Vegan

Foraging in the Cotswolds ∙ A seasonal guide

The rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages of the Cotswolds provide an idyllic backdrop for a unique outdoor pursuit: foraging. Our captivating region, with its diverse habitats – meadows, hedgerows, ancient forests, and waterways – offers a rich ecosystem teeming with edible wild plants and fungi.

Why forage in the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds presents an ideal environment for foraging enthusiasts. The region boasts a remarkable diversity of habitats, ensuring a wide range of edible species thrive. The fertile soil and favourable climate create optimal conditions for plant growth, while relatively low pollution levels guarantee the safety and purity of the foraged bounty.

The presence of ancient woodlands adds another layer of ecological richness, providing a unique habitat for a variety of edible plants and fungi. Moreover, the Cotswolds has a long-standing tradition of foraging, with local knowledge and expertise passed down through generations.

Embarking on your foraging adventure

Foraging workshops are widely available throughout the Cotswolds, offering a safe and informative introduction to this rewarding pursuit. Many hotels and venues, nestled amidst picturesque fields and ancient woodlands, incorporate foraging tours and workshops into their guest experiences. These guided excursions provide valuable insights into the local flora and fauna, enabling participants to discover the hidden treasures of the Cotswolds countryside while learning about sustainable harvesting practices.

∙ BOOK A FORAGING EXPERIENCE IN THE COTSWOLDS HERE ∙

For the more adventurous, the Cotswolds offers ample opportunities for independent foraging. With its abundance of public spaces, hedgerows, and footpaths, the region is a veritable treasure trove for those willing to explore. Remember to equip yourself with a foraging basket, a pair of scissors, sturdy walking shoes, and a waterproof jacket before venturing out.

A seasonal foraging guide

The Cotswolds offers a seasonal bounty of edible delights.

Spring: Embrace the vibrant flavours of spring with ramps (wild leeks), dandelion greens, and the fragrant leaves of wild garlic.
Summer: Indulge in the sweetness of summer with ripe blackberries, elderflowers, and a variety of delicious mushrooms, including chanterelles and porcini.
Autumn: Autumn brings a bounty of hazelnuts, sloes, and a diverse array of mushrooms.
Winter: While the landscape may appear dormant, winter foraging still offers rewards. Explore wild fennel, gather acorns and beech nuts, and forage for evergreen foliage such as pine needles and juniper berries. Nettles and chickweed remain viable winter greens, offering nutritious additions to soups and salads.

Important Considerations:

Always respect the land and leave no trace.
Obtain permission before foraging on private land.
Be mindful of local regulations and restrictions.
Crucially, never consume any plant or mushroom unless you are 100% certain of its identification.

By following these guidelines and embracing the spirit of responsible foraging, you can safely and sustainably enjoy the bountiful gifts of the Cotswolds countryside.

Vegan

An extraordinary dining experience at the Greenway

Our dinner at The Garden Room at The Greenway Hotel was an unforgettable culinary journey. From the moment we stepped into the fabulous space that is the hotel’s main restaurant, we loved the elegant decor as well as the refined and inviting ambience. It was the perfect setting for what was going to be a perfect evening.

Impeccable service

The service was impeccable throughout the entire meal. The staff were incredibly attentive and friendly, anticipating our needs and ensuring we felt comfortable and well-cared for. We were particularly impressed by the chef’s dedication to accommodating our dietary requirements.

While the menu offered a tempting array of dishes, the chef graciously created bespoke vegan and vegetarian options for us, demonstrating a true commitment to personalised dining experiences.

Crusty sourdough and a lentil cigar

The culinary artistry on display was truly remarkable. We began with a delightful amuse-bouche of lentil cigars, a surprising and incredibly flavourful start to the meal. The sourdough bread served alongside was fresh and crusty, accompanied by a trio of accompaniments: butter, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, adding a touch of simplicity to the refined setting.

An off-menu masterpiece

For starters, we opted for the mushroom dish, a classic that was executed with finesse, and a truly special treat in the beautifully presented beetroot terrine, created especially by the chef for us. This off-menu masterpiece was a visual and gustatory delight, a highlight of the evening.

Fine dining comfort food

For the main course, we both enjoyed the mushroom risotto. It was flavoursome, creamy and rich, light and satisfying. This was true fine-dining comfort food at its best.

To conclude the culinary adventure of this lovely evening, we had the decadent chocolate tarts with raspberry sorbet. Once again, the chef had graciously prepared a vegan version of this dessert, demonstrating a remarkable attention to detail. The rich, dark chocolate perfectly complemented the tartness of the sorbet, creating a harmonious blend of flavours that lingered long after the final bite. This dessert was another highlight of the evening, one to remember.

A truly unforgettable evening

The evening concluded with expertly brewed coffees and a selection of delightful after-dinner chocolates and jellies. Every dish, from the amuse-bouche to the final dessert, was a masterpiece of culinary artistry.

Our dining experience at The Garden Room was extraordinary. The combination of elegant ambience, impeccable service, and exceptional cuisine created an unforgettable evening. We highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a truly memorable fine-dining experience.

Vegan

A feast for the senses at Thornbury Castle

Our dinner at Thornbury Castle was an unforgettable culinary experience on a cool September evening. The restaurant is a captivating space, exuding an elegance that perfectly complements the historic setting.

The menu showcased the finest seasonal ingredients, expertly prepared into dishes that were as visually stunning as they were delicious. We began with a delightful espuma of leek and potato, followed by the vibrant pea soup. For our mains, we opted for the rich mushroom risotto and the perfectly cooked cauliflower, both showcasing the chef’s culinary artistry.

The highlight of the meal, however, was undoubtedly the dessert. The vegan raspberry cheesecake, created especially for us, was a masterpiece of flavour and presentation. The rich, dark chocolate perfectly balanced the tartness of the raspberry sorbet, leaving a lasting impression.

Beyond the exquisite food we were served, the service was impeccable. The attentive staff ensured a seamless and enjoyable dining experience, anticipating our needs and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

A visit to the kitchen garden earlier in the day further enhanced our appreciation for the culinary experience. Bursting with herbs and vegetables (and fruits, but not at this time of year), the garden is a testament to Thornbury Castle’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Witnessing the fresh produce that would soon grace our plates deepened our connection to the land and further enhanced our enjoyment of the meal.

Dining at Thornbury Castle was more than just a meal; it was a journey through the senses, a celebration of local ingredients, and a testament to the commitment to culinary excellence.

BOOK YOUR TABLE AND STAY AT THORNBURY CASTLE TODAY

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