Lower Mill Estate’s ‘Ballihoo’ Restaurant

Lower Mill’s new restaurant, bar and café is situated next to the Spa: high ceilings, modern interior with outside space and seating and built using oak beam construction. It is open every day in peak season and at weekends at other times. See their website under ‘Contact’ for opening times. The restaurant is open all day and serves breakfasts, snacks, lunches and evening meals or you can pop in for coffees or drinks at any time. Prices are a little higher than the ‘Baker’s Arms’ in the village but it’s much more convenient. They also do take-away meals (mainly gourmet burgers and pizzas). See their website for sample menus.   http://www.ballihooclub.com  Tel 01285 840181

The Bakers Arms: Somerford Keynes

Within walking distance of Lower Mill Estate. Monday night is Fish and Chips night ( eat in or take away) and Tuesday night is Steak night. The pub has a large beer garden and a very comfortable and cosy interior. The quality of the food can be variable, but is generally well received. Their coffee regrettably is not made from freshly ground. Food is served from 12 noon to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 12-3.30 on Sundays. Reasonable prices.   www.thebakersarmssomerford.co.uk Tel 01285 861298

The Bell Inn: Sapperton

An award winning pub. Their latest award was “County Dining Pub 2010” by the editors of the Good Pub Guide. They were reviewed by The Observer in 2006 and were described as one of the Best Pubs in the UK for Garden and Al Fresco Dining. Booking recommended  www.foodatthebell.co.uk Tel 01285 760298

Colleys: Lechlade

A restaurant and brasserie that doesn’t appear to have put a foot wrong when it comes to customer satisfaction. Well thought of for Sunday lunch. Booking recommended  www.colleyslechlade.co.uk Tel 01367 251128

The Potting Shed: Crudwell

Popular pub with a good reputation. Imaginative food and pleasant interior. Large garden area. Rather pricey. www.thepottingshedpub.com Tel 01666 577 833

Restaurant at The Rectory: Crudwell

Close to the Potting Shed in Crudwell. Elegant dining. Booking recommended.  www.therectoryhotel.com Tel 01666 577 194

The Wheatsheaf: Oaksey

A very pleasant local pub and restaurant. A limited menu, but of good quality. Also good for Sunday Lunches. www.thewheatsheafatoaksey.co.uk Tel 01666 577348

The Royal Oak: South Cerney

This village pub is under new management since 2011 and they are setting good standards. Limited menu which regularly changes. Some traditional fare as well as something a little different. Reported to serve good sized portions, beautifully cooked at an inexpensive price.  www.royaloakatsouthcerney.co.uk/ Tel 01285 860900

The Trouble House: Tetbury

For something a little special this is a recommended establishment. The signature dish for two of beef cooked in hay is good. See our article elsewhere on the website. www.troublehousetetbury.co.uk Tel 01666 502206

The Greyhound: Siddington

Under new management. 10 minutes’ drive from Lower Mill and an inexpensive option. I can recommend the authentic Thai Curries with a side of chips. (My wife can recommend the veg….) Book a table in the main bar section next to the fire – much nicer ambience than the dining area in the back.  www.thegreyhound-inn.co.uk Tel 01285 653573

The Priory Inn: Tetbury

Locally sourced seasonal and rustic food. They also specialize in Pizzas. More of a modern ambience rather than that of the comfortable rustic pub.  www.theprioryinn.co.uk Tel 01666 50225

The Lords of the Manor: Upper Slaughter

Gorgeous Country House. A Michelin star restaurant. Very elegant and comfortable surroundings. Attentive service, beautiful setting and expensive, but worth a visit when doing a walk between Upper and Lower Slaughter for maybe an afternoon tea or a snack.  www.lordsofthemanor.com Tel 01451 820243

Made by Bob: Cirencester (lunch and Thurs & Fri evenings)

Busy, modern style restaurant in the old corn hall in the centre of Cirencester. Run by Bob Parkinson former chef at the Bibendum in London. The Wagyu Beef has been recommended to us.  www.foodmadebybob.com Tel 01285 641818

Simply Allium: Fairford

The Allium in Fairford is re-opening as Simply Allium in 2012, describing itself as ‘a British kind of Brasserie’ Well thought of when it was called ‘Allium’ we think this new move is to work with the more price concious mood of the nation at present. Mains about £13.  www.restaurantallium.co.uk Tel 01285 712200

The Gumstool Inn: on the Calcot Estate Tetbury

A traditional country pub situated in the grounds of Calcot Manor. Claims to provide food a notch above the typical pub meal.  www.calcotmanor.co.uk/restaurants/the-gumstool Tel 01666 890 391

Clark’s Hay Fish & Chip: South Cerney

Really good fish and chips. Best eaten while hot in the car!  Open Tues-Sat 12-1.45pm and 5 – 9pm  Tel 01285 861007 Telephone orders welcome

Tierra and Mar

Our neighbours are really excited about this new addition to the Cirencester dining scene! Offering gourmet tapas and more this new restaurant is run by an energetic young couple called Brett and Sylvia. They use local high quality suppliers and their  Michelin star restaurant experience shows in the food and the service.Closed Monday and Tuesday www.tierraandmar.co.uk Tel   01285 642777