Where the In-Crowd Goes in the Cotswolds
If you’ve ever wondered where the IT crowd, A-listers and well-connected weekenders escape to when they want countryside air without sacrificing style — the answer is simple: the Cotswolds.
This isn’t your average rural retreat. This is where London’s creative elite, actors, and media names unwind — hopping between farm shops that feature on TV, rustic-chic country pubs, wellness spas that look like magazine spreads, and self-catering cottages like Mount Pleasant Barns that blend heritage stone with five-star comfort.
And here’s the best part: you can join them. With the right base — a self-catering holiday cottage perfectly located in the Cotswolds, Warwickshire or Stratford-upon-Avon — you can live like a local and rub shoulders with the famous faces who’ve made this area their rural playground.
Diddly Squat Farm Shop – The TV-Famous Farm Shop
If you’ve watched Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime, you’ll already know the queues at Diddly Squat Farm Shop in Chipping Norton aren’t just for the eggs and honey. This is a pop-culture phenomenon — Jeremy Clarkson’s now-legendary farm, where fans, locals, and the curious all mingle over “Cow Juice” and chilli chutney. Expect an electric mix of curious tourists, local landowners, and the occasional celebrity stopping by for fresh produce and a selfie.
The Farmer’s Dog Pub – Where the Farm Shop Crowd Goes After Hours
Jeremy Clarkson’s latest project, The Farmer’s Dog, has already become the country pub to be seen at. Nestled near Burford, around 40 mins from Mount Pleasant Barns, this is where the Diddly Squat crowd meets for steaks, Sunday roasts, and local ales.
Everything on the menu is British-sourced — much of it straight from nearby farms. It’s the perfect stop for those who want to swap cottage cooking for a night of buzzy pub glamour.
It’s not unusual to spot familiar faces from TV or even members of Clarkson’s team here — making it the ideal spot to sip a pint and feel part of the inner circle.
Daylesford Organic & Bamford Wellness Spa – Farm-to-Fork Meets High-End Healing
Just down the road in Kingham, Daylesford Organic is the heartbeat of the modern Cotswolds lifestyle — farm shop, restaurant, cookery school, and wellness centre all in one immaculate setting.
This is where you’ll bump into the fashion editors, actors, and tech founders who treat Daylesford like their local deli. The on-site Bamford Wellness Spa adds a layer of calm luxury — yoga, facials, and holistic treatments in serene, plant-filled spaces.
Pop in for an organic lunch, book a spa session, and load up your car with local produce for your self-catering holiday cottage kitchen.
Soho Farmhouse – The Epicentre of Cotswold Cool
If there’s a single place that defines the phrase “where the in-crowd goes in the Cotswolds,” it’s Soho Farmhouse. Now the rub for visitors is that this is a members-only retreat — part of the Soho House group, and it's become the backdrop to countless magazine shoots and influencer posts. Think open-air hot tubs, lakeside cabins, horse-riding, and rustic-luxury dining.
It’s a magnet for actors, musicians, and media moguls who swap London life for a few days of fresh air and privacy. Even if you’re not a member, staying nearby in a self-catering cottage like Mount Pleasant Barns lets you soak up the same energy — and you might just spot a familiar face over brunch at the nearby village café.
Stay: Self-Catering Holiday Cottages with Star Appeal
Forget faceless hotels. The Cotswolds is all about charming self-catering cottages — honey-coloured stone hideaways with big kitchens, and gardens perfect for sunset wine.
Our holiday cottages give you total privacy, but keep you within reach of the “in crowd” haunts: Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop, The Farmer’s Dog pub, Daylesford Organic & Bamford Wellness Spa, and the members-only Soho Farmhouse.
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That’s the beauty of this region: you don’t need fame or a Soho House key fob to join the scene. By booking at Mount Pleasant Barns you’re right in the mix — living the same countryside life the stars love, just without the paparazzi. Wake up to birdsong, shop at the same farm stores as TV personalities, book a Bamford massage, dine where Clarkson’s crew hangs out, and end the night with a glass of wine in your own hot tub!
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