Discover Enchanted Woodlands, Whispering Meadows and Time-Honoured Pubs and Cafes Serving Gourmet Delights

Follow Great Bowden Heritage Trail 

Welton’s Cafe, Deli and Post Office overlooks Great Bowden’s pretty village green. This 170-year-old village institution is a rare combination of deli, convenience store, post office and cafe. It’s a past Local Shop of the Year finalist in the Farm Shop & Deli Awards, a community hub and home to a mouthwatering selection of treats. On entering, you find a light-filled conservatory on the right, where diners can relax and enjoy table service. The air is filled with the rich scent of freshly brewed Carrara coffee, a locally roasted favourite sure to revive tired walkers. A range of speciality teas is also available. Morning visitors can enjoy breakfasts ranging from the iconic Full English to buttery croissants and bagels. By lunch, the menu diversifies: choose from satisfying dishes such as homemade cottage pie, lasagne and omelettes. Alternatively, those seeking something less hearty can order sandwiches, paninis and salads – think succulent salmon, creamy goat’s cheese, and ripe avocado. Those wandering into Great Bowden in the afternoon can indulge in puds like homemade cakes or ice creams.

Beyond the cafe, Welton’s doubles as a well-appointed village deli selling fresh produce, cheeses, hams and wines. Welton’s is a buzzing venue and a village institution – a fantastic place to while away an hour or two.

The Shoulder of Mutton on Great Bowden village green is a Grade II-listed building from the late 18th to early 19th century with a beer garden to the rear. The pub prides itself on offering a warm welcome, well-kept ales, a cosy setting and hearty pub food. Lunch options include sandwiches such as steak & onion with onion jam; and bacon, brie and cranberry. Seafood enthusiasts might appreciate the fish goujons paired with tartare sauce. Vegetarians can savour the Mediterranean vegetable sandwich; others may lean towards BBQ chicken wings or the Bowden burger. The Sunday lunch here is popular and highly rated. As evening settles, the menu evolves. Classic Fish & Chips, King Prawn & Crab Linguine with a spicy tomato sauce, and Slow Braised Blade of Beef are among the choices. Pasta lovers might be tempted by the Linguine Al La Puttanesca, a mix of black olives, spicy tomato sauce, and capers. Regular themed nights, such as Sunday roasts and Burger Nights, offer added culinary diversity.

The Red Lion offers a delightful retreat for countryside walkers exploring Great Bowden, fusing traditional charm with contemporary flair. The recent no-expense-spared refurbishment has created a stunning setting for eating and drinking, further enhanced by its captivating garden and patio, mirroring Great Bowden’s natural allure. What’s distinctive about this pub is its direct farm-to-table approach. With its own farm in nearby Great Easton, The Red Lion ensures fresh farm produce, especially meat, takes centre stage on its menu, accompanied by other locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. Menu options include gourmet burgers (such as the Mexican burger topped with beef chilli), aromatic curries, hearty pies and fish dishes, catering to diverse palates. Sundays usher in a spread of roasts, including farm-fresh lamb and a delightful grilled aubergine option for vegetarians and vegans. The spacious garden, with its Mediterranean essence, is a major highlight. Diners can relish meals straight from the garden kitchen, and a wood-fired Gozney pizza oven accentuates the authenticity of the pizzas served.

The Red Lion’s garden “Quadrant” is an innovative covered outdoor dining area made from repurposed shipping containers, reclaimed stable partitions, and wooden beams. This architectural choice offers a nod to sustainable practices while providing a spectacular dining space. Each booth in the Quadrant is equipped with heating and a flat-screen TV. Adjacent to the Quadrant is the garden area, characterised by scattered olive trees and beautiful handcrafted terracotta pots.