The Cotswolds has earned itself a well-deserved reputation as a foodie destination, not only for the quality of eateries throughout the area, but also for the array of produce on offer.
You will be sure to find a lovely cafe, pub or restaurant in most of the towns and villages throughout the Cotswolds, and there is a happy sprinkling of Michelin stars too.
Single Gloucester cheese and Gloucester Old Spot pork have been awarded Protected Designation of Origin status. Smart’s has become well-known for making Double Gloucester cheese but there are also a host of small independent cheese makers, famously including ex-Blur bassist Alex James.
Other local favourites include Tewkesbury mustard, Bibury trout, Stinking Bishop cheese and Hobbs House bread. This high quality produce can often be found on menus in pubs, restaurants and cafes in the Cotswolds. And now the Cotswolds has its very own spirit - Cotswolds Dry Gin. It's made at the Cotswolds Distillery and is the first ever full-scale distillery in the region. Don't miss the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky either!
Farmers’ markets take place in most of our towns, as well as some smaller Cotswold villages. Stroud Farmers’ Market has won numerous awards and spills out through the streets of Stroud every Saturday morning. Why not pick up some local produce to make up a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful rural landscapes of the Cotswolds?
Foodies will love the choice of farm shops and specialist shops such as Daylesford Organic near Kingham, William’s Fishmarket & Foodhall in Nailsworth and The Cotswold Cheese Company in Moreton in Marsh.
Cheltenham Food Festival and Tewkesbury Food Festival are becoming bigger and better each year. Both festivals provide a great day out and a chance to sample and buy local food and local ales brewed in the Cotswolds. The Big Feastival is a unique celebration of food and drink on Alex James' farm near Kingham, whilst the Wilderness Festival offers long-table banquets overseen by top chefs.
To enjoy a true flavour of the Cotswolds, don’t miss a traditional Cotswold afternoon tea either in a village tearoom or in the grand surroundings of a country hotel. For something stronger, choose a pint of local ale in a traditional country pub. The Gloucestershire Ale Trail highlights some of the Cotswolds’ outstanding craft breweries.
