Posted on May 14, 2021
Credit: Double Red Duke
With more rules relaxing next week, lots of new and exciting restaurants will be throwing open their doors to welcome visitors and bring new tastes and culinary treats to The Cotswolds. On top of this, we also have some of our favourite Cotswold foodie spots that have been running limited menus or been unable to open so far, finally welcoming everyone back.
So if you have a trip to The Cotswolds in the calendar, take a look at these restaurants and cafés we can’t wait to support as they open up from next week. Don’t forget to book a spot so you don’t miss out!
Double Red Duke
A stunning 17th century coaching house in the heart of Bampton, The Double Red Duke is the latest addition to husband and wife duo Sam and Georgie Pearman's Country Creatures portfolio. If Country Creatures rings a bell, you may have visited their other hotspots in The Cotswolds such as The Chequers at Churchill and The Swan at Ascott-under-Wychwood.
On top of launching their B&B side of the business on the 17th May, they're opening their doors to diners for the first time ever that same day. Over lockdown, Sam and George have meticulously restored this coaching house to its former glory while adding their Country Creatures stamp. You can expect lounges with log fires and deep leather arm chairs as well as a gorgeous orangery to choose from when dining indoors.
What to expect on the menu? Think decadent pub grub such as barbecued fish, steaks with a particular cut of the day, oysters, as well as your traditional fish and chips and pies.
Check out the menu and book your table over on their website.
Bao + BBQ
Another new restaurant opening on the 17th May, Bao + BBQ is bringing some exciting new tastes to Cheltenham for the summer. Open for lunch and dinner six days a week with dining set over two floors, expect Taiwanese steamed Bao buns and Texan style barbecue fused with a Taiwanese twang.
The latest in tasty cuisine from JM Socials, a collection of independent restaurants in Cheltenham and Oxford, we’re excited to try out their signature dish, the brisket bao bun.
Opening up on Regent Street in Cheltenham next Monday, head to their website to book your table.
Blockley Café
A licensed artisan café, this gorgeous glass house in Moreton-in-Marsh has everything from coffee and brunch to dinner and a stunning wine bar. From the 17th May they’ll be back with indoor brunch and lunch, a new summer menu plus their dinner service to enjoy from their stunning location.
Blockley Café has become increasingly popular over lockdown for their delectable baked treats to brighten up days spent at home or out on walks and we’re excited for the amazing dining experience they have on offer from next week too.
You can pop into the café throughout the day for coffee and food but dinner evenings are by reservation only so head to their Facebook page to book your spot.
Botanica, Cheltenham
For lovers of good coffee, beautiful brunches and tasty baked good, Botanica coffee and kitchen will be open from the 18th May. Botanica is the perfect spot for whiling away an afternoon with a good book and cup of coffee, or catching up with friends over brunch.
The coffee shop and kitchen’s interiors are aesthetically pleasing too, from plants galore in every spot you look (even hanging from the ceiling) to hardwood and marble table tops, white tiles and minimalist furniture. It’s the perfect breath of fresh air setting for those longing to get out but still stay indoors.
Check out their Instagram to book yourself in for a cuppa and brunch.
Luxe Cirencester
If you love pink and want to make one of your first indoor café trips super Instagrammable, Luxe in Cirencester is the place to go. Luxe is an independent coffee shop, situated in the heart of The Cotswolds and aims to exceed all your expectations of a normal coffee shop. With flowers and neon lights adorning the walls to the decadent sweets on offer, Luxe is a real treat-yourself destination.
They’re currently taking bookings for their Luxe cream teas which will be available now that they’re open to diners, but if you’re just in the mood for a beautiful coffee and cake, then walk-ins are welcome.
Book and peruse their website here.
The Lamb Inn
Okay, this one might not quite be opening next week but we wanted to give you the head’s up. The Lamb Inn at Shipton-under-Wychwood is reopening its doors on the 21st June and is brought to you by the amazing owners of The Bell at Langford, so you know it’s going to be worth a visit!
While they’re not accepting bookings, the menu is already live for you to peruse and drool over. Similar to The Bell, the Lamb Inn’s menu features delicious steaks, fish, wood-fired pizzas and their renowned Garlic, Parsley & Bone Marrow Flat Bread.
We can’t wait to see the new makeover, check out the full menu for yourself over on their website.