Gloucestershire's dining scene welcomes an exciting new addition this June 2026, as Lardon opens at Elkstone Studios, between Cheltenham and Cirencester.
Inspired by the relaxed food culture of southern Europe, the new Cotswolds restaurant combines wood-fired cooking, ingredient-led menus and an all-day dining experience in one of the county's most talked-about lifestyle destinations – created by the team behind Jesse Smith, WJ Castle and KNEAD Bakery.
European-inspired dining arrives at Elkstone Studios
Promising a taste of Europe in the Cotswolds, Lardon is a new European-inspired small plates restaurant championing ingredient-led, wood-fired cooking.
This is a place 'designed to transport you from a quiet corner of Gloucestershire to the pintxos bars of San Sebastian, a sunlit trattoria in Tuscany, or a lazy afternoon terrace in the South of France'.
Its founders say every dish is crafted to be shared. Every visit is an invitation to taste widely, linger longer and eat the way Europe intended – together, unhurried, with something new always arriving at the table.
Who is the team behind Lardon at Elkstone Studios?
Lardon is the latest chapter from the team behind Jesse Smith & WJ Castle and KNEAD Bakery – award-winning butchers, delicatessens and bakery. Together, these businesses have formed a wider 'food ecosystem' with roots going back to 1808.
Lardon represents the natural completion of that circle: from sourcing and butchery to bread and pastry – and now to a full-service restaurant. The provenance, craft and obsession with quality that runs through every part of the group sits at the heart of everything Lardon does.
The kitchen at Lardon is led by head chef Mikey Bain, formerly of Calcot Manor and Whatley Manor, while front of house is overseen by Josh Newman, formerly of No. 38 The Park.
What's on the menu at Lardon?
Lardon's menus feature a range of dishes and flavours inspired by Tuscany, the Basque Country and Provence.
Celebrating the ethos that ‘life is best enjoyed when you slow down’, Lardon offers a breakfast experience inspired by the leisurely feel of a hotel stay. Diners can enjoy a classic brunch plate with a Mediterranean twist alongside fresh juices, smoothies and assortment of fresh pastries and additional breakfast dishes served banquet style.
Weekday evenings, diners at Lardon can relax with evening bar snacks alongside the brimming drinks menu.
While lunch and weekend dinner menu highlights include small plates of parmesan arancini with truffle; scallop with bouillabaisse butter, lardon and fennel.
From the wood-fired grill, dishes include lamb shoulder with broad beans, cavolo nero and mint; Iberian-style pork belly, sweetheart cabbage, pangrattato and roasting juice. As well as dishes specially for sharing, flatbreads, salads and the most delicious-sounding selection of desserts.
What is the DON coin challenge?
Adding a playful twist to the dining experience at this new Gloucestershire venue, Lardon has introduced a ritual known as 'The DON coin'.
Ask a member of staff and a ceremonial wooden board will be brought to the table, including a gold coin engraved with DON on one side and LAR on the other. Take a spin and if you get three DON-side landings in a row, the meal is on Lardon!
The DON coin ritual will be available to join in with from Monday to Thursday, during breakfast and lunch service, when dining in only.
When is Lardon open?
Lardon is now open on Mondays to Thursdays from 8am to 8pm, Fridays to Saturdays from 8am to 11pm and Sundays from 8am to 8pm. Dinner service is available on Fridays and Saturdays only. On all other days Lardon is open for breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and drinks.
Look out for summer DJ sessions hosted on the Lardon terrace, children's activities in the Peter Rabbit potting shed which will be adjacent to the restaurant, special events, pop-ups and the occasional promo too.
For bookings and full information, visit lardon-restaurant.com.
