Both dining experiences at The Lygon Arms, a 600-year-old coaching inn nestled in picturesque Broadway, have just gone up a gear fuelled by a new partnership with Chef James Martin.
GRILL unveiling in February 2023 and TAVERN opening in March 2023 are set to become two of the most sought-after restaurants in the Cotswolds. Both venues follow in the footsteps of James Martin’s phenomenal success at The Lygon Arms’ sister hotel in Hampshire, Chewton Glen, where James and his talented brigade of chefs developed a stand-out menu at The Kitchen Restaurant & Cookery School following its launch in 2017.
Beyond the new additions, at The Lygon Arms guests can expect roaring log fires in cosy lounges, a relaxing spa, and glorious rooms including the famous Charles I Suite. The Cotswolds inn has been a destination for centuries, attracting guests as varied as King Charles I, Oliver Cromwell, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Staying true to its roots, the hotel's traditional honeyed walls promise a warm welcome to all.
Under the roof of a striking, romantic hall with a dramatic vaulted ceiling, GRILL will naturally evolve over time; however, signature dishes will include Thai-Spiced Cornish Crab Risotto; Burnt Aubergine, Vegan Ricotta, Harissa, Bulgur Wheat and Soft Herbs; and Laverstoke Buffaloumi with Confit Roscoff Onion, Chilli Jam and Treviso.
Classic dishes such as Dry-Aged Longhorn Beef Wellington served with Watercress, Braised King Oyster Mushrooms, Truffled All Butter Mash Potato or Koffman's Chips - or the vegetarian alternative of Beetroot and Feta Wellington with Watercress, Braised King Oyster Mushrooms; and Baked Shetland Cod, Samphire, Red Pepper, and Harissa Dressing will also be available.
Straight off the grill, guests will be able to choose ‘Market Fish of the Day – Your Way’, plus Ribeye, Sirloin or Fillet Steak with a selection of sauces and truffled jus. Additional main dishes will consist of Cotswolds Lamb Shank; Middle White Pork Chop with All Butter Mash, Apple Sauce, Gravy and Roasted Hispi Cabbage; and Roasted Curry Cauliflower with Mung Bean Dhal.
For dessert, James Martin’s legendary White Chocolate and Whisky Bread and Butter Pudding; ‘The Kitchen Apple’ – Laverstoke Apple and Hot “Tatin” borrowed from The Kitchen at Chewton Glen; Knickerbocker Glory; and Humble Crumble will all feature on the pudding menu.
A relaxed and comfortable space, TAVERN will be an affable choice to spend a few hours grazing on simple food, enjoying a glass of real ale, and relaxing with the newspapers. The menu will feature nibbles and grazing dishes, perfectly in keeping with the cosy historical tavern. Menu options will include The Lygon Sausage Roll with Mustard, Relish and Pickles; Little Oak Middlewhite and Scotch Egg with Piccalilli Relish; Hot Pork Pie with Fruity House of Parliament Sauce; Cotswold Ploughman’s; Shepherd’s Pie; and Baked Aubergine with Tabbouleh and a Rich Tomato Sauce, Harissa, and Lime Yoghurt. A delicious pudding or two may also be slipped in for those with a sweet tooth.
As well as regularly visiting The Lygon Arms, James will also be hosting ‘Dinners with James Martin’ which will showcase seasonal “greatest hits” menus for the whole room, perfectly paired with wines. James also has plans to invite some of his fellow celebrity chefs and their culinary creativity to The Lygon Arms.
“We are delighted to welcome James to The Lygon Arms following the enormous positive impact he has made to The Kitchen at Chewton Glen – a restaurant which our valued guests delight in daily,” commented Andrew Stembridge, Executive Director of Iconic Luxury Hotels.
“Housed in an incredibly historic building with roots reaching back to the 13th century, The Lygon Arms is a piece of history and James’ additions will add another chapter to the storied hotel. Both our team and James have a shared outlook for what we see as the culinary future at The Lygon Arms; one which will incorporate fabulous, top-quality ingredients from the best suppliers. James works with the most renowned butchers, fishmongers, game dealers, farmers, and cheese makers in the country and we look forward to bringing these ingredients to our new and returning guests. Ultimately James is exceptionally talented when it comes to creating fun and atmospheric dining experiences and I am sure his involvement with The Lygon Arms will take everything to the next level.”
