Experience a special Figuière wine dinner at Vinotopia in Nailsworth

Wine lovers are invited to embark on a culinary journey to the South of France on 26 June as Aureum Catering hosts a special Figuière Wine Dinner, celebrating the flavours, aromas, and relaxed elegance of Provence.

Taking place at 7pm on Friday 26 June at Vinotopia in Nailsworth, the evening will welcome Magali from Figuière, the renowned family-owned wine estate based in La Londe on the stunning Côte d’Azur. Known for producing elegant and expressive Côtes-de-Provence wines, Figuière has earned an international reputation for crafting wines that perfectly capture the character and spirit of the Mediterranean.

Guests will have the opportunity to discover a carefully selected range of Figuière wines, guided by Magali herself. Throughout the evening, she will share insights into the estate’s history, winemaking philosophy, and the unique terroir that influences each bottle.

∙ BOOK YOUR PROVENCE EXPERIENCE HERE ∙

∙ A CELEBRATION OF PROVENCE ∙

The event has been designed to bring together exceptional wines and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a relaxed and sociable setting.

Alongside the wine tasting experience, guests will enjoy a generous sharing-style grazing dinner created by Aureum Catering. Drawing inspiration from the fresh and colourful flavours of the Mediterranean, the menu will showcase seasonal ingredients and dishes designed to complement the wines perfectly.

The sharing format encourages guests to relax, connect, and savour the evening in true Provençal style, where good food, fine wine, and great company come together around the table.

∙ MEET THE WINEMAKER ∙

One of the highlights of the evening will be the chance to meet Magali and learn more about the Figuière story. As a family-owned estate, Figuière is passionate about expressing the natural beauty of Provence through its wines, producing bottles that are celebrated for their freshness, balance, and elegance.

For wine enthusiasts and those simply looking for a memorable evening out, the event offers a rare opportunity to enjoy expert guidance directly from the source while discovering some of Provence’s most distinctive wines.

∙ AN EVENING OF FOOD, WINE AND FRIENDSHIP ∙

Whether guests are seasoned wine lovers or simply enjoy discovering new flavours, the Figuière Wine Dinner promises an evening of relaxed hospitality, exceptional pairings, and Mediterranean charm.

Tickets are priced at just £55 per person, representing excellent value for an immersive food and wine experience guided by one of Provence’s most respected wine estates. Spaces are expected to be limited, and early booking is recommended.

∙ BOOK YOUR PROVENCE EXPERIENCE HERE ∙

In recent years, the Cotswolds has become one of the UK’s most exciting culinary destinations. Increasingly, some of Britain’s most accomplished chefs are choosing to bring their talent, creativity and reputation to the region, transforming it into a hotspot for exceptional dining.

From Michelin-starred pioneers to television favourites, the Cotswolds has become a place where world-class chefs can showcase their skills against a backdrop of outstanding local produce, artisan drinks and a countryside lifestyle that values quality over speed.

∙ WHY THE COTSWOLDS ATTRACTS GREAT CHEFS ∙

The answer begins with the ingredients. In the Cotswolds exceptional produce is in abundance. Award-winning farm produce, orchard fruits, artisan breads, locally brewed ales, craft spirits and English wines are all within easy reach of the region’s kitchens.

But it is more than just the food. From local food lovers to visitors from across the UK and far beyond, the Cotswolds attracts people who appreciate quality, authenticity, and memorable experiences. The area’s collection of luxury hotels, country house retreats, and destination restaurants provides the perfect stage for chefs to create something special.

The result is a culinary scene that punches far above its weight, attracting some of the most respected names in British gastronomy.

∙ GLYNN PURNELL AT THE WOOD NORTON ∙

Few chefs are as instantly recognisable as Glynn Purnell. Known affectionately as the “Yummy Brummie”, Purnell earned a Michelin star for his Birmingham restaurant and became a household name through appearances on Saturday Kitchen, Great British Menu, and numerous other television programmes.

As Culinary Director at The Wood Norton, he has brought his trademark style to the Fleur de Lys Brasserie, combining seasonal British ingredients with bold flavours, creativity and a playful approach to presentation. His involvement has added a genuine touch of culinary stardust to one of Worcestershire’s most elegant country house hotels.

∙ DAVID EVERITT-MATTHIAS AT LE CHAMPIGNON SAUVAGE ∙

Few chefs command as much respect within culinary circles as David Everitt-Matthias.

His celebrated Cheltenham restaurant, Le Champignon Sauvage, has held Michelin-star recognition for decades and is widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest restaurants.

Known for his meticulous technique, deep respect for ingredients and unwavering pursuit of excellence, Everitt-Matthias has become one of the most influential figures in modern British cooking. His presence on the edge of the Cotswolds helps anchor the region’s reputation among serious food lovers.

∙ CHARLES SMITH AT LORDS OF THE MANOR ∙

At the beautiful Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter, Charles Smith has established himself as one of the region’s most exciting culinary talents.

Having earned widespread acclaim for his refined cooking and elegant interpretation of modern British cuisine, Smith’s menus celebrate the seasons and showcase the very best ingredients available from local producers. His work has helped maintain Lords of the Manor’s position as one of the Cotswolds’ most respected dining destinations.

∙ LUKE RAWICKI AT THE FEATHERS ∙

The new generation of culinary talent is equally well represented by Luke Rawicki at The Feathers in Woodstock.

Rawicki has earned a growing reputation for inventive, ingredient-led cooking that balances technical precision with creativity. His approach reflects a new wave of chefs who are helping to redefine modern British dining while remaining deeply connected to the produce and producers around them.

His work demonstrates that the Cotswolds is not only attracting established culinary stars, but is also nurturing the next generation of exceptional talent.

…and last but by no means least:

∙ JAMES MARTIN AT THE LYGON ARMS ∙

Television viewers across the country know James Martin as one of Britain’s most popular chefs.

Having built a hugely successful television career spanning more than two decades, Martin’s influence on British food is undeniable. At The Lygon Arms in Broadway, his restaurant showcases the classic cooking and quality ingredients that have made him such a trusted and beloved figure.

His presence reinforces the Cotswolds’ growing reputation as a destination capable of attracting some of the biggest names in the industry.

∙ THE TALENT DOESN’T STOP THERE ∙

Of course, the Cotswolds’ food and drink scene extends far beyond a handful of famous names. One of the reasons the region has become such an exciting culinary destination is the depth of talent found throughout its restaurants, cafés, distilleries, vineyards, and artisan producers.

Chefs such as James Erasmus at The Feathered Nest Inn continue to earn national acclaim for his ingredient-led cooking, while at Whatley Manor, Executive Chef Ricki Weston is building upon the hotel’s exceptional gastronomic reputation with refined, creative menus that celebrate the best of British produce.

The region is also home to a growing number of independent food and drink brands helping to shape the Cotswolds’ culinary identity. At Josser, they’re championing modern, sustainable dining with a focus on quality ingredients and thoughtful alfresco hospitality in Cirencester, while Roots + Seeds has become one of the area’s most loved café and restaurant brands, known for its commitment to sustainability, local sourcing and wholesome, flavour-packed food.

Meanwhile, the Cotswolds’ drinks scene continues to flourish thanks to producers like Hentony Gin, creating award-winning spirits inspired by the Worcestershire countryside, and the internationally recognised Cotswolds Distillery, whose whisky and gin have helped put the region firmly on the global drinks map. Coffee lovers are equally well served by businesses such as Ritual Coffee Roasters, whose expertly roasted coffees have developed a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.

Wine is also becoming an increasingly important part of the story. Poulton Hill Estate is among a growing number of vineyards demonstrating that the Cotswolds and surrounding counties can produce wines of remarkable quality, adding yet another layer to the area’s rich food and drink offering.

Together, these chefs, growers, producers, roasters, distillers, and winemakers create an extraordinary culinary ecosystem, one that continues to attract visitors, inspire chefs and cement the Cotswolds’ reputation as one of Britain’s most exciting food destinations.

∙ MARTIN BURGE AND JOHN INGRAM AT THE FARNCOMBE ESTATE ∙

Behind Farncombe Estate‘s reputation as one of the Cotswolds’ leading food destinations is the partnership of Culinary Director Martin Burge and Executive Chef John Ingram. Burge, who previously held two Michelin stars for seven years at Whatley Manor, brings a wealth of experience and culinary expertise, while Ingram oversees the day-to-day delivery of the estate’s ambitious food offering. Together, they have created a dining destination that spans three distinctive hotels, each with its own character and culinary identity.

From the refined tasting menus and seasonal British cooking of Dormy House’s Garden Room, to the bespoke dining experiences at Foxhill Manor and the relaxed seafood-focused menus at Hook at The Fish Hotel, their shared vision has helped establish Farncombe Estate as a place where exceptional food sits at the heart of the guest experience.

∙ A REGION AT THE TOP OF ITS GAME ∙

What makes the Cotswolds food scene so exciting is the combination of superstar chefs, outstanding local producers and passionate independent businesses. It is a region where Michelin-starred expertise sits comfortably alongside artisan cheesemakers, local farmers, craft brewers, vineyard owners and small-batch distillers.

Together, they create an ecosystem that allows great chefs to thrive while giving visitors extraordinary culinary experiences.

For food lovers, the message is simple. The Cotswolds is no longer just one of Britain’s most beautiful places to visit, it is also one of its most delicious.

At Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, dining is not simply an experience, it is a carefully considered journey shaped by seasonality, sustainability and a deep respect for provenance. At the heart of this philosophy sits The Dining Room, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where modern British cuisine is elevated through precision, creativity and a strong connection to the land that surrounds it.

Set within the elegant surroundings of the manor, The Dining Room offers a calm, refined space where the focus remains firmly on the food. The atmosphere is understated yet luxurious, allowing each course to take centre stage, while attentive, knowledgeable service ensures the experience feels both seamless and deeply personal.

∙ BOOK YOUR TABLE HERE ∙

A menu rooted in seasonality and sustainability

Sustainability is not a passing trend at Whatley Manor, it is embedded in every aspect of the kitchen’s approach. Much of the produce is sourced locally, with ingredients often grown in the hotel’s own kitchen garden or foraged from the surrounding countryside. This close relationship with nature allows the menus to evolve constantly, reflecting what is at its very best at any given moment.

The result is a style of cooking that feels both contemporary and grounded, where flavour, texture and origin are given equal importance. It is an approach that not only reduces environmental impact, but also creates a more meaningful and connected dining experience.

∙ BOOK YOUR TABLE HERE ∙

The new tasting menus

The latest menus at The Dining Room continue this philosophy, offering a choice of beautifully curated tasting experiences. The nine-course menu is a journey through both land and sea, beginning with delicate combinations such as cheese & onion and Sturia caviar, before moving through dishes including Brixham crab, foraged mushroom and Orkney scallop, and culminating in “beef from the manor”, a clear nod to the estate’s own produce

From there, the experience transitions into a thoughtful finish, with truffled Tunworth cheese, followed by desserts such as honey with preserved plum, and a light, elegant conclusion of sheep’s yoghurt & tulip, ice cream sandwich and citrus tea

A shorter six-course menu offers a more concise version of this journey, retaining the same focus on quality and seasonality while allowing for a slightly lighter experience

In addition, alternative menus ensure inclusivity without compromise. The pescatarian menu introduces dishes such as Cornish lobster alongside the signature elements of the main menu, while the vegetarian and plant-based menus showcase the kitchen’s creativity with ingredients like salt baked celeriac, Jerusalem artichoke and BBQ cauliflower, demonstrating that plant-led dining can be just as complex, indulgent and satisfying.

∙ BOOK YOUR TABLE HERE ∙

Dining with purpose

What truly sets The Dining Room apart is the sense of purpose behind every plate. The emphasis on sustainable sourcing, reduced waste and thoughtful ingredient selection is not just about responsibility, it enhances the dining experience itself. Each dish tells a story, not only of flavour, but of place, season and careful stewardship.

At Whatley Manor, luxury and sustainability exist in perfect balance. The Dining Room is a reflection of this ethos, a space where exceptional cuisine, environmental awareness and genuine hospitality come together to create something quietly remarkable.

For those looking for a dining experience that feels both refined and forward-thinking, The Dining Room offers a compelling and memorable destination in the heart of the Cotswold countryside.