Wine O'Clock

Gastronomic tour of the Cotswolds by Ant Davies and Zoë Fisher.

After a day spent exploring the world with our little ones, rustling up nutritious meals that they may or may not eat, and keeping on top of life admin (everything else!), we often feel like we've earned a little glass of something. No one knows wine and likes a nice meal as much as Ant and Zo from The Grape Escape, so we asked them for some recommendations where to go eating and drinking, both with and without the little darlings in tow.

The Grape Escape was quick to become a favourite spot for a glass of wine in Cheltenham when it opened in 2015. It is owned by Ant and Zo, who were influenced and motivated by the exciting wine bar scene that was developing in London at the time. They watched as the wine scene exploded around them and spent many an evening, over many a bottle of wine, discussing how much they would love to open a wine bar in the Cotswolds.

After an inspirational trip to California, the couple decided it was time to put their dream into action; they left their jobs, sold their house and moved to Cheltenham.

The wine list includes around 300 options from over twenty different countries. Memories of their trip to the USA are obvious given the size of their Californian selection, which they believe to be the most exciting wine region in the world right now. The by-the-glass list changes every week so customers always have something new to try and the 'flight' option has become increasingly popular, especially for customers wishing to test their knowledge by attempting to guess which wine is which.

Their aim was to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where fun and friendliness make sure there is no intimidation when it comes to choosing wine. Ant and Zo love to encourage customers to try something new and are always happy for you to try before you buy. More than anything, they want people to enjoy a glass of wine at The Grape Escape as much as they enjoy sourcing it.

Date night at Lumière, Cheltenham

Leisurely brunch

Baker & Graze 48 Suffolk Rd, Cheltenham GL50 2AQ

When it comes to brunch there is nowhere to match Baker & Graze in the Suffolks area of Cheltenham for creativity and pure deliciousness. The brunch menu includes delights such as lamb merguez sausages with scrambled eggs on toast or shakshuka baked eggs and is served from 8am until 4pm (perfect for late risers like us!).

Look a little further and you'll reach the daily-changing lunch menu that may include confit duck and waffles or amazing porchetta with endive and radicchio salad.

The wine list is small and perfectly formed; the cava is a must. Oh and we haven't even mentioned the doughnuts or masterful breads available to take away!

Let off some steam

Russell's Fish & Chips 20a High St, Broadway WR12 7DT

Our favourite place for a day-off lunch is even better if you take the steam train from Cheltenham racecourse and make a real day of it!

Russell's chippy is just off the High Street in beautiful Broadway and is the perfect spot for a bit of casual al fresco dining. Only the finest fish is served, and you can choose from grilled or fried options. The chips are cooked in award-winning Cotswold Gold rape seed oil, which is grown and refined only two miles away.

We always struggle to decide between the four fantastic white wines on offer; we went with the classically steely Chablis last time.

Fish and chips from Russell's in Broadway, Cotswolds.

Back to the source

Three Choirs Vineyard Newent GL18 1LS

Situated deep in the sleepy Gloucestershire countryside, the Three Choirs Vineyard offers a magical overnight escape. Arrive mid-morning for a stroll to the edge of the carefully tended vineyards and get up close to some of the twelve grape varieties grown on the 75-acre estate.

Take a guided tour of the winery and taste four of the wines produced before a lovely lunch in the brasserie. In the afternoon, check into one of the comfortable vineyardview bedrooms or lodges; we’d suggest that this is the perfect time to share a bottle of the vineyard's Classic Cuvée or rosé on your veranda. Sleep as peacefully as the vines and wake refreshed and ready for breakfast.

Date night

Lumière Clarence Parade, Cheltenham GL50 3PA

When you finally get an evening to yourself you deserve all the spoils and we can think of nowhere better to deliver than awardwinning Lumière. The setting, the service, the food and the wines (a few of which we supply ourselves) are all sensational.

Helen and her front-of-house team make you feel like royalty, then Jon leaves you speechless with exciting, modern and inventive dishes.

For the full experience go with the tasting menu with matching wines – this is one you'll be telling the kids about when they're old enough!

Three Choirs Vineyard, Newent, Gloucestershire