The Cotswolds

Food Tourism in the Cotswolds

Forget the fleeting thrill of tourist trinkets and the hurried snapshots of iconic sights. Today’s traveller craves deeper immersion and experiences that linger.

For some, travel is about ticking off iconic landmarks, and for those travellers we have an abundance of beautiful landmarks in the Cotswolds. But a growing tribe of globetrotters craves deeper immersion, an experience beyond souvenirs and selfies. This yearning has fuelled the rise of culinary tourism, where food becomes the passport to a culture’s heart and soul.

For food tourists, it’s less about the individual dishes and more about the immersive experience. They crave the thrill of discovery, the exhilaration of trying something new, and the deeper connection to a culture that comes from sharing a meal.

In the realm of culinary exploration in the UK, few regions shine as brightly as the Cotswolds. Here, gastronomy isn’t merely a fuel for the body, but a gateway to the heart and soul of the area. With fields of plump strawberries bathed in Cotswold sunshine, fruit orchards in their thousands, vineyards with row after row of grapes to be turned into English wine, to mention but a few… a sip or a bite of each is an ode to generations who nurtured this land and coaxed forth the fruit of their labour.

When you next visit the Cotswolds, venture beyond the postcard-perfect villages and attractions and discover a treasure of culinary delights. Wander through bustling farmers’ markets, vibrant kaleidoscopes of colour and aroma, where plump cheeses vie for attention, and crusty loaves are still warm from the oven.

Seek out hidden gems like –

A Green Michelin-starred chef ∙ The Dining Room at Whatley Manor is amongst the first UK restaurants to be recognised by Michelin with their new distinction, a Green Star.
A winery where Cotswold sunshine is bottled in each sip ∙ Visit Poulton Hill Estate for a taste of fine English wine.
An award-winning curry ∙ Head Chef, Indunil Upatissa, at The Noel Arms has been awarded the Great British Pub Awards for Best Curry Chef three times.
Arguably the best fish finger sandwich in the Cotswolds ∙ Made by the brilliant chef at The Cotswold Outpost.
A first class vegan afternoon tea ∙ Enjoyed by Cotswolds Concierge at Buckland Manor.
A celebrity chef with his own restaurant ∙ Grill by James Martin at The Lygon Arms takes you on a culinary journey with each dish drawing inspiration from seasonal, local and artisanal produce.
A manor house with an incredible vegetable garden ∙ At Mallory Court they firmly believe in using what they have on their doorstep and their chefs take great pride and pleasure in using the organically grown, seasonal produce from their own kitchen gardens

…and many, many, many more.

Travelling the Cotswolds with a curious palate isn’t just a journey; it’s a quest for memories that linger long after you’ve returned home. So, pack your sense of adventure and stoke your culinary curiosity. Let the Cotswolds tantalise your taste buds, nourish your soul, and unravel its vibrant tale – one delicious bite at a time.

Alfresco

The Field Kitchen ∙ Outdoor dining at The Slaughters Country Inn

24 July 2024 ∙ Today we had the pleasure of enjoying the new alfresco dining concept at The Slaughters Country Inn in Lower Slaughter. Their new edition to the culinary offering is The Field Kitchen, a cute horse box on the lawn in the garden with a Gozney to make delicious flatbreads and bagels.

The taste of rural luxury

The Slaughters Country Inn with its charming garden, beautiful Cotswold stone building, and stunning Cotswold village views has always been a destination for those seeking a taste of rural luxury, and The Field Kitchen is no exception.

Fabulous flatbreads

The menu in The Field Kitchen offers a delightful selection of freshly prepared dishes, perfect for sharing or indulging in solo. Their stonebaked flatbreads stood out especially when we were making our choices, with a crispy base and a variety of tempting toppings. We went for the Whipped Chickpea with artichokes and black garlic, and the Vegan Feta with sun-blushed tomato and chargrilled courgette, a choice we were very happy to have made when we got to the eating part of our outing.

Liam, who was manning the horse box when we arrived and made sure we knew exactly what we could expect from all the dishes on offer, expertly created and cooked our chosen flatbreads in the Gozney.

Utterly delicious

The flatbreads were light and crispy, generously spread, one with tangy tomato sauce, one with airily whipped chickpea. The crumbled vegan feta, with its salty tang, was a delicious rich contrast to the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes and the chargrilled courgette chunks that also gave a sweet and smoky, slightly charred flavour and a welcome textural element. The artichokes brought a meaty texture and a slightly sweet, earthiness that complements the creamy chickpea base beautifully. A scattering of peppery rocket added a fresh kick, the black garlic complex sweetness with a hint of umami, balancing the overall taste profile. Both were sophisticated, contemporary twists on classic Mediterranean flavours… and absolutely delicious!

Also on the menu were toasted bagels, showcasing a creative blend of classic and contemporary ingredients, and four varieties of scrummy Cornish ice cream treats.

Amazing and alfresco

The Field Kitchen at The Slaughters Country Inn is more than just a dining experience; it’s a celebration of the outdoors, good food, and atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a leisurely afternoon snack, or a fun-filled family day out, The Field Kitchen will leave you full and satisfied. We can’t wait to return and explore more of the items on the menu.

No need to book for The Field Kitchen, but check out The Slaughters Country Inn’s website for more information about their food, events, and rooms here: www.theslaughtersinn.co.uk

Evesham

Savour the flavours of the Cotswolds at The Wood Norton

Nestled within a historic country manor, The Wood Norton offers a dining experience that delights the senses and celebrates the bounty of the Cotswolds. Embark on a culinary journey where seasonal flavours, locally sourced ingredients, and warm hospitality create an unforgettable symphony of taste.

A feast for the eyes and the palate

Step into the elegant dining room, where refined ambience blends seamlessly with the estate’s rich history. Talented chefs, inspired by the region’s best produce, craft menus that evolve with the seasons. Expect artfully presented dishes that showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients, bursting with flavour.

From afternoon tea to fine dining

Whether you’re seeking a delightful Afternoon Tea, a relaxed lunch with friends, or an intimate fine-dining experience, The Wood Norton caters to every occasion. Indulge in traditional afternoon tea favourites, savour innovative dishes crafted with a contemporary flair, or explore their expertly curated wine list for the perfect pairing.

Exceptional service, unforgettable setting

The Wood Norton’s attentive staff ensures impeccable service that complements the exquisite cuisine. Whether dining indoors or al fresco on the terrace amidst manicured gardens, the atmosphere is as inviting as the menu.

A culinary destination

The Wood Norton’s restaurant is more than just the setting for a meal; it’s an immersive experience. Celebrate a special occasion, gather with loved ones, or simply savour a taste of the Cotswolds’ finest. From the first bite to the last sip, discover why The Wood Norton is a culinary destination for discerning diners.

Book the experience

Make your reservation today and embark on a culinary adventure at The Wood Norton.

The Cotswolds

Unveiling the spirit of The Boutique Distillery

Right in the heart of the Cotswolds, lies a distillery fueled by passion, sustainability, and a dash of moonshine history. This isn’t your average spirit maker; this is The Boutique Distillery, where eco-conscious practices meet award-winning gins and rums, each sip whispering a tale of craftsmanship and terroir.

Their story begins, not in gleaming stills, but in the backyard of a local moonshiner. It was here, back in the 1980s, that the distillery’s founder learned the art of coaxing magic from grains and molasses. Organic produce, pure mountain water, and a hand-built copper still – these were the humble beginnings of a spirit named No.45, a bold, unfiltered whiskey that laid the foundation for their future endeavors.

Fast forward to 2018, and a new chapter unfolds. The Boutique Distillery is born, resurrecting the legendary No.45 and breathing life into “Ginavive,” a one-of-a-kind copper still destined to craft spirits worthy of global acclaim. Sustainability becomes their cornerstone. Malvern Hill Spring water, chosen for its purity and Queen Elizabeth’s royal approval, flows through systems powered by 100% renewable energy. Upcycled materials find new life in their stills, showcasing the beauty of resourcefulness.

And the spirits? They’re a symphony of flavour, meticulously composed using small-batch methods and hand-bottled with love. Their Dry Gin, a multi-award winner, leads the dance with juniper’s regal presence, followed by a playful spice, floral whispers of lavender and chamomile, and a zesty citrus finale. Each bottle, numbered and adorned with hand-dipped wax, speaks of their artisanal dedication.

But it isn’t just gin that graces their shelves. The HAKA Premium Rum, born during lockdown 3.0, tantalizes with notes of ripe banana, caramel, vanilla, and smoky oak, a testament to their mastery of diverse spirits. And their latest creation, the Pink Raspberry & Hibiscus Gin, celebrates local botanicals and fresh raspberries, adding a luscious depth to every sip.

The Boutique Distillery’s journey continues in 2023, marked by exciting collaborations with Cotswold farmers to create personalised spirits using their farm-fresh bounty. Their story has even captivated the hearts of Countryfile viewers, painting a picture of rural passion and a love for the land.

So, when you raise a glass of their award-winning gin or rum, know that you’re not just savouring a delicious spirit; you’re tasting the culmination of decades of tradition, eco-conscious innovation, and unwavering dedication to craft. It’s a taste of Gloucestershire, bottled with love, ready to fill your glass and your spirit with the warmth of The Boutique Distillery’s passion. Visit The Boutique Distillery.