Pub of the Week: Director Club, Badbury
Today’s ‘Pub of the Week’ is a little off the wall – much like the place itself. Which is what makes Director Club a find that once discovered, will see you returning with friends to show them just what you were talking about. It’s truly unique, in that its ‘Director’s Cut’ café complete with bar and restaurant-style offering, is tucked away on the site of an old dairy that is now a film production studio in the village of Badbury. The inspiration was to provide film crews with more than just the usual food and drink offering on shoots, but when you visit, you can see why it’s now also open to the public, 7am-7pm weekdays. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, light lunch, fine dining with paired wine or late afternoon cocktails and beer, the Director’s Cut café delivers. It’s quite honestly the only place for miles you’ll find with such a superb offering and service to match.
On arrival, you’re greeted by a decking area complete with outdoor seating, parasols and woven blankets, which sits you next to a kitchen garden – the produce of which is used to garnish a variety of cocktails and dishes on the menu. Floor length glass windows take you into the café and bar area, which is when it becomes clear that the Director’s Cut café belongs to something special. It has a rustic, yet polished look – the combination of the exposed brick work, wood panelling and vintage lights hanging from the ceiling, of which is decorated with ivy vines, creates a retro-modern aesthetic. Black and white ‘storyboard’ framed artwork lines the walls, a nod to the films which have both inspired and been shot at the studio site itself. From Monday, you’ll be able to take full advantage of this interior as indoor dining resumes!
What we love about the Director’s Cut café, is that it is so much more than just a café. Every detail has been carefully handpicked and selected to reflect the uniqueness of the Studios and Director Club setup. The coffee they serve is their own blend, a rich, deep flavoured aromatic coffee that fills the dining area – particularly in the morning. There are a selection of breakfasts available ‘On Toast’, before switching to the lunch menu in the afternoon. This is where it really comes into its own. The menu changes regularly and always features daily specials (including vegan options), local produce where possible and ingredients from the kitchen garden too. You can expect every dish to be as delicious as the next – from fresh salmon on a bed of pesto, baby potatoes and grilled courgette matched with a refreshing gin and tonic or ‘That is a Tasty Burger!’ served with house slaw and seasoned fries with a proper pint. All available to takeaway too.
On the bar you’ll find a selection of craft beers on tap, which regularly alternate, a full back bar of spirits, including our Ramsbury gin and vodka that feature in the cocktail menu, as well as whiskies, and of course – wine. The wine list has been created by their very own sommelier, each one paired and matched to suit the vibe, and the menu. There are also a variety of bottled beers, including our 506, which is a particular favourite for those who prefer a classic local ale, as well as ciders, soft drinks and alcohol-free options too for those designated drivers. When the weather decides to perk up, there is a second ‘secret’ garden area, with additional tables and most importantly, sun loungers. Sipping away at a refreshing G&T or cold pint, whilst lying on a sun bed will instantly make you feel as if you are on a minibreak away. Oh, and did we mention that there is also a ‘Therapy Area’ available to book in advance? Including a sauna, massage and treatments and rainfall showers. See what we mean by a minibreak? Director Club is a retreat, somewhere to relax and unwind in a picturesque part of the country, a stone’s throw away from the edge of the Cotswolds. So, if you want to escape – be that for an hour in the morning, over a lengthy lunch or for evening drinks – this is the place for it. For more information or to book a table visit www.director-club.com
