UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: COTSWOLDS-BASED BUSINESSES

Upon mention of the Cotswolds, the first things that spring to mind are the expansive, bucolic landscapes and quintessential honeyed villages. While the area may not have traditionally been synonymous with ‘thriving business hub’, the Cotswolds has become the backdrop to many ventures over the years, from mouth-watering gastropubs to local produce-stocked farm shops, vital wildlife conservation areas and soul-recharging hotels and spas. You’ll never be short of options in the Cotswolds – here is our pick of some of the best businesses based in the area

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: COTSWOLDS-BASED BUSINESSES

Upon mention of the Cotswolds, the first things that spring to mind are the expansive, bucolic landscapes and quintessential honey-toned villages. While the area may not have traditionally been synonymous with ‘thriving business hub’, the Cotswolds has become the backdrop to many ventures over the years, from mouth-watering gastropubs to local produce-stocked farm shops, vital wildlife conservation areas and soul-recharging hotels and spas. You’ll never be short of options in the Cotswolds – here is our pick of some of the best businesses based in the area

Daylesford Organic Farm

The diversification of country estates is constantly evolving – but there is, perhaps, no greater success story than that of Daylesford Organic Farm. Founded by Lady Bamford in 2002, Daylesford has developed from humble beginnings into a luxury food-cum-lifestyle brand empire; with an extensive farm shop, café and restaurant, bespoke accommodation and renowned gastropub, The Wild Rabbit, in the nearby village of Kingham. In addition, there are four London-based shops and cafes, multiple wellness spas, and, of course, the coveted Bamford line of clothing and skin-care products to boot. However, the dynasty’s roots are very much planted in the 1,500-acre organic farm in Kingham, Gloucestershire. With such a vast variety of fresh, organic and sustainably sourced produce and goods for sale, it’s little wonder that Daylesford is considered the ultimate organic shopping experience of the area. Selling home-reared organic beef, lamb, poultry, pork and game, dairy products from their British Pedigree Friesian herd made in the on-site creamery, a vast harvest of seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs from the market garden, as well as artisan bread, patisserie treats and a range of artful homeware and floristry – choice is certainly in abundance. Daylesford offers more than just a farm shop, it’s a destination where the conscientious consumer can eat, drink, and shop with the kind of confidence that comes from buying locally, organically and sustainably.

Cotswolds Distillery

The eponymous spirits brand of the Cotswolds was founded in 2014 by Daniel Szor, a native New Yorker-turned-Cotswolds resident. Inspired to turn his love of all things gin and whisky into a new business venture, Szor set about converting a derelict site near his house into a distillery and sourcing a team to run it. Fast forward six years and the Cotswolds Distillery’s products have become household names, although they remain true to their beginnings, crafted with care and expertise in the original distillery in Stourton, near Shipston-on-Stour. Building a distillery from scratch has meant that the team have been able to experiment with innovative ideas, refine the process and ensure that every step meets the high standards involved in creating a premium independent spirit. In their own words: “Everything we make at the Cotswolds Distillery is about quality and flavour above all else.”

Their flagship whisky, Cotswolds Single Malt uses the finest oak casks for maturation and is the first whisky ever distilled in the Cotswolds using 100% locally grown barley, while the Cotswolds Dry Gin is a firm favourite in the craft gin world, distilled with nine carefully selected botanicals: juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, Cotswold lavender, bay leaf, hand-peeled fresh lime, pink grapefruit zest, cardamom and black peppercorn. The Visitor Centre includes a shop, cafe, exhibition area, distillery tours, and a range of exciting masterclasses.

The Cotswolds have become the backdrop to many ventures, from mouth-watering gastropubs to local produce-stocked farm shops, vital wildlife conservation areas and soul-recharging hotels and spas

Cowley Manor Hotel and C-Side Spa

If you were to imagine the perfect Cotswolds spa, you’d struggle conjure up anywhere that fits the bill quite as perfectly as Cowley Manor. Set in the spectacular 55-acre estate which used to belong to the kings of England, Cowley Manor offers invigorating views across two beautiful lakes, woodland, and secret gardens. The manor itself has an illustrious past as one of the most famous buildings in the country, its grand Italianate exterior takes inspiration from the Villa Borghese in Rome and echoes the architecture of stately homes such as Chatsworth and Cliveden. Alongside the exquisite manor, you will discover the sumptuous and award-winning C-side Spa, located in a striking glass-fronted, post-modern building. Relax in the impressive 19-metre Cotswold slate-lined indoor swimming pool or 15-metre outdoor heated swimming pool, soaking up the distinctly soothing modern ambience while enjoying the woodland views, or enjoy the relaxation area, sauna or steam room. Treatments are extensive and varied, and often incorporate the spa’s own custom range of bath, body and skincare products, Green & Spring, a range designed by Jessica Frankopan and exclusive to C-Side, made using natural resources from the estate and surrounding countryside.

The Bell at Sapperton

If there’s one thing that the Cotswolds area isn’t short of – it’s outstanding eateries. From gastropubs to delis with a difference, the breadth and variety of places to eat out firmly put the Cotswolds on the map as a top foodie destination. However, for the ultimate Cotswolds country pub experience, look no further than The Bell at Sapperton. Located in the tranquil village of Sapperton between the popular towns of Stroud and Cirencester, the area is known for its beautiful walks, bike rides, bridle paths, canal tunnel and association with the 20th century Arts and Crafts movement, making it the perfect place to explore before enjoying a hearty, traditional pub meal – there’s even ‘horse parking’. Scooping up many awards over the past few years, as soon as you enter The Bell it’s easy to understand why. Truly a pub for all seasons, enjoy the cosy atmosphere complete with roaring log fires in the crisp autumn and winter months, while the beautifully landscaped gardens and courtyard provide the perfect backdrop for summer dining al fresco. The Bell’s menu is regularly updated, offering a selection of mouth-watering dishes made with fresh, seasonal and regionally-sourced ingredients, while the self-serve ‘Wine Wall’ in the bar area will prove popular with vino virtuosos – a selection of carefully sourced wines available to drink in or take away.

Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park

A trip to the Cotswolds wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the home of perhaps the most famous farmer in the UK. Adam Henson has brought many issues faced by the modern farming community, from welfare standards to educating children on where their food comes from, to the forefront of public awareness thanks to his Sunday evening slot on the BBC’s Countryfile. But his passion for agriculture and conservation began on the farm which his father first opened to the public to promote the survival of rare breeds in 1971, the first of its kind in the world. Over the course of many years, Adam Henson has expanded on his father’s legacy and created a destination just outside the village of Guiting Power that entices millions of visitors every year; and inspires even more to understand the vital principles that underpin sustainable British farming and rare breed conservation. Visitors can discover over 50 breeds of rare and commercial livestock, as well as enjoy the dedicated conservation area that focuses on how farming can support British wildlife, learn about sustainable food production and many more family-friendly activities, as well as a range of camping options to extend your visit into a fully-immersive farm living experience.

Adam Henson’s Cotswolds Farm Park

A trip to the Cotswolds wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the home of perhaps the most famous farmer in the UK. Adam Henson has brought many issues faced by the modern farming community, from welfare standards to educating children on where their food comes from, to the forefront of public awareness thanks to his Sunday evening slot on the BBC’s Countryfile. But his passion for agriculture and conservation began on the farm which his father first opened to the public to promote the survival of rare breeds in 1971, the first of its kind in the world. Over the course of many years, Adam Henson has expanded on his father’s legacy and created a destination just outside the village of Guiting Power that entices millions of visitors every year; and inspires even more to understand the vital principles that underpin sustainable British farming and rare breed conservation. Visitors can discover over 50 breeds of rare and commercial livestock, as well as enjoy the dedicated conservation area that focuses on how farming can support British wildlife, learn about sustainable food production and many more family-friendly activities, as well as a range of camping options to extend your visit into a fully-immersive farm living experience.