Frenchman Olivier Bonte and 'front of house' Will Morris are breaking out with the bold, classic French bistro Fleur De Lys in Bampton. It's situated in the most unlikely of foodie destinations but the food is seasonal and straightforward, with a vibrant menu chock full of both French favourites and British dishes. Head chef Stuart Banks, previously of the Dormy House in … [Read more...]
Review: The Greyhound at Letcombe Regis
The new 'Sheriff of Letcombe Regis' is in total control of his parish in the Vale of The White Horse. Martin Sherriff is one of the most humble and talented chefs I've met on my travels in and around our culinary region. We recently enjoyed the most imperious lunch at 18th century freehouse The Greyhound, in the midst of the Vale of the White Horse, set in the quaint … [Read more...]
Review: The Killingworth Castle Supper Club
Well I venture far and wide into the Cotswolds, Oxford and the Chilterns on my foodie crusades, but there's nowhere that comes close to the quality of fayre served at The Killingworth Castle in Wootton, near Woodstock and Blenheim Palace. Landlord - restauranteur - hotelier Jim Alexander & Chef Adam Brown are forever innovating and the latest result from this top … [Read more...]
Invite: The Bull at Charlbury
Backed by a group of young American investors and their embryonic Public House Group, with a sister gastropub The Pelican in Notting Hill, The Bull at Charlbury has been dramatically reborn. It is now a pub that is worth sitting up for and taking notice of. To date, Charlbury, as a gourmet dining destination, has seriously under delivered on top-notch food. The best hospitality … [Read more...]
Review: Grill by James Martin at The Lygon Arms
Set in a 14th-century coaching inn, The Lygon Arms is a much storied hotel located in Broadway, the archetypal Cotswolds village. The hotel has a jumble of relaxed lounges, cosy hidden corners, an afternoon tearoom and a summer alfresco courtyard. The Lygon now boasts a brand new restaurant - GRILL, developed in partnership with James Martin. The Cotswolds inn has been a … [Read more...]