Lardon brings a taste of the European coastline and countryside to Elkstone Studios in the heart of the Cotswolds. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this ingredient-led restaurant specialises in dishes designed to be shared, with seasonal produce and wood-fired cooking running throughout the menus.
Breakfast might begin with the continental-style buffet, featuring jamon Iberico with fig and rocket, whipped ricotta with cherry tomato and basil, house-toasted granola and chia seed bowls with berries. Alternatively, hot dishes include a Basque breakfast of soft-baked eggs, chorizo, piquillo pepper and anchovy, or the Tuscan offering of burrata and fig on sourdough. Pastries from the bakery, fresh juices, smoothies and coffee complete the offering.
Later in the day, the focus switches to European-inspired small plates and dishes from the flames. Start with olives and almonds, arancini or rosemary focaccia with smoked sea salt before moving onto wood-fired cod, pork belly or 34-day-aged Longhorn rump cap with Cafe de Paris sauce. Larger T-bone steaks are made for sharing, while pizzettas, salads and vegetable sides offer plenty of ways to build a meal for the table. Desserts include Lardon brulee with vanilla, almond and strawberries, Amalfi lemon cake and chocolate mousse with pistachio and salted caramel.
The dining room is suitably atmospheric, with a vaulted ceiling and deep burnt-orange walls creating a warm, cocooning backdrop. Marble-topped tables, dark green banquettes, statement globe lighting and pig-inspired artwork add character, while the open kitchen gives diners a view of the chefs at work.
A curated selection of wines, beers and spirits complements the Mediterranean flavours. Children are well catered for too, with a dedicated Little Lardons menu featuring dishes such as wood-fired chicken, bavette and cod, making this an easy option for anything from dates and special occasions to relaxed family meals.