Situated in Chalford, the Lavender Bakehouse & Coffee Shop is a welcome respite after a long walk around the hilly town of Stroud on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds.
Painted in dreamy shades of lavender, Farrow & Ball greys and decorated with twinkling chandeliers, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing breakfast or lunch. All ingredients are sourced from local suppliers and the pretty cakes are lovingly prepared on the premises.
As tempting as the orange & lavender cake or the chocolate & beetroot cake are (not to mention the gluten-free cake of the day), I ignore every natural sweet impulse and choose a grilled panini tuna melt! All served with the mixed house salad, Morroccan-syle couscous and the delicious cumin flavoured grated carrot.
Breakfast is served until 11.30 and lunch is 12 – 3pm. The emphasis is on fresh, healthy, local ingredients with dishes such as the smoked Coln valley salmon platter or the cheese platter from award-winning Cotswold producers.
Unfortunately I forgot to purchase a jar of their delicious lavender marmalade as I was distracted by the sign pointing to the Lavender Gallery room upstairs. Here, local artists show their work and there is also an opportunity to buy paintings as well as beautiful cards and gifts.
For further information please visit: http://www.lavenderbakehouse.co.uk/gallery.html
All images by Julie Eagleton.
