August Scrapbook: the Cotswolds are in peak summer
Why August is my favourite month, the new openings to know and a spotlight on some local food makers I'm obsessed with.
We’re already a few days into August. My very favourite month. It’s high summer, the fields are almond brown, the heat is so heavy and the thunderstorms are electric (the one the other day turned the village I live in into a misty pinky landscape post-rain). Cherries are also at their best, of course. It’s also a month where I love to do the bare minimum in the kitchen. Summer suppers consist of cold cherry tomato and basil salads with toasted bread, stewed and sticky blackcurrants doused over ice cream, and many a spritz. But it’s also a month to look forward, with that ‘back to school’ mentality. Here in the Cotswolds, the roads are heaving with families out and about, they’re at the pubs with plates of stacked burgers, they’re on the roads to wild swimming spots, they’re at the circus with cotton candy in hand, getting it all in before school starts up in September. But as usual, here is what’s going on for the next four weeks: from some sad closure news but equally exciting new opening news, and a few things in between.
Cutter Brooks – a brand I much admire and suggest as many travellers to the Cotswolds to check out – is closing on August 24th. Amanda Brooks will undoubtedly think up some new iterations (online, possibly pop-ups, collaborations) moving forward but for now, there is a good sale going.
The Woolpack – my not-so-secret favourite pub in the whole county – is opening a sister joint in Stroud. Meet Juliet. It will be a neighbourhood bistro in the iconic Stroud music centre. I’d expect similar style seasonal plates as its country pub cousin, including the much-loved Panisse (chickpea flour fry) with crispy sage and a sprinkling of sea salt.
Also nearby in the little sister town of Nailsworth is Baked by Beth a new cake and coffee shop. Most of the cakes are plant-based too.
Over in The Old Kennels in Cirencester, Cattivo has been slinging Neopolitan-style pizzas in the last two days. It’s from the same guys behind the local-loved cafe Roots + Seeds. I’m thinking that I might maybe need to do a best pizza in the Cotswolds newsletter?
The Highway Inn in Burford is open once again after a big old refresh from Matthew Freud and his team. Sister to Bull (and just up the road from it) this pub is also going solo with its name, so it’s just Highway. Burford sure is in need of a good pub so let’s see if the name catches on.
This weekend – it’s Wilderness Festival. Music, yoga, good food, good times over in Charlbury.
August 9th – there’s a new cafe I’ve spotted called Corner House and I’m pretty sure they’re a super secret hit over in Eynsham. Keep an eye on these guys, they’re hosting a pop-up this day.
August 13th – Chastleton House – a beautiful art-filled Jacobean country pile – is having its ‘Inspired By’ night where ticket holders can come, out of hours, to see the gardens. Plus, there are far fewer visitors. Bring some paints and an easel.
August 15th – last week I was invited to go on a walk with TOAST, one of my favourite brands, and The Stone Club along the 5,000-year-old pathway of The Ridgeway. We stopped for stuffed focaccia sandwiches at Wayland's Smithy neolithic stones and popped a glance at the Uffington White Horse. You can do the same, tickets are £25.
August 16th – Dahlias are in bloom. Join Arthur Parkinson – garden writer, illustrator and florist – at Worton Kitchen Garden for a how-to demonstration in mastering the flower. Book your place here.
Also on this day, dim-sum is coming to the Cotswolds. Over at Dunkertons Cider Shop near Cheltenham, Phat Boi will be serving steaming fluffy dumplings (siu mai, wontons and soup dumplings) alongside slurpy bowls of ramen.
August 23rd – with tomatoes showing off their best shapes and colours right now, Daylesford is having a celebration of the juicy red fruit for a lunch that spotlights some of the many varieties (they have over 40) that grow in their garden. The menu? Tomato tortellini, tomato vinaigrette, tomato consommé, among more wonderful things. Find a seat here.
Separately, on the topic of tomatoes. I’m loving the trend with tomato-shaped and flavoured treats. See this cake. These cookies. And this martini…
The Big Feastival is also running this weekend (August 23rd – 25th). See more about who is headlining.
Lastly, there are only three weeks left to sit down for fiery plates at the Bangarang residency at Soho Farmhouse. When I say the coconut flatbread is worth a second order, I really mean it.
I’ve recently stumbled across some brilliant Cotswold-based food brands I’ve fallen in love with. There are quite a few, and I’ll work on a long-flowing list for a separate newsletter, but in the meantime, this is a little round-up and spotlight on the three to know now. Start filling the pantry.
Forge Bakehouse | breads and pastries
I first tried Forge’s pastries (and seeded sourdough) at a pop-up in Charlbury last month. I’ve since not stopped thinking about Sue Brown’s s bakes – including a soft chocolate pain suisse and a powdery dusted almond croissant. There’s no shop front (I’m patiently waiting for the day) but instead, all goods are made to order for pick-up.
Ashton Winkler Hughes has been on a mission to bring some Mexico City heat to Oxfordshire. Her chilli crunch is hot, sweet, and yes, crunchy. There are no unknown ingredients, just enough peppers to knock out anything. I also put it on everything (as recommended by a local who said it’s best over avocado toast).
Earth Ale | beers made from foraged ingredients
At the Bothy Vineyard near Oxford, these guys are foraging wild and wonderful ingredients – dandelion root, pine sap, lemon verbena or hogweed – from the UK and brewing them down into seasonal, limited-edition beers.
Cover image by Karen Warner Fine Art.
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