In a region known for its rolling countryside, creative makers, and strong sense of community, Anna and Aga of Hentony Gin stands out as shining examples of what independent, locally rooted businesses and people can achieve. Crafted with care and attention to detail by the inspirational women who are both originally from Poland and now live in the Vale of Evesham, Hentony Gin reflects the spirit of the Cotswolds: thoughtful, refined and deeply connected to its surroundings.

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 Fleur de Lys pub might be in the quiet village of Lowsonford, but it’s making a big noise in the pie-making world – boasting a proud heritage which is now famous the world over.

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 ∙

Sustainability sits at the heart of life at Burleigh Court, shaping everything from how the estate is cared for to the food served in its restaurant. Nowhere is this more evident than in the hotel’s much-loved kitchen garden, often referred to as the chef’s garden, which plays a central role in bringing fresh, flavour-led dishes to the table.

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 ∙