All eyes on… Cirencester
- James Massoud
- 18 hours ago
- 5 min read
Often referred to as the capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester is a town where history runs deep. Roman streets, honey-coloured stone buildings and a bustling market square give the town its timeless appeal, while its position at the heart of Gloucestershire makes it a natural base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Yet beyond its historic façades, Cirencester has quietly built a reputation as a destination for food lovers. Independent cafés, ingredient-led restaurants and welcoming pubs now sit alongside long-established institutions, creating a dining scene that reflects both the region’s agricultural richness and the creativity of a new generation of restaurateurs.
From farm-to-fork dining in Cirencester Park to vibrant neighbourhood pizzerias and elegant brasserie dining in historic inns, the town offers an impressive range of places to eat for a destination of its size.
In this edition of The Knife’s spotlight series, we explore the dining destinations helping shape Cirencester’s modern culinary identity.
Kings Head
Dominating Cirencester’s historic Market Place, the Kings Head is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks; a former coaching inn that has welcomed travellers since the 14th century. Recently relaunched following an extensive refurbishment by hospitality group Brakspear, the property now enters a new chapter as the flagship venue within the company’s Honeycomb Houses collection.
The renovation has carefully balanced heritage with contemporary comfort. Behind the honeyed Cotswold stone façade lie interiors layered with history: Georgian wood panelling, Tudor brickwork and oak beams sit alongside fabrics inspired by William Morris and reclaimed local timbers. Even a Roman mosaic floor discovered during renovations has been preserved beneath glass.
At the centre of the experience is a lively brasserie serving modern British dishes built around seasonal ingredients and strong local sourcing. Newly appointed head chef Mathew Peter brings a globally influenced approach to elevated pub classics, while fresh fish arrives daily from Devon and vegetarian options feature across the menu.
Upstairs, 64 thoughtfully designed rooms make the Kings Head an inviting place to stay as well as dine, while its cosy bar – complete with roaring fires in winter – makes it a natural gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Perfect for: a stylish stay in the heart of Cirencester, relaxed brasserie dining and drinks after exploring the Cotswolds.
Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden
Set within the beautiful surroundings of Cirencester Park, Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden is far more than just a restaurant. This vibrant dining hub combines seasonal cooking, sustainability and community spirit, all centred around a quarter-acre kitchen garden that supplies much of the produce appearing on the menu.
Founded by local friends Toby Baggott and Sam Lawson-King, the concept evolved from their original Scenic Supper project (greenhouse dining launched during the pandemic), before settling permanently at The Old Kennels in 2023.
Head chef Sam Idoine, whose career includes time at The Clove Club and Rick Stein’s kitchens, brings a refined touch to generous seasonal dishes inspired by modern British cooking with subtle French influences. Menus shift regularly depending on what’s growing in the garden or arriving from nearby farms, estates and fisheries within a 25-mile radius.
With its light-filled dining room, views over the garden beds and direct access to Cirencester Park’s sweeping avenues, Roots + Seeds captures the essence of Cotswolds dining.
Perfect for: farm-to-fork cooking, relaxed brunch after a walk in Cirencester Park and family-friendly lunches.
Cattivo
Just steps away from Roots + Seeds at The Old Kennels, Cattivo brings a lively Neapolitan-style pizza experience to the edge of Cirencester Park. The restaurant recently relaunched under a new management team led by general manager Jamie Edwards and head chef Antonio Dinu, with a renewed focus on creating a welcoming, family-focused pizzeria.
At the heart of the menu are authentic Neapolitan sourdough pizzas, made using a 24-hour fermented biga dough and cooked in a blazing wood-fired oven fuelled by dry-aged oak from the nearby Bathurst Estate.
The toppings strike a balance between Italian tradition and Cotswolds provenance. San Marzano tomatoes, burrata and aged parmesan share space with locally sourced ingredients such as venison nduja made from deer raised on the neighbouring estate and herbs grown next door in the Roots + Seeds garden.
Inside, colourful pop-art touches and long trestle tables give the space a lively, sociable atmosphere, the sort of place where families, friends and park-goers gather over pizza and gelato.
Perfect for: authentic Neapolitan pizza, relaxed family dinners and casual meals after exploring Cirencester Park.
Lynwood & Co
Overlooking Cirencester’s bustling Market Place, Lynwood & Co has become a cornerstone of the town’s café culture. What began as a small independent café in nearby Lechlade has grown into a much-loved Cotswolds brand known for excellent coffee, artisan sourdough and laid-back brunches.
Drawing inspiration from Australia’s relaxed café scene, Lynwood & Co focuses on quality ingredients and generous, unfussy cooking. Bread is made using slow-fermented sourdough techniques, while the menu features everything from classic breakfast plates to vibrant brunch dishes and house-baked cakes.
Coffee is taken seriously too, with carefully sourced beans brewed by a team of skilled baristas who understand that a good café can be as much about atmosphere as it is about food.
Busy from early morning until late afternoon, Lynwood & Co is the kind of place where locals start their day, and visitors quickly feel like regulars.
Perfect for: great coffee, relaxed brunch and people-watching on Cirencester’s Market Square.
Sam & Jak
Just a short stroll from the Market Place, Sam & Jak has quietly become one of Cirencester’s most beloved independent restaurants. Run by chef-owners Sam Edwards and Jak Doggett, the venue combines a café, restaurant and wine bar under one welcoming roof.
Their cooking is rooted in seasonal modern British cuisine, with menus that change regularly to reflect the best produce available. Expect comforting yet refined dishes that draw inspiration from both the Cotswolds’ larder and wider European influences.
The building itself adds to the charm. Spread across multiple levels on Cricklade Street, the restaurant offers a mix of cosy dining spaces, exposed beams and intimate corners that make it equally suited to brunch, lunch or dinner.
With its thoughtful cooking and relaxed atmosphere, Sam & Jak captures the spirit of Cirencester’s independent dining scene – quietly confident and deeply rooted in the community.
Perfect for: relaxed modern British cooking, intimate dinners and long lunches with excellent wine.
Cirencester may be steeped in history, but its food scene feels refreshingly modern. The town offers an impressive range of places to eat for a destination of its size, making Cirencester one of the Cotswolds’ most rewarding places to dine.
