∙ Why the restaurant at The Slaughters Manor House is a must-visit when dining in the Cotswolds ∙

Lower Slaughter has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds and far beyond. With beautiful honey-coloured stone cottages, the gentle River Eye meandering through, and the idyllic, unspoilt scenery, it’s true postcard perfection. For visitors to the Cotswolds, Lower Slaughter is an ideal base, offering easy access to our region’s charm while providing a perfect setting for leisurely walks, a relaxing meal, a quiet drink, or simply a rejuvenating experience in nature.

A highly anticipated first

Having visited The Slaughters Manor House several times for coffees and events and enjoyed its stunning grounds and inviting atmosphere on many occasions, our recent dinner there marked a highly anticipated first. The prospect of experiencing their renowned restaurant for the first time filled us with excitement.

We arrived and were welcomed with great warmth and enthusiasm by Restaurant Manager Conor, a welcome that set the tone for the evening. It is often difficult to predict the atmosphere of a place from pictures alone, or even from daytime visits during events, so when we arrived at this restaurant renowned for its fine dining offering, you might forgive us for assuming a certain hushed reverence, a need to modulate laughter and conversation. However, our assumptions were well and truly proven wrong. The restaurant’s acoustics were, in a word, perfect. The gentle hum of other diners’ conversations created a comfortable, ambient backdrop, allowing for easy conversation and laughter at normal volumes without the sensation of being overheard.

The room exuded a warm and friendly ambience, due in no small part to the incredible synergy between Conor and Sophie, who served us and the other diners throughout the evening. Even with ten tables occupied by parties ranging from two to six on a bustling Wednesday night, their service was a masterclass in calm efficiency. They moved effortlessly, delivering dishes, chatting happily, and attending to everyone’s needs with seamless timing and, crucially, with happy smiles. Witnessing their smooth operation was a joy, and their genuine hospitality made our dinner experience truly special.

The stars of the show

Of course, the undeniable star of the evening was the food. Having studied (and marvelled at) the fantastic vegan and vegetarian menu that we were offered as we had informed the restaurant of our dietary requirements in advance, the meal began with a delightful offering of freshly baked sourdough and focaccia, accompanied by exquisite olive oil. There is something universally comforting about good bread to start a meal, and this certainly set us in a wonderful mood. The amuse-bouche, two delicate tartlets, one with a medley of tomato and onion and one with avocado puree and pickled cucumber, was a lovely way to awaken our palates, teasing the senses for what was to come.

For starters

For starters, we enjoyed the vibrant salad of Courgettes & Fig with Olive Oil and Herbs – a dish that was as visually stunning as it was delicious, showcasing the freshness of the ingredients with a delicate touch. Our other starter was the Pea Panna Cotta with Poached Egg and Garden Herb Vinaigrette. This creation was a delicate masterpiece in presentation, yet it delivered a powerful punch of delightful, fresh flavour.

Our mains

The main courses continued to impress. The Ratatouille with Charred Broccoli and Aubergine Puree was full of great Mediterranean flavours, expertly balanced and wonderfully comforting. The Celeriac Steak & Mushrooms with Cabbage and Black Garlic Sauce was a testament to innovative vegan cuisine, offering deep, earthy notes and a satisfying texture that truly elevated the humble celeriac.

A refreshing pear sorbet served as the perfect palate cleanser after our mains – so exquisite, I did ask if I could please be sent home with a whole tub of it!

Pudding perfection

Desserts delivered a memorable finale. The English Strawberries with Gold Leaf, Coconut Cream, and Basil was an absolute triumph. As the spoon went through the top layers of cream, gold leaf, and strawberries, vibrant green layers of basil appeared (though regrettably unphotographed due to sheer enjoyment) to reveal a spectacle within the dish, complementing the sweet strawberries and rich coconut cream beautifully. The Passionfruit Souffle with Chocolate Ice Cream was equally delicious, a light yet intensely flavourful creation that provided a perfect balance of tart and sweet. Every dish demonstrated not only culinary skill but also an imaginative approach to flavour combinations and presentation.

We finished with coffee and petit fours, marvelling at this completely wonderful culinary experience… it was pure perfection in taste and atmosphere.

Culinary excellence from Head Chef Nik Chappell

At the heart of The Slaughters Manor House’s culinary excellence is Head Chef Nik Chappell, whose dedication to culinary artistry has earned him significant accolades, and he enjoys a reputation for crafting exciting, expertly executed fine dining menus that offer a truly memorable culinary journey, always with a strong focus on fresh, local produce that epitomises the very best of seasonal dining.

Put it at the top of you must-visit list

The restaurant at The Slaughters Manor House should be at the top of your list, whether you are a guest staying at the hotel, visiting the Cotswolds from elsewhere, or a local looking for an exceptional dining experience. Wherever you live or are staying, it is worth the drive… a real destination restaurant experience. Perfect for an intimate dinner with a few friends and family, for celebrating with larger groups, or for a romantic date night, this restaurant caters to any occasion and will always deliver an evening of exquisite food, impeccable service, and a wonderfully inviting atmosphere.

∙ BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE SLAUGHTERS MANOR HOUSE HERE ∙