Charlbury, a charming town nestled in the Cotswolds, has managed to maintain its serene ambiance despite being a popular tourist destination. Renowned for its scenic honeycomb houses set amidst rolling hills, Charlbury has recently gained recognition for its emerging music scene, earning it the moniker ‘Notting Hill-on-the-Wolds’. Located in Oxfordshire, this picturesque town offers a delightful blend of delectable cuisine and breathtaking landscapes.
In recent years, Charlbury has become a vibrant center for festivals and a bustling pub scene. Notable figures like David Beckham and former Archbishop Rowan Williams frequent the town, while actor Toby Shadow, known for his role in ‘Long Shadow’, hails from Charlbury. Additionally, Jeremy Clarkson’s farm, just a few miles away, supplies fresh produce to the town’s pubs.
Although quieter compared to nearby tourist hotspots like Bibury and Castle Combe, Charlbury comes alive in August during the Wilderness Festival at Cornbury Park. The town also hosts the popular Riverside Festival in July and beer festivals at the renowned Rose & Crown in June and October.
Acknowledged for its burgeoning music culture, Charlbury has been dubbed the ‘Notting Hill’ of the countryside by The Telegraph, attracting England’s fashionable crowd. The Pelican, a trendy gastropub in London’s Notting Hill, organized a successful pop-up event in Charlbury, attended by prominent figures like Boris Johnson.
Charlbury’s culinary scene boasts a historical gem, The Bull, a 17th-century pub known for sourcing mushrooms from Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm. The pub also stocks Hawkstone ales and cider from the same farm, showcasing a unique connection to the celebrity farmer.
Despite its quaint appearance, Charlbury surprises visitors with its diversity. The upcoming opening of Amarelo Bistro, featuring Brazilian cuisine in the former Post Office building, adds a touch of international flair to this traditional English town.