Insider's Guide

Insider’s Guide with Alex Dilling

4th February 2025

Alex is an award-winning chef. His namesake restaurant, in five-star Hotel Café Royal in London, broke records by achieving two Michelin stars just six months after opening in 2023.  Alex prides himself with cooking some of the most imaginative dishes on the London culinary scene.

Alex grew up between London, England, and the US. He has worked alongside some of the finest chefs in the world where he honed his technical talent spanning New York, Paris, and London. His career has seen him working for some of the most prestigious international hotel groups. When not travelling, Alex divides his time between London and the Cotswolds and has kindly shared his tips for the area.

How long you have visited and or lived in the Cotswolds?

I actually only visited for the first time a couple of years ago and my first stay in the area was at The Wild Rabbit.  We have some extended family and friends in the Cotswolds then fell in love with the area. Our plan is to create a special home here in the future.

My favourite spot is…

That’s a tough one! I definitely love the farm shops and I’m making my way through the pubs. I’m desperate to try The Three Horseshoes in Asthall. The Masons Arms in Bampton has been a great find.  

My favourite view of the Cotswolds is…

I’m still exploring – however when I first visited Bourton-on-the-Water it felt like going back in time it’s quite a magical place. 

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My favourite place to escape in nature is…

I have my wellingtons firmly by the door here – a walk along the river Windrush followed by a pub lunch. It’s exactly what I need after travelling or time in our restaurant in London which is very fast paced. The Cotswolds is definitely where I like to wind down. 

The best place to go early in the morning is…

If you want to beat the rush in any of the picture postcard villages go early on a weekday.  

Something only locals know is…

You need to book well ahead for weekend tables in restaurants. 

My foodie go-to is…

I love The Bell in Charlbury for a Sunday roast – otherwise the Bull in Charlbury is also serve amazing and well thought out food. I could really talk forever about the food scene here – I had a misconception it would be a very traditional food scene, but I’ve been blown away. We have a list of new openings or restaurants / cafes in general that we are keen to try, and it keeps growing. The people and businesses here really care about what they are doing. The mark Daylesford has left on the food scene too is amazing and the designs of each outlet make them even more memorable. 

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My cultural fix is…

Blenheim Palace – it’s beautiful, historical and they do so much for families throughout the year. Light shows, Halloween and Christmas are lovely times to visit with children. 

My nighttime escape is…

There is a great and very tiny bar at The Bull in Burford. Very quirky interior and artwork, log fires and fantastic drinks. 

A misconception about the Cotswolds would be…

It’s somewhere to retire or overly quiet. It’s actually full of young and dynamic people and you can make of it what you wish.  I love to cook at home as well as explore the endless gastronomy offerings. I could have never imagined the extent of the artisanal ingredients and produce available here.

Three words to describe the Cotswolds…

Charming, unexpected and picturesque. There are so many hidden gems! 

Imagery is kindly shared by Alex, you can follow him on Instagram here.

Alex will be joining our team at The Wild Rabbit on 17th March to create an early springtime menu celebrating the many flavours and textures wonderfully unique to the British Isles. To discover more about the supper club, click below

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