Tis Me Michelle

Since I’d been to London twice before, I wanted to check out another part of the UK. I honestly don’t know how or why I landed on the Cotswolds, but I like to think it was because I knew needed that cozy getaway.

I started off the morning catching all modes of transportation. It was a journey. Took the tube to the train station. With time to kill, because your girl has anxiety and hates being late, I of course dropped by the Paddington gift shop. It was so adorable. Eventually, I caught my train, which although a bit confusing, was a smooth 2 hour ride. When I planned my trip, it made sense for me to get off at this one town that was close to where I was staying and take a bus. However… Google betrayed me.

For one thing, in all my initial research the bus station was super close to the train station. It wound up being a 20 minute walk. Thankfully, I only had my one little carry-on and a backpack. After the trek, I finally got to said bus station. The time the bus was meant to arrive came and went. I waited it out, hoping for the best. And then I saw a bus with the info I was expecting pass me right on by. I was clearly not at the right place. Even though I read Uber wasn’t really available in the remote area, I was able to find one.

Travelled all the way to the Cotswolds and end up on Broadway! My stay for the next couple days was in a cute little apartment right on the main street. It was the perfect location. By the time I settled in, I was hangry. So my first stop in town was to Hunters Tea Room. And yes, I got tea… and scones! Absolutely delightful. I also got a soup and sandwich, but honestly, all I cared about were those scones and clotted cream. It hit the spot.

The main area I stayed in is probably considered the main ‘downtown’ street filled with cafes, restaurants, shops and a couple hotels. I perused some stores and checked out a really nice gallery, The Stratford Gallery. I loved the pottery by an artist named Mitch Pilkington, it was so clean and elegant. I spoke with the woman who worked there and she told me a bit about the town and gave me a few recommendations.

Charming. That is the best word to describe this place. The houses and buildings felt like they were frozen in a moment in time. The whole place looks other worldly, a made up place, like The Lord of the Rings. I quickly fell in love.

I’d made dinner reservations for a bit later in the evening, since ya know… I had scarfed down those scones earlier. So again, with plenty of time to spare, I enjoyed a nice evening with a far too expensive cocktail in the lobby area of the hotel I was having dinner, The Lygon Arms. This hotel is the definition of a historical landmark, you just feel like you are being transported back. Honestly, wouldn’t be surprised if there were some haunts in there too. There were plenty of rooms to sit and relax. I took full advantage and did what I do best, journal away. I did so for quite some time and it was rather cathartic. Then I made my way to dinner at The Grill.

They had mixed reviews, but there were also limited options within walking distance. I figured I’d give as many spots as I could a try. I ordered the lamb, which came with minted kofta, star anise carrot, and a date/orange puree. I was pleasantly surprised. But not nearly as much as I was with the dessert. I was going to try the sticky date pudding, ya know, since I skipped on it day 1... If you read that you’d know… I didn’t get it. My server recommended the Knickerbocker, which I had never heard of. Specifically, a Black Forest Knickerbocker Glory, which included: Griottine cherries, chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, cherry sorbet, almonds. Tart from the cherries, sweet and creamy with the ice cream, plus the different textures. LAYERS OF FLAVOR.

Ya’ll, hands down one of, if not the best dessert I ever had. Up there with that sweet corn panna cotta I had earlier this year, which had tart cherry compote. Maybe I love tart cherries in my dessert? I would travel all the way back there to have that again. It could easily be shared with two or three people, or if you are as gluttonous as me, keep it to yourself.

Dreaming of that knickerbocker that night and forever, I went back to my cute little cottage core apartment to rest up for Day 4!