Seasonal plates, homegrown ingredients, and a slower pace of life make this Cirencester dining spot a lovely find for food lovers exploring the Cotswolds.
Some places are made for more than simply eating out. They invite you to slow down, savour something delicious, and enjoy the little moments that make a day feel special. Tucked away in the historic surroundings of Cirencester Park, Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden is one such place, bringing together thoughtful cooking, countryside charm, and a refreshing approach to sustainable dining.
Founded by local school friends Toby Baggott and Sam Lawson-King, this welcoming Cotswolds destination began with an imaginative idea during lockdown. Their original venture, The Scenic Supper, offered fine dining in five greenhouses set within a picturesque countryside field. Its success eventually inspired the opening of Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden at The Old Kennels in April 2023.
Today, it is a relaxed dining hub for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea, with a philosophy rooted in good food, local connections, and a genuine love of the land.
A Taste of the Seasons
At Roots + Seeds, the menu begins with what’s growing nearby. The restaurant sources seasonal artisan ingredients from within a 25-mile radius wherever possible, complemented by fruit, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers from its own quarter-acre kitchen garden.
Head chef Sam Idoine brings an impressive culinary background to the kitchen, combining classic English comfort food with creative French influences. Expect generous, flavourful dishes showcasing locally reared meat, game from the Bathurst Estate and fresh seafood delivered daily from Brixham in Devon.
The regularly changing specials board celebrates whatever is best that day, while vegetarian and vegan options ensure there’s something for different tastes. Families are welcome, too, with a children’s menu featuring wholesome options alongside familiar favorites.
It’s the sort of place where a leisurely lunch can become the highlight of a countryside escape.
Beautiful Spaces with a Greener Purpose
Inside, vaulted ceilings, farmhouse tables, industrial details, and large windows overlooking the garden create a bright, contemporary space with plenty of character. Outside, two courtyards offer additional seating surrounded by raised beds filled with herbs and edible flowers.
Sustainability is woven into the everyday running of the restaurant. Menus are planned carefully to minimise food waste, while recycling, reduced plastic use, and the reuse of materials help keep its environmental footprint in check. The garden’s flowers even find their way onto dining tables, with surplus blooms available to purchase.
Behind the bar, seasonal cocktails made with the restaurant’s own gin, homemade cordials, and locally foraged ingredients continue the focus on creativity and provenance. Add English wines and locally brewed beers, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to linger a little longer.
Rooted in Community
What makes Roots + Seeds particularly special is its commitment to the community around it. The team works with Cirencester Pantry, donating surplus food and providing cooked meals to help reduce waste and support local people. It also hosts cookery demonstrations, sharing the joy of seasonal ingredients beyond the restaurant itself.
And with direct access to the beautiful, Grade I-listed landscape of Cirencester Park, a visit can easily be paired with a gentle walk beneath tree-lined avenues and across open parkland. Families have indoor and outdoor children’s play areas to enjoy, while a dedicated dog-washing station makes it a thoughtful stop for four-legged companions, too.
A Lovely Find in the Cotswolds
For a relaxed meal surrounded by nature, Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden captures the spirit of a slower Cotswolds escape. Come for seasonal cooking, stay for the welcoming atmosphere, and leave with a little more appreciation for the people and places behind your food.
Find it: Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden, The Old Kennels, Cirencester Park, Gloucestershire, GL7 1UR.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am–5pm; Sunday, 9am–5pm.
Discover more: rootsandseedskitchengarden.co.uk | Instagram: @rootsandseedskitchengarden
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