News from the countryside: the daffodils are out. As are the crocuses. The birds are frightfully sing-songy. The sun is also shining; although I say this timidly in case I scare it away. As I imagine a few of you are also experiencing, I am feeling a bit burnt out. Winter bleakness has surpassed its welcome, and I’m feeling its weight. But with this change of the month comes a more hopeful and happy outlook. The cottage is filled with the first of the £1 pound bunches from the grocery store, while outside, a few fronds of wild garlic are sprouting. I ventured to Oxford this past weekend too, in a run for pastries, and ended up at Proof Social Bakehouse. Custardy pain au raisins, thick almond croissants, the sweet smell of hot cross buns…dare I say, are these the best-baked goods in the Cotswolds?
I’ve spotted a few things making an appearance in the Forest of Dean, that long leafy green stretch of land where England meets Wales. First up is Post, a bottle shop and restaurant from Frederick Page, the former head chef of Marle at Heckfield Place. I’m booking in now for small plates of potato, taleggio and wild garlic tortellini, radicchio with pear, walnut and Roquefort and Single Gloucester with bara brith.
Second, The Lavendrye Barn, a cute cottage to spend the night. Summer is already getting busy on the reservation system…
We welcome a new hotel, Hyll, in the spring slash summer. No website or Instagram yet but we know there will be eight rooms in a 17th-century manor house in the north Cotswolds, designed by Jolie Studio. One to keep an eye on.
My favourite bakery in Oxford, and I was an early fan too, is spreading its proofing drawers to the Covered Market in the centre of town. They did open a little kiosk there last year but Hamblin 2.0 will open on March 6th. There will be toasted sandwiches and the usual bread and bun staples. Coffee too.
A bit late on this one, by a few weeks, but coffee-shop-truck Juniper is now a bricks-and-mortar in Painswick. Ritual Roasters coffee, fresh fleurs and mini babkas galore.
Over at Cowley Manor, the hotel’s C-side Spa has recently announced collabs with skincare brands OSKIA and Biologique Recherche. Let’s get the skin looking and feeling happier this month, results proven.
Right now until March 9th, it’s British Pie Week. We know the Bull in Charlbury does the best…while they are closed for renovations until the 17th, make the dish at home for yourself. Recipe here.
March 6th – Max Abbott, founder and head baker behind the Cotswold’s best sourdough makers Sourdough Revolution will be putting on a masterclass at Thyme. You’ll get to take home a starter too. Book here.
March 11th – 14th – It’s Cheltenham race week. Highly recommend booking a table if you’re going out to eat, walking in will prove difficult.
March 16th – quiz night The Fox in Broadwell and The Sherborne Arms in Northleach. Get your thinking cap on.
18th March – 21st March – English Gardener Sarah Raven heads to Thyme to host four gardening courses covering flowers, vegetables and pretty pots.
March 20th – £45 per person to include transport, tour, drinks at the distillery & dinner. To book your spot, email info@thebelllangford.co.uk
This month, the seasons are certainly changing. The fields are getting greener, the daffodils are out, and the cosmos too. Next? Budding cherry trees. Head to Batsford or Westonbirt Arboretum for a bit more of the countryside in colour.