Cowley Manor

The story

Cowley Manor Experimental – Modern British Dining in Cheltenham, Cotswolds

Cowley Manor Experimental, set in a 300-year-old manor house on 55 acres of Cotswolds countryside near Cheltenham, is a destination where history and modern hospitality meet. The restaurant, led by celebrated British chef Jackson Boxer, offers a menu that reflects the local area with a clear nod to French cuisine. Local produce is at the forefront, highlighting some of Gloucestershire’s finest offerings. The cooking is Modern British in style, rooted in seasonal ingredients and the traditions of the region.

The manor itself has a storied past. Built in 1695 on land once owned by Anglo-Saxon kings, it was later a private home that pioneered the use of concrete in England and featured an early spa complex. Local legend holds that Lewis Carroll drew inspiration from the grounds for Alice in Wonderland. In 2023, the Experimental Group took over, adding the manor to their collection of hotels, bars, and restaurants across Europe. Designer Dorothée Meilichzon refreshed the interiors, weaving classical elements with contemporary touches across the 36 bedrooms and the restaurant itself.

The dining room is part of a larger estate that includes the C-Side Spa, a cocktail bar, library, lounge, and games room. The atmosphere is one of relaxed elegance—a place, as the team describes it, where “time is frozen” and guests can sit back and enjoy. The Experimental Cocktail Club Cotswolds, located on site, offers signature apéritifs, fine wines, and spirits for pre-dinner drinks or late-night gatherings.

The restaurant’s commitment to seasonality and local sourcing has earned it a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026, a recognition that speaks to the quality and consistency of the kitchen. Whether for dinner, lunch, or cocktails in between, the restaurant at Cowley Manor is a place to return to again and again.