INSIDER’S GUIDE
Insider’s Guide with Our Riverside Dream
We recently met with Alex and James Lesinski, the couple behind Our Riverside Dream, a popular Instagram page with over 125,000 followers focusing on Cotswolds lifestyle and renovating their beautiful home in The Cotswolds. After exploring and living in The Cotswolds for 3 and a half years, they know the region like the back of their hand. From hidden pubs nestled in quaint villages to secrets only a local would know, here is Our Riverside’s Dream’s Insider Guide to The Cotswolds.
BY ALEX AND JAMES LESINSKI
24 January 2024
Image via Oxford Shirt Co
The best pub grub is…
The Lamb in Shipton. A refreshing break from the cookie cutter gastro-menu. The food is sublime and the setting is warm and authentic.
Something only a local would know is…
The extent to which food and sustainability is such a prominent and deep running theme across the Cotswolds. Home to some of the UK’s best cooks and cooking schools, whilst there are obviously big names in the organic farming world like Daylesford, it’s the smaller artisanal enterprises like the fantastic Sourdough Revolution Baking School (run and owned by the wonderful Max and Victoria) that are redefining the notion of grass-roots, community sustainability within the food and hospitality sector.
Our go-to pub is…
The Vic at Eastleach. Sultry moss green walls, glowing fire, hops above the lintel and a varied and imaginative menu. This is The Cotswolds epitomised. Tucked away, understated and utterly welcoming.
The Victoria Inn, Eastleach
Our favourite spot in The Cotswolds is…
Playing pooh sticks with the children on Half Penny bridge, before heading off for a walk along the river Thames (the highest navigable point! And where David Williams started his charity swim from!). That view in particular across the river and fields beyond towards Buscot is magical, and makes us feel lucky to live where we do. We’ll often pick up a hot chocolate for us all from Lynwood and Co on a chilly day!
Our favourite shop is…
Pom-On-The-Wold in Stow. With the original shop being in SW17 where we used to live in London, it always feels like a fun connection and the clothes are such special pieces to add to your wardrobe. Honourable mentions must also go to our local favourites The Oxford Shirt Company and Burford Garden centre of course!
Our favourite area is…
That’s a tough one! Burford itself is quintessential Cotswolds with plenty of gorgeous shops and restaurants. Cirencester offers lots of shops and places to wander - we love a breakfast at Roots and Seeds followed by a long walk/scoot starting at Cecilly Hill! The interiors and antiques focused Tetbury isn’t far away at all - so really we’re spoilt for choice! We feel like there’s a bit of a buzz in the air with where we live - there are lots of new things opening which complement the already fantastic offering. A whole host of family focussed activities too in the Cotswold Water park.
Our favourite hotel is…
Thyme, with the awe inspiring dimensions of the Ox Barn, it’s pretty hard to beat over on our side of the South East Cotswolds. The spa is pretty gorgeous as well but we need to visit it post it’s recent refurbishment!
Thyme at Southrop Manor
The best walk is…
A lazy wander through the bullrushes around Bowmore Lake, part of Lakes By Yoo, ending in a well earned sun downer and a brownie at The Lakes Bar and Kitchen.
My advice for visiting The Cotswolds would be…
Village life in the Cotswolds is as much of an experience in itself as the beautiful views and bucolic scenery. If you can, stay in one of the villages or small market towns. Use them as your base for walks to what would no doubt be a glorious pub, tearoom or bakery; then you’ll really see what the Cotswolds is known for and truly feel the time capsule existence.
One thing I wish I knew before moving to The Cotswolds is…
In contrast to our previous urban life, where everything is on tap, Cotswolds living does require you to be a bit more organised. Reservations, babysitters and taxi’s all need booking well in advance - availability shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Describe The Cotswolds in three words…
Timeless, peaceful, unique!