One of the things youll notice about a visit to the Cotswolds is the emphasis on the local flavour. From independent shops to eateries which support local produce, the Cotswolds is a wonderful place to celebrate local traders. With National Butchers Week taking place from the 13th 19th March, its the perfect opportunity to celebrate the best Cotswold butchers.
Celebrate National Butchers Week in the Cotswolds
National Butchers Week is a great time to celebrate the local butchers who are vitally important to the Cotswolds. With many pubs and restaurants sourcing their ingredients from local butchers, youll find their influence everywhere you go! With a stay at a Jigsaw Holidays property you also have the opportunity to cook local meat yourself, experiencing its rich flavour in our luxurious, modern kitchens. Our suggestions for the list of Cotswold butchers you'll find below are based on our own personal experiences as well as what previous guests have had to say. As well as buying the produce yourself, you can also sample it at some of the locations we mention below too. So whatever you choose, you can be sure theres plenty to sink your teeth into during your visit.
The best Cotswold butchers
Upton Smokery The Upton Smokery is a fine example of a family run Cotswold butchers, specialising in smoked meats and fish which make it a must-visit when youre in the area. With a whole host of glowing reviews from Jamie Oliver, The Telegraph and others, youll find excellent cuts full of delicious smoky flavours. The Swan Inn in Swinbrook is just one of the many restaurants where you can enjoy food from Upton Smokery, whilst their large selection of accompaniments including cheese, honeys and sweet treats will help you serve up a delicious feast in your own Jigsaw Holiday property. Jesse Smith and J.W Castle Based in Cirencester, Jesse Smith and J.W Castle is another family-owned butchers which has won many awards over the years for its produce. Their story dates back to the 1800s, leading them to becoming one of the most well-known butchers in the Cotswolds. Youll see from the outside that the vintage store front has remained the same. They also run a farm and coffee shop in Cirencester where you can pick up numerous supplies for your stay, as well as goods to take home. Be sure to pop in and say hello during your visit to see classic Cotswold's business at its best. Andy Creese Butchers Last years winners of Butcher of the Year at the Cotswold Life Food and Drink Awards, Andy Creese Butchers is a well-known family shop in Newent that sells a wide range of meats and cheese from local suppliers. With a strong community feel, the butchers supplies many local restaurants and pubs and is worth a visit to sample some of its speciality products. J Broomhall Based in Gloucester, J. Broomhall attracts farmers from far and wide, thanks to their excellent and friendly service. With over 100 years behind them, you can find a huge range of meats to choose from to take home with you and prepare. Specialising in red meat, poultry and game, the high quality produce is highly recommended and the ideal way to sample great local Cotswold produce. Martins Meats Martins Meats is based in Toddington, near Cheltenham. They produce a wide variety of meats for local establishments, but specialise in longhorn beef. Their modern approach to butchery means that this Cotswold butcher is one of the only butchers in the UK to age their meat in a Himalayan Salt Chamber, producing cuts which are full of flavour and, as a result, have won multiple food awards. Available to buy online as well as in store, you can also find Martin's Meat dishes at Ellenborough Park, the Horse and Groom and the County Kitchen, whilst Jamie Olivers Fifteen Restaurant in Cornwall is another of their long-standing clients. Checketts Checketts of Ombersley is another long-running Cotswold butcher, having opened back in 1925. Selling meat and fish as well as homemade produce, youll find a number of tasty products to try at this local butchers. Checketts is a great place to pick up sandwiches and other deli goods whilst youre in the area so if you need something to take with you during your walk or other activities in the Cotswolds, youll find everything you need here.
Enjoy local meat and produce at top Cotswolds pubs and restaurants
The Wild Rabbit One of the Cotswolds most well-known pubs, The Wild Rabbit is a wonderful location to enjoy excellent meals from local suppliers. With various options to choose from including poultry , game and fish, this is a top choice for dining out during your Cotswolds stay. Where to stay: Stay at Grooms Cottage in Kingham to take advantage of the delights of The Wild Rabbit. Sleeping two, its the perfect hideaway to enjoy all-year round, with many pubs and shops within walking distance and a gorgeous garden to enjoy some al fresco dining too. Jolly Nice With its own farm shop and butchery on site, Jolly Nice serves up a number of tasty foods which are an excellent choice for casual dining. On the menu you'll find burgers and pastries, as well as the butchery's excellent selection of meats and fish you can take home with you. A great place to visit with the family, youll find a number of local favourites here. Where to stay: Jolly Nice is just a short drive from Minchinhampton, where youll find Park Cottage. This is a delightful and charming cottage for 4 which is housed within a beautiful village terrace. Enjoy a restful holiday with everything you need and enjoy the many beautiful local sites. Wild Garlic Wild Garlic in Nailsworth offers tasty meals from brunch onwards with an excellent menu full of local favourites. Wild Garlic comes highly recommended, and theyve just opened a sister restaurant, Wilder across the road. Wilder features a wonderful tasting menu which makes for an excellent evening dining experience. It's a wonderful location with a number of glowing reviews and is definitely worth checking out during your stay. Where to stay: Tetbury is a gorgeous village which is just a short drive away from Nailsworth, or you can work up an appetite by taking a leisurely walk through the countryside. New Church Cottage sleeps 4 and is perfectly located to explore the market town or other nearby Cotswold villages. The New Inn Located in Coln St Aldwyns, The New Inn is a great Cotswolds inn that serves up a number of high quality meals using locally sourced ingredients. Their seasonal menu makes it possible to enjoy meat dishes from different suppliers (including the Upton Smokery) and get a sense of the local flavour. A warm welcome awaits you all set within cosy and relaxing surroundings. Where to stay: Stay at the charming Wishbone Cottage in Fairford and enjoy a short drive to the New Inn. Sleeping 4, its perfect for families looking for a homely Cotswolds cottage with plenty of character and modern features to make for a memorable stay. With a number of highly respected Cotswold butchers to be found right throughout the area, were sure youll find plenty of local produce to tempt you. Not only can you enjoy goods during your stay but youll also be able to take them home with you, with many Cotswold butchers offering delivery services. Celebrate National Butchers Week by showing your support for local produce and sampling some of the best meat to be found in the Cotswolds. We hope you enjoy! Found a local supplier or butcher that you really rate? We'd love to hear about them so we can tell our guests. Why not tweet us, or send us a message on Facebook? We'd love to hear from you!