Posted on May 31, 2024
Welcome to our new interview series, "The Heart of the Cotswolds". The Cotswolds is renowned for its charming villages, rolling hills, and timeless beauty. But what truly makes this region special are the people who live here.
In this series, we delve into the lives of Cotswolds residents, exploring their unique stories and uncovering what draws them to this idyllic part of England. From local artisans to long-time inhabitants, each interview reveals a personal connection to The Cotswolds' enchanting landscapes and vibrant communities.
First up we have Angus Maclean from independent dry gin brand, Copper Lion Gin.
How long have you lived in The Cotswolds?
My wife and I have lived in The Cotswolds for nearly 20 years. We started renting a cottage in a tiny village called Heythrop near Chipping Norton, prior to buying our first house down the road in Sarsden. We then spent 12 lovely years in idyllic Hazleton near Northleach, before ending up in Tivoli in the bright lights of Cheltenham with our teenagers.
What drew you to the specific area where you live now and life in The Cotswolds?
My wife grew up near Tetbury so we were slight homing pigeons to The Cotswolds, however, it was my first job in Charlbury after leaving the army that was the catalyst for us settling down here. Our move from the countryside into Cheltenham was surprisingly easy – Tivoli has an almost village atmosphere and is a stone’s throw from all the buzz that Cheltenham has to offer. It is also walking distance from school.
What was the biggest adjustment you've had since moving?
It’s been a doddle; however, the biggest adjustment has been pavements and park-life for the old black lab, although she loves it now!
Walk us through your typical work day?
My typical working day is spent speaking, meeting and connecting people, which is what I love. With the added bonus of exploring the Cotswolds whilst doing so.
I set up MACLEAN CONNECT, which introduces my private and commercial clients to an extensive network of brokers for all insurance needs as well as all high-net-worth services. It’s a free service to the client so a win-win for them. It’s a very diverse business, from connecting clients with insurance needs for household or farm & estate policies, as well as an innovative start-up hydro scheme to a large silver mine in the Balkans
I have also had a ‘Mid Life Awakening’ having recently launched COPPER LION GIN, a delicious premium London Dry gin. It is distilled just south of Burford and going great guns. The gin is inspired by The Cotswold countryside - the label outline being a Cotswold stone wall and the recipe was designed whilst imagining being enclosed in a fresh, green Cotswold garden. We are now stocked in all sorts of shops, pubs and restaurants, both local and national – we have also been stocked in our first distributors and are in several Michelin star restaurants which is all hugely exciting - busy times!
For anyone wanting to try Copper Lion Gin, please go to the website. Be sure to use SHARVELL10 for a 10% discount (June only). Please also check whether your postcode is eligible for free delivery, if it is, I’ll drop it off.
What is your ideal day off in The Cotswolds?
Any sport, good food, a drink and fun with friends and family. We are regulars at Kingsholm, Cheltenham Races and the Cheltenham Festivals.
You only get one, what's your must visit location to anyone visiting The Cotswolds for the first time and why?
I think it must be a day at Cheltenham Races. It is always an incredible day out with an amazing atmosphere. Love the Cheltenham roar at the start of the first race!
Tell us your favourite haunts?
Our favourite restaurant is Kibou – we are there far too often! The Nook for a treat. Cocktails in Gin and Juice. Bosco for pizza with the kids. Tivoli is a gem with the row of boutique shops by the pub. As a family we’ve become obsessed with padel and play regularly at Elkstone. We play tennis in Montpellier and go to the gym and the lido. We get to either Montpellier Park or Hatherley Park practically every day and there are some amazing walks all round us. We go to the clays at Ian Coley and getting to the top of Cleeve Hill is worth it every time.
Finally to anyone thinking of moving to The Cotswolds, what advice would you offer?
Apart from ringing the Sharvells (!) I would advise playing for, or supporting, your local sports club, they all have brilliant communities and are always great fun.
Over the years we have been involved with Stow-on-the-Wold, Oxford and now Cheltenham Tigers rugby clubs, also Bourton-on-the-Water and Cheltenham cricket clubs and have loved them all. You will also find a wealth of talent in these clubs. Some of the players my children have played with are in county teams or in the Gloucester academy. One brilliant chap for his Duke of Edinburgh award coached our team for a season when he was 17 – he now plays 10 for Gloucester! He has also just had the call up for the England training camp prior to the Japan and New Zealand tour – all the luck Charlie Atkinson!