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Set within the idyllic surroundings of Daylesford Organic Farm in the Cotswolds, The Trough offers a refined take on farm-to-table dining that feels both considered and deeply rooted in its setting. It’s a space where rustic materials, soft lighting, and the gentle rhythm of the farm come together to create an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and settle in.
Rustic Charm Meets Elegant Simplicity
Housed within a beautifully restored barn, The Trough reflects the wider Daylesford aesthetic with ease. Natural stone, pale woods, and a palette of soft neutrals shape a space that feels calm without being overly styled. Communal tables and cushioned banquettes encourage relaxed, sociable dining, while quieter corners offer a more intimate setting.
The open kitchen adds a subtle sense of theatre, giving a glimpse into the craft behind each dish, while the surrounding farmshop and courtyard reinforce the feeling that everything here is closely connected to the land.
A Menu That Celebrates the Season
The menu follows the rhythm of the farm, changing regularly to reflect what is being grown, reared, and produced on-site. Ingredients are selected for their quality and provenance, with much of the produce coming directly from the farm’s own market garden and wider organic estate.
The current lunch offering leans into simple, well-executed dishes that allow the ingredients to lead:
To begin, freshly baked sourdough served with whipped herb butter sets the tone, alongside lighter options such as steamed sprouting broccoli and Smokin’ Brothers salmon tartare, which brings a clean, delicate richness.
Small plates and starters favour balance and seasonality, often drawing on the best of the day’s harvest, while maintaining a restrained, unfussy presentation.
Among the more substantial dishes, options such as Lancashire hotpot and flat iron chicken offer a comforting, grounded feel, reflecting the kitchen’s focus on honest, flavour-led cooking. Alongside these, vibrant salads such as the Cotswold chopped salad showcase the freshness of the produce, with crisp textures and clean, well-judged dressings.
Wood-fired elements remain part of the experience, with pizzas and simple grilled dishes appearing across menus, reinforcing the kitchen’s emphasis on straightforward, satisfying food.
Desserts and cheeses follow the same philosophy, drawing on Daylesford’s own dairy and bakery, and changing in line with the seasons.
Across the board, the approach is consistent: ingredient-led, quietly confident, and rooted in the farm’s organic principles.
Thoughtful, Personal Service
Service at The Trough strikes a natural balance between polish and ease. The team is knowledgeable without being formal, and there’s a clear familiarity with both the menu and the provenance behind it.
Whether guiding you through seasonal changes or offering suggestions based on the day’s best dishes, the approach feels attentive without ever becoming intrusive, allowing the setting and the food to remain the focus.
Dining That Makes a Difference
The Trough holds a Michelin Green Star, recognising its commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. This is reflected not only in the food itself but in the broader Daylesford philosophy, where farming, production, and hospitality operate as part of a wider ecosystem.
Daylesford Organic has also been B Corp certified in recent years, alongside its long-standing partnership with the Soil Association, reinforcing its position as one of the UK’s most established organic producers. These elements sit quietly in the background, but they shape the experience in a way that feels both purposeful and genuine.
A Considered Cotswolds Dining Experience
More than just a restaurant, The Trough offers a window into the Daylesford way of life, where food, farming, and environment are closely intertwined. It’s a place that rewards a slower pace, whether you arrive for a long lunch, a relaxed dinner, or as part of a wider day spent exploring the farm.
For those drawn to seasonal cooking and a setting that feels both refined and grounded, The Trough remains one of the Cotswolds’ most quietly assured dining experiences.
Location: Daylesford near Kingham, Gloucestershire GL56 0YG
