Top Gloucestershire visitor attraction, Berkeley Castle, has unveiled its brand-new restaurant, the Kitchen Garden — now open and welcoming diners, just in time for its 2024 season.
Berkeley Castle's walled garden was closed for the 2023 season to make way for the new restaurant, inspired by its history as a former fully productive kitchen garden, which was used to provide fruit and vegetables for the castle.
Now it's home to an airy new restaurant serving lunch and brunch dishes, homemade sweet treats and hot and cold drinks, with a strong emphasis on local produce and seasonality.
Tucked away in the pretty walled garden, with seating inside and out, it provides a peaceful pit-stop for a light lunch. It's also open to the public, so anyone can visit for a coffee, slice of cake or bite to eat, regardless of whether they're visiting the castle itself.
Serving from 10am to 4.30pm, Saturday to Wednesday, the restaurant curates a new menu every week, featuring dishes to reflect the best of the season and local produce available.
Expect succulent Cotswold meat from Jesse Smith Butchers in Cirencester, located just over 25 miles from Berkeley Castle; home baked bread and sweet treats from Hobbs House Bakery, 13 miles away in Chipping Sodbury; and fresh fruit and vegetables from Four Seasons Fruiterers near Cricklade, around 30 miles down the road.
Sample dishes include its full English and veggie breakfasts, which have proved popular with guests so far; avocado and eggs on sourdough; bagels filled with combos of pastrami and kimchi or smoked salmon and cream cheese; as well as fresh salads and juicy burgers.
Little diners can get stuck in, too, with dedicated kids' dishes on the menu and an adjoining gift shop to browse for souvenirs — featuring Berkeley Castle merchandise and medieval-inspired toys, as well as homewares and lovely gifts for grown-ups.
The restaurant even has a licenced bar, so you can sip a glass of fizz, relax with a pint or enjoy a G&T — ideal for sunny days dining alfresco!
As well as being dog friendly both inside and out (although pet owners should note that dogs aren't allowed at Berkeley Castle itself), the Kitchen Garden has a community-focused feel, hosting regular events like Friday Feasting Nights and creative workshops.
While foodies can look forward to its next Friday feast — held once per month with a new theme each time; celebrating the produce and flavours of spring on Friday 26 April 2024 — arty types can learn to paint on slate in its upcoming mindfulness painting workshop on Thursday 16 May 2024, or get to grips with traditional silversmithing techniques to create your own ring at the jewellery making workshop on Thursday 4 July 2024.
You don't need a reservation to visit the Kitchen Garden restaurant but for more information, and to book a place on its upcoming creative workshops, visit berkeley-castle.com/food-drink.
