I visited the Cotswolds for the first time last week to an idyllic country hotel called Thyme. A recently renevated barn house that possesses everything you would want from a weekend getaway – character, charm, beautiful finishing and a unique style.

They run a renowned array of cookery classes throughout the year as well as guest chefs pop-up (next one on the 27th August) and I could not wait to try them out. I arrived post wedding shopping with mother and we settled in and went for a cocktail at their BAA bar.

The special cocktails at the bar are changed monthly depending on seasonal produce available in their kitchen garden. The combinations are sensational, you can taste the freshness and love that has gone into creating these drinks. The pisco sours are made with fresh eggs at the bar straight from the gardens.

Lavender martini and classic pisco sour.

The Swan pub just down the road from Thyme is under same ownership and you can tell by the feel and quality the pub brings. Oh how I miss these kind of places in Dubai! It’s quaint and homely, with a sense of sophistication.

THE best sourdough bread I have tasted (not so good for wedding dress fittings but amazing for the taste buds!).

For starters we had;

Trealy farm coppa, flat white peach, nasturtiums.

Courgette flower tempura with ponzu dressing.

The courgette tempura had the lightest and crispiest of batters so you could really taste the freshness of the dish.

Mains were;