation is a remarkable story of friendship and persistence. Anna and Agnieszka share a motto: “Don’t stop me” … “I won’t even try.” It represents the supportive energy that has carried them from university labs to England, through the balancing act of full-time work and late-night recipe testing, and now into thousands of Craft Gin Club boxes across the country.

For members, Hentony offers more than great spirits – it offers a glimpse into the founders’ shared history, their love for the Vale of Evesham, and a tradition of flavour that spans countries and cultures. However it’s enjoyed – curled up by the fire, poured for friends on Christmas Eve, or shared as a post-dinner treat – these are spirits designed to be part of moments, not just cocktails.

And like Anna and Agnieszka themselves, the Hentony Festive Gin and Rum are charming individually – but stronger together.

The post Hentony joins Craft Gin Club first appeared on Taste of the Cotswolds.

This award places LegaSea among the world’s most elite Grenache wines, recognised for its structure, elegance, and innovation. Judged by a panel of Masters of Wine and leading sommeliers, the competition celebrates excellence and craftsmanship across the globe.

The Global Grenache Masters is one of the most respected wine competitions in the world, with thousands of entries each year and only a small percentage reaching Master status. The 2025 edition, held in London, spotlighted exceptional Grenache expressions, with LegaSea standing out for its refined balance and the originality of its underwater aging process.

Produced by ElixSea Wines in Priorat, Spain, LegaSea is aged under the sea where the darkness, temperature, and gentle marine currents contribute to its evolution. The result is a wine of deep character and harmony, a meeting of land and sea in every glass.

“To be recognised with a Master medal is an extraordinary honour,” said Geri and Mariona, founders of ElixSea Wines. “This award is a testament to our team’s passion, precision, and pursuit of excellence in every bottle we make.”

As the exclusive UK importer, Siren’s Amphora in the Cotswolds proudly represents ElixSea’s underwater-aged collection, bringing these extraordinary wines to British consumers and trade partners.

“LegaSea truly embodies the spirit of discovery,” said Simona Fiscu, co-founder of Siren’s Amphora. “It’s a wine that connects innovation, tradition, and the timeless rhythm of the sea and we’re thrilled to see it receive such well-deserved recognition.”

LegaSea and other ElixSea wines are available through www.sirensamphora.com.

The post Underwater Aged Wine, LegaSea Triumphs with Master Medal at the Global Grenache Masters 2025 first appeared on Taste of the Cotswolds.