On an Active England cycle tour, you will be able to sample some of this country’s best cuisine in the loveliest of locations. A tasty cream tea, a hearty pub lunch, real local ales, or delicious evening dining – the food and drink on our bike tour is hard to beat.
CREAM TEAS AND CAKE
England’s first tea room was opened in London by Thomas Twinning in 1706. Today tea rooms and the tradition of afternoon tea are still popular. Tasty treats such as scones, sponge cake and crumpets are some of the recommended accompaniments to your pot of afternoon tea.
Quintessentially English, having tea at a tearoom or village inn will give you the opportunity to soak up some sedate English culture. They also offer the perfect chance to fill up on treats to give you energy for the ride ahead.
TRADITIONAL PUBS
The traditional pub and pint of beer (real beer, that is – not lager!) are synonymous with England. They’ve been around since Roman times and are an integral part of English culture. With their hearty food and rural locations, families and friends alike love to stop by for a snack and a chat.
During an Active England bike tour, you’ll get plenty of opportunity for a pub lunch – and you might be surprised by what’s on offer. Although burgers and chips are still firm favourites, today these are more likely to be homemade from the finest ground steak and hand-cut organic potatoes. Pubs all over the country are upping their game in terms of food and ‘gastro pubs’ which serve high quality, fresh food has become the standard. With a large variety of food available, whether you’re after a simple sandwich or a generous portion of Game pie you’ll find something to tickle your taste buds.
Pubs often have regional dishes and local ales on their menus, so as well as seeing the sights, you’ll be able to sample the local delicacies. Inns and taverns with rustic decor, mouth-watering meals and scenic beer gardens make for the perfect locations to rest and refresh yourself.
MORE THAN FISH & CHIPS
The Trout Farm in Bibury, Gloucestershire dates back to 1902. Set in the rolling Cotswold valleys, the Bibury natural spring provides pure water for the native Brown Trout to hatch and grow. If you like a bit of fishing you can learn to catch your own trout at the fishery or pop into to the shop and buy one.
Active England has selected some of the Cotswold’s finest hotels and guest houses for your stay, and along with great accommodation comes a superb dining experience. The Lamb in Burford, The Manor House Hotel in Moreton-on-Marsh and The Swan Hotel in Bibury all offer delicious menus for your enjoyment. With choices ranging from Seared Scottish Scallops to Braised Lighthorne Lamb, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
British cuisine has moved on, so as you travel from breakfast to that rewarding evening meal, we’ll keep your plate full of goodness and your body refuelled and ready to go.