cottages4you blog: inspiration for your cottage or villa holiday in UK, Ireland and Europe

Those heading off for a stay in a Cotswolds holiday cottage in the near future will be able to sample a variety of Fairtrade foods if they head down to an event in Bourton-on-the-Water.

According to the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard, the Fairtrade Foundation is inviting people to change their usual foods for sustainable alternatives as part of the Big Swap fortnight.

It kicked off on Monday (February 22nd) and runs until Sunday March 2nd and the Bourton Fairtrade Group are running a special get-together this Saturday in order to mark the initiative.

Among the attractions will be a four-foot high teapot, which is set to make an appearance as part of a competition to guess how many cuppas are consumed in the town, while Fairtrade tea and cakes will be on offer between 10:00 GMT and 16:00 GMT.

As well as sampling some homemade treats, those who visit will also be doing their bit to help the developing world, as the Fairtrade Foundation aims to give farmers in these countries a better deal when it comes to prices and working conditions.

Posted by Matt Smith

The Crown Inn has been named the south Cotswolds Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

According to the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard, the watering hole picked up the accolade for the high-quality real ale on offer, something that might prove attractive to those staying in nearby Cotswolds holiday cottages who fancy a refreshing tipple.

It also features The Halfpenny Brewery – which is located behind the building and only began producing beer 15 months ago – and chairman of Camra in Cirencester Andrew Frape said that the "general enthusiasm" of the owner and management team was a big factor in their success.

"Plus their well managed and highly popular summer and winter beer festivals certainly didn”t hinder their cause," he was quoted by the news source as saying.

And Donnington Brewery, also in the Cotswolds, was recently named the UK”s Brewery of the Year by the Good Pub Guide, which praised it for undercutting the prices of pubs that produce their own beer.

Posted by David Sollberger

A Cotswolds brewery has been named the UK”s Brewery of the Year in this year”s awards from the Good Pub Guide.

Donnington Brewery, which is located in Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire, received praise from judges as it "beats the bargain prices of pubs brewing their own beer".

The site, which is based at a "picturesque ancient watermill", produces alcoholic beverages for a variety of pubs in the area, meaning those who head out for a pint while enjoying a Cotswolds holiday may well be sampling ale from the firm.

Its owner James Arkell told the BBC that he is "delighted" with the recognition, dedicating it to all the employees at the brewery and the landlords who sell the drinks.

Established in 1865, Donnington Brewery produces two bitters, the 4.4 per cent SBA and the 3.6 per cent BB.

The original mill at the site is still used in the brewing process, with the wheel driving some of the machinery used during production.

Posted by Matt Smith