Sandwiched between breakfast and lunch, brunch offers the perfect excuse to indulge in a tasty feast that covers everything from traditional brekkie favourites to more substantial dishes.
If you’re looking for ideas for where to tuck in, SoGlos has rounded up 12 of the best brunches in the Cotswolds.
1. Lynwood & Co
With outposts in Lechlade, Fairford and Burford, Lynwood & Co certainly has the first meal of the day covered. Expect a varied menu featuring everything from scrambled eggs on toast with bacon to a vegan burrito, along with a choice of sourdough melts and homemade granola.
In addition to its regular menu, brunch is served all day on Saturdays and Sundays at its Lechlade café, with extra dishes including Turkish baked eggs, and Lynwood’s take on a traditional fry up.
2. Botanica Coffee Kitchen
Hidden away where you’d least expect to find it, Botanica Coffee Kitchen in Cheltenham is a great little brunch stop. From pink lattes to a selection of hot chocolates, Botanica goes the extra mile to serve every taste. Brunch options include smashed avocado and poached eggs on toast, full English with all the trimmings and even vegan pancakes with cherry compote.
3. No. 131
Retreat to the stylish setting of Cheltenham’s No. 131 and treat yourself to a delicious brunch. The fresh juices are perfect if you had a heavy night, including the aptly named Hangover Cure, or go for hair of the dog and enjoy a breakfast cocktail.
The menu features everything from smoked haddock kedgeree with poached egg and sultanas, to blueberry pancakes with maple syrup, while there’s also a decadent full English for those craving something more substantial. And, the extensive choice of sides mean you can tailor your brunch with delicious added extras.
4. Woodkraft Cheltenham
Brunch fans are spoilt for choice at Woodkraft, a newly opened eatery located on Cheltenham’s Regent Street. The independent café is the latest venture from 2015 MasterChef winner Simon Wood, who also has a fine dining restaurant in Manchester.
Woodkraft’s all-day menu features a selection of sandwiches and ciabattas, while those craving something a bit more substantial can pick from ribeye steak with triple-cooked chips, chicken Caesar salad, and its signature burger.
If it’s more of a breakfast-style fix you’re after, choose from eggs Benedict, Royale and Florentine, a decadent full English, including a vegan option, and pancakes served with a variety of sweet toppings.
5. Daylesford Organic
Located in a picture-perfect setting near Kingham, Daylesford serves up a tempting selection of dishes, including buttermilk pancakes with seasonal fruit, creamed mushrooms with soft poached hen’s eggs and toasted sourdough, all using ingredients from its organic farms.
For an added vitamin hit, enjoy one of the cold-pressed juices, smoothies or shots. While you’re there, make sure you call into the farm shop to stock up on produce and delicious foodie treats to take home.
6. The Clarence Social
On Saturdays from 10am to midday, The Clarence Social in Cheltenham offers a relaxed setting for enjoy a spot of brunch, with dishes including classics such as egg’s Florentine, a full English, Welsh rarebit and pancakes with crispy bacon and maple syrup.
For an added boozy hit, enjoy one of The Clarence Social’s signature cocktails or a bottle of fizz with your brunch.
7. Made By Bob
Cirencester’s popular Made By Bob offers a tempting brunch menu from 10am to 3pm every Sunday, while it serves breakfast on weekday mornings. The Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, located in Corn Hall, offers a bustling setting for a leisurely brunch.
Dishes include grilled kipper with brown butter, watercress, lemon and brown toast; spicy eggs with pimentos, chorizo, green olives, peas and basil on sourdough; and granola with coconut yoghurt and blueberries.
8. The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie
If you want plenty of choice that covers everything from pancakes and eggs Benedict and chips, to hamburgers and smoked haddock fish cakes, head to The Ivy Cheltenham to savour a delicious brunch.
Brunch is served from 11am till 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, while its breakfast menu is on offer from 8am to 11.30am and features more classic brekkie dishes, such as scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, and a full English.
9. Temple Guiting Pantry
Championing the best produce the Cotswolds has to offer, Temple Guiting Pantry serves a delicious all-day menu at its charming country café. Dishes include sweetcorn and black bean fritters with avocado, tomato salsa and poached eggs; Welsh rarebit with leeks and sage; and The Pantry full English.
If you want to work up an appetite there’s a one-hour circular walk, with directions available from the pantry, and dogs are welcome in the tea garden so you can take along your four-legged friend during the summer months.
10. The Malthouse Bar & Kitchen
With its breakfast menu served all day, you can enjoy brunch dishes at Malthouse Bar & Kitchen whatever time you roll out of bed! The menu features an indulgent full English; sweetcorn pancakes; smashed avocado and chilli; sausage, bacon or fried egg baps, and more.
If you have a sweet tooth, enjoy American-style pancakes with smoked bacon, maple syrup, blueberries and bananas, while Malthouse’s famous freakshakes, served from 12pm, are perfect if you’re craving an indulgent finale to your brunch.
11. The Cricklade Club
Whether you’re craving something indulgent or a healthy start to the day, The Cricklade Club has a delicious selection of brunch dishes. The independent café is passionate about local ingredients and uses produce from its organic farm where possible.
Enjoy scrambled eggs with roasted baby tomatoes and bacon, or sautéed spinach and cheddar, or go for The Breakfast Bowl, complete with homemade granola, seeds, nuts, Greek yoghurt, bee pollen, honey and mixed berries. Plus, there’s a delicious kids’ menu that little ones will love.
12. Thistledown Farm
Located in a stunning setting near Nailsworth, Fieldfare Café at Thistledown Farm serves brunch from 9.30am to 11.30am from Wednesday to Sunday, with bookings recommend.
The menu includes chestnut mushrooms and kale on toast; homemade beans on toast; Thistledown granola; and wild garlic and basil labneh, a yoghurt cheese, served with date and fig chutney and pistachio dukkah.
