Our favourite winter recipes and seasonal food spots in The Cotswolds

Image credit: Raymond Blanc

Cooking with the seasons and choosing local suppliers has become popular over the years as a more sustainable way of enjoying food. Living in The Cotswolds, surrounded by beautiful countryside and having locally produced ingredients easily available, it’s become almost a habit to cook what’s in season. You’ll notice that many restaurants and cafes in the area take this approach with their menus too.

We’re sharing just a few of our favourite food spots that pride themselves on creating seasonal menus using local produce, as well as winter recipes we’ll be using this December.

Seasonal food spots in The Cotswolds

Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons

Combining gardens and gastronomy in the countryside, Le Manoir is a beautiful place in The Cotswolds focussed on sustainability, cooking with the seasons and fantastic food. A haven away from home, their double Michelin-starred restaurant is a Cotswolds foodie destination, and has a Green Michelin star which is awarded to restaurants going above and beyond in their sustainable practices. Their festive six course menu features pumpkin, truffled hens egg, roast duck breast, artisanal cheeses and so much more. A real treat and unique dining experience with stunning Christmas decor, definitely book a visit to Le Manoir this winter season.

The Fox at Oddington

The Fox at Oddington has recently reopened after a revamp and is celebrating winter with a seasonal menu celebrating artisan produce. Using exceptional ingredients from the inn’s sister farms at Daylesford Organic and Wootton estate, plus seasonal produce from British growers and producers, The Fox has a true gastropub menu which will make for a gorgeous treat meal out!

The New Inn at Coln St Aldwyns

One of our favourite pubs in The Cotswolds, The New Inn at Coln St Aldwyns is a staple for its fantastic food and atmosphere. While renowned for its burgers, with all meat sourced through a local butcher, its core menu also celebrates great British ingredients.

For more pub recommendations which you can pair with a bracing and beautiful winter walk, check out our journal here.

Tivoli in Cheltenham

For a quintessential winter dining experience, The Tivoli in Cheltenham offers an irresistible blend of charm and warmth. Set within a beautifully designed space, the pub’s relaxed and inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect escape from the winter chill. Under new owners, The Tivoli takes pride in its seasonal offerings, featuring heartwarming dishes like slow-braised lamb shank with root vegetables and indulgent desserts such as sticky toffee pudding with winter spice sauce.

The Stump

The Stump is the perfect winter retreat for a cosy and satisfying meal. With its warm, rustic charm and wood-fired oven, the restaurant welcomes guests into an inviting atmosphere that beats the chill outside. Known for its seasonal menus, The Stump serves up hearty dishes crafted from locally-sourced ingredients, with their artisanal pizzas and winter specials like slow-cooked stews taking center stage.

Our favourite winter recipes

Raymond Blanc's apple tart

Raymond Blanc’s recipes are our favourite for some inspirational seasonal cooking. The recipes are sorted by season and focus on taking classic recipes to a new level. Some winter highlights include fish pie, roast duck and bread and butter pudding. However, winter is the season where apples become a staple ingredient. While the flavour is typically mixed with gorgeous warming spices, we love Raymond Blanc’s apple tart recipe which celebrates the apple and lets it truly shine. While a classic and simple dessert, it will always be a crowd pleaser.

Delia's roast potatoes

Perfect roast potatoes are the star and staple of any roast dinner. With all those extra trimmings of a Christmas dinner however, there’s a lot extra to cook up so choosing recipes which are simple and delicious is key! For that, Delia Smith’s roast potatoes recipe has become a firm family favourite over the years. With tasty sprinklings of garlic and rosemary, this recipe is super easy and the results, delicious!

Festive mulled Pimms

While Pimms is known as the drink of British summers, it’s notes of caramelised orange and warm spices actually make it the perfect liqueur for winter tipples. This mulled Pimms recipe concocted by The Cotswolds Company is absolutely gorgeous. Adding even more spices and orange then mixing with more traditional flavours of brandy and apple, this is the perfect cup of Christmas cheer!

Cotswold White Chicken with Brassicas and Smoked Bacon

Created by Adam Smith, the Michelin-star-winning executive chef at Coworth Park. This dish is a flavorful and hearty winter meal featuring Cotswold White chicken, which is known for its quality and taste. The chicken is cooked with aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, along with garlic, to enhance its flavor. Smoked bacon or pancetta is used to add a rich, savory depth. The dish is certain to become a yearly staple for you once you’ve tried it, you can find the full recipe here.

Panettone

From David Atherton, the winner of the Great British Bake Off, comes this amazing Panettone recipe. This traditional Italian Christmas bread is sweet, fluffy, and rich in flavor. David Atherton's recipe offers a festive twist on this classic, making it perfect for the holiday season. It's a wonderful treat to enjoy during the festive period, either as a dessert or a sweet breakfast option.