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Eating at Cotswold Pubs and Inns

The Cotswold Arms in Burford
The Cotswold Arms in Burford. Photo by Ron Adams, licensed under CC BY 2.0
The entire Cotswolds area, which is spread over six counties in England, and is known as the “Heart of England”. At Cooks Green Holiday Cottage, we are privileged to be amongst the best that England has to offer and Gloucestershire particularly. The rolling wolds and countryside are second to none and the sleepy quaint villages and old world charm beckon visitors time and again.

As you would expect from the “Heart of England” some of nature’s finest produce grows here and the soil upon which animals are reared make for succulent and tender meat.

We are spoiled with an abundance of inns, pubs, and hostelries that serve this local produce using traditional recipes and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Many an English pub has a tale to tell and many are reputedly haunted. With buildings and original features many hundreds of years old, these pubs are legendary around the world and offer their own unique character and charm along with their menus of wholesome, delicious food and fine ales.

The most traditional lunch you can eat if you are in a hurry is the traditional Ploughman’s lunch. A great starting point to try fresh breads, butter, pickles and local cheeses, the ploughman’s sometimes comes with some fresh tomatoes and garden salad. It is a real taste of England and in particular the Cotswolds. A glass of locally brewed beer or cider is the perfect accompaniment.

Cheese and ham feature prominently in the Cotswolds and there are many different varieties from specialist local farms and artisan producers. Pork and sausages are very popular and feature among others Old Spot pork from an ancient breed of pig and Gloucester sausages made to a traditional recipe. There is nothing better than some local sausages sizzling in the pan on a crisp morning to whet the appetite.

A special dish that has been refined down the years in pub cuisine is the Beef and Cotswold Way Ale Pie. With succulent tender beef in a rich ale gravy topped by light pastry crust, this is an outright winner when accompanied by crisp tender local vegetables and some creamy mashed potatoes.

Local traditional pub food in the Cotswolds is often based on game, sometimes shot by the landlord himself. Try a local dish based on wild duck, pigeon, or boar for an authentic English meal with a medieval touch. Most establishments in the Cotswolds will offer one or more of all these local delicacies. These dishes are definitely worth a try especially with the beautiful seasonal vegetables.

The pubs have a lovely atmosphere and friendly warmth for an informal and affordable way of dining and experiencing local produce at its finest. Finish off your meal with homemade apple tart made from locally grown apples and served with cream for a heavenly experience.

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