Taste of the Cotswolds ∙ 2026

The Fox at Barrington ∙ Riverside gastro pub in the Cotswolds

Right on the banks of the River Windrush in the picturesque village of Great Barrington, The Fox at Barrington is one of those places that just feel very Cotswolds. Equal parts welcoming country pub, riverside restaurant and charming inn, The Fox is steeped in history yet refreshed for today’s guests; it combines classic rural character with outstanding food, drink and hospitality in one of the most beautiful settings we have.

Under the care of the King family and their team, who brought their passion for quality service from their sister-pub, The Angel at Burford, The Fox has become a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike. In winter, guests cosy up by the roaring log burner in the traditional stone-walled bar with a pint of real ale or a carefully chosen wine, while warmer months see diners soaking up the sunshine in the riverside garden, enjoying seasonal dishes and refreshing drinks.

The actual taste of the Cotswolds

The kitchen at The Fox places a strong emphasis on homegrown, seasonal produce, championing the very best of what the Cotswolds has to offer. Ingredients are thoughtfully sourced from local growers and producers wherever possible, keeping food miles low and quality high, and allowing the menu to shift naturally with the seasons.

This commitment to sustainability and provenance means every dish delivers an authentic taste of the Cotswolds — honest, comforting and rooted in the landscape. Much-loved pub classics are given a careful, contemporary twist, while more imaginative plates showcase the creativity of the kitchen and the richness of local ingredients. From generous, hearty mains to lighter, beautifully balanced bites, the menu is designed to suit everything from a slow, lingering lunch to a relaxed evening meal, all while reflecting a genuine respect for the land, the producers and the flavours that make this region so special.

Stay a while

For those wanting to linger a little longer, The Fox also offers seven tastefully refurbished bedrooms, providing a cosy base from which to explore the surrounding Cotswold countryside, charming villages and nearby Burford. Whether you’re planning a country escape, a special meal with friends, or simply a great local pint by the river, The Fox delivers warmth, character and that unmistakable Cotswold charm.

∙ BOOK YOUR TABLE OR STAY AT THE FOX HERE ∙

Week 1 ∙ Taste of the Cotswolds 2026

The Fox at Barrington ∙ Perfectly blending tradition with contemporary hospitality, The Fox is a must-visit destination for lovers of great food, great drink and great company in the Cotswolds.

With Taste of the Cotswolds 2026 we champion homegrown produce, local food and drink, and the people who bring it all to life. From seed in the field to fork and from the orchard to the bottle, we’re shining a light on what’s grown, made and crafted right here, supporting local producers and celebrating the flavours that truly define our region. More than ever, it’s a chance to enjoy all that the Cotswolds has to offer our taste buds, seasonal, sustainable and rooted in the outstanding, natural beauty of the landscape.

Taste of the Cotswolds ∙ 2026

An exceptional fine dining experience at The Slaughters Manor House

∙ Dining at The Slaughters Manor House needs to be on your Cotswolds ‘must-visit’-list ∙

Set in the very heart of the picturesque Lower Slaughter, The Slaughters Manor House feels every bit as idyllic as its setting. With the River Eye drifting gently past honey-coloured stone cottages and open countryside beyond, it’s a place that invites you to slow down — whether for a stroll, a drink, or an unhurried meal.

Relaxed and reassuring

Although already familiar with the manor through daytime visits and events, dinner in the restaurant felt like a long-awaited occasion. From the moment we arrived, the welcome from Restaurant Manager Conor set a relaxed and reassuring tone. Rather than the formality sometimes associated with fine dining, the atmosphere was warm, lively and comfortable. The soft hum of conversation, thoughtful acoustics and natural flow of the room made it easy to settle in and enjoy the evening without restraint.

Attentive, friendly, and perfectly timed

Service throughout was outstanding. Conor and his lovely colleague, Sophie, worked seamlessly together, delivering attentive, friendly and perfectly timed service across a busy midweek restaurant. Their calm confidence and genuine warmth elevated the experience, creating an atmosphere that felt polished yet entirely at ease.

Exceptional menus

The food, of course, was the true highlight. Having pre-advised dietary requirements, we were presented with an exceptional vegan and vegetarian menu that was both imaginative and generous. Freshly baked sourdough and focaccia, served with excellent olive oil, opened the meal, followed by elegant amuse-bouche tartlets that offered a bright, flavourful introduction.

Starters showcased freshness and finesse, from the beautifully balanced Courgette & Fig salad to a delicately constructed Pea Panna Cotta with poached egg and herb vinaigrette. The main courses were equally impressive — a richly flavoured ratatouille paired with charred vegetables, and a deeply satisfying celeriac steak with mushrooms, cabbage and black garlic sauce, proving just how exciting plant-led fine dining can be.

Finished on a high

A pear sorbet provided a refreshing pause before dessert, which finished the meal on a high. English strawberries with coconut cream, basil and gold leaf offered both visual drama and layered flavour, while a passionfruit soufflé with chocolate ice cream struck a perfect balance of lightness and intensity. Coffee and petit fours followed, rounding off a truly memorable evening.

Sustainable, uncomplicated, exceptional

Behind the scenes, Head Chef Nik Chappell brings a thoughtful, seasonal approach to the menu, with a clear focus on local produce and exceptionally executed dishes that feel refined without being overcomplicated.

Whether you’re staying at the hotel, visiting the Cotswolds, or simply looking for an outstanding restaurant to mark a special occasion, dining at The Slaughters Manor House is well worth the journey. Elegant yet welcoming, refined yet relaxed… it’s a destination restaurant that delivers on every level.

∙ BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE SLAUGHTERS MANOR HOUSE HERE ∙

Taste of the Cotswolds ∙ 2026

Lowsonford Pies at The Fleur de Lys ∙ Have a proper pie (or eleven!)

For generations, Lowsonford Pies have been synonymous with proper pub comfort food, rooted firmly in the history of The Fleur De Lys. Dating back to the 1950s, the story began when licensee Mr Brookes started baking his now-legendary chicken and mushroom and steak and kidney pies within the walls of the pub. Word travelled quickly, drawing visitors from across the Midlands who would make the journey simply for a pint and a pie, often served through the pub’s famously memorable hatch.

The heart of pie-making never left

The popularity of those original pies eventually saw them distributed far beyond Lowsonford, growing into a national name. While the original recipe moved on, the heart of pie-making never truly left the village. Today, the Fleur De Lys proudly continues that legacy with the revival of Lowsonford Pies — handcrafted once again at the home of the originals, more than 70 years on.

Eleven different kinds

Launched in 2020, the current range features 11 different flavours, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, all carefully developed to reflect traditional flavours with a modern touch. Recognition has followed, with Lowsonford Pies earning accolades at The British Pie Awards in 2021, 2023 and 2024 — including an impressive second place nationally for their Steak and Stilton pie.

A proper pub pie

Served in the pub, each pie comes encased in shortcrust pastry with a puff pastry lid and is generously accompanied by chunky chips, seasonal vegetables and a jug of gravy — exactly as a proper pub pie should be. For those who want to take a little of Lowsonford home, pies are also available to takeaway, either chilled or frozen, making it easy to stock the freezer for family visits, cosy evenings or impromptu gatherings.

∙ BOOK YOUR TABLE AT THE FLEUR DE LYS HERE ∙

Week 2 ∙ Taste of the Cotswolds 2026

Lowsonford Pies at The Fleur de Lys ∙ Whether enjoyed by the canal at the Fleur De Lys or warmed up at home, Lowsonford Pies remain a proud celebration of local tradition, honest ingredients and timeless pub food done properly.

With Taste of the Cotswolds 2026, we’re celebrating homegrown produce, local food and drink, and the people who make it happen. From fields and gardens to kitchens and cellars, the focus is firmly on what’s grown, made and crafted right here in the Cotswolds. By supporting local producers and makers, we’re championing the flavours that truly define the region. It’s an invitation to savour the Cotswolds at its best — seasonal, sustainable and deeply connected to the beauty of the landscape that surrounds it.

Our experience at The Fleur de Lys and the most delicious pies

From the moment we stepped into the Fleur de Lys in Lowsonford, we knew it was our kind of place. There’s an instant sense of warmth and welcome with cosy rooms, crackling fires, and a relaxed riverside setting that makes you want to settle in and stay a while. The menu is everything a great pub menu should be, but the real stars are the famous Lowsonford Pies. We tried the Wild Mushroom & Asparagus Pie and the Vegan Balti Pie, and both were outstanding; comforting, full of flavour and beautifully made. We loved it… really, really loved it!