In recent years the standard of food and drink in Britain has risen dramatically. Cotswold pubs ­ many in ancient buildings in the local architectural vernacular ­ now offer a great variety of English ales, several produced locally, and traditional ciders. There are at least four small breweries working in the area.

Increasingly, local pubs also provide excellent food using local ingredients, from Double Gloucester Cheese to ham and sausages from the Gloucester Old Spot pig. Indeed, many pubs now rival the top restaurants for the quality and variety of their food.

There are countless restaurants, several with Michelin stars, and a number of others ranked as Bib Gourmand which means that they offer good food at a moderate price. Farmers Markets have made a comeback in a big way, selling high quality local produce, whether it be home-made jam or apple juice from local orchards, or organic vegetables. You will even find examples of English wines, many produced locally, which are often surprisingly good.