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It's impossible of course to
name just one Cotswold village that displays all the most attractive
characteristics of the region, but on any short list Broadway must come
very near the top.
William Morris is said to have 'discovered' Broadway and it's easy to see
why he was so captivated by this ancient village of golden limestone with
a broad main street (indeed a 'broad way') and spacious green. A whole
host of artists and writers followed in his wake: the author Henry James,
the painter Sir John Sargent, the composer Sir Edward Elgar ~ all drew
inspiration from the beauty and tranquility of this very special place.
Broadway, or 'Bradanwege' as it was called in Anglo-Saxon times, belonged
to the Benedictine Abbey of Pershore for 550 years. A busy market centre
on the main road between Oxford and Worcester, the village really
developed because of the stage coach trade. At one time there were 33
public houses here, including the Lygon Arms, ~ the most striking building
in Broadway where both King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell stayed, (at
different times, of course!)
A stroll around the village reveals a ravishingly unspoilt collection of
ancient houses, shops and inns, Georgian halls with steep gables and
mullioned windows rub shoulders with 16th and 17th century cottages with
undulating roofs and wisteria-clad walls. You'll catch glimpses too of the
distant Cotswold escarpment, topped by Lord Coventry's Broadway Tower.
When you've finished browsing, make your way back to the High Street and
the Small Talk Tea Shoppe, part of a 17th century house built by Thomas
Hodges, one of the great benefactors of the village. Partners Richard and
Deirdre Rouse are proud of their fine selection of quiches, pizzas and
pastries, all delivered fresh each morning. You can purchase these in the
bakery or sample them in the delightful tea-room at the rear, ~ a pretty
impression of pink and green with delicate lace tablecloths and exposed
Cotswold stone walls. It's a perfect setting in which to relax with a good
pot of tea, (specially blended for Small Talk), and traditional tea-time
treats: Cream Teas and almond macaroons, tangy lemon meringue pie or
blackberry & apple.
Toasted teacakes sell in their hundreds and customers always remark on the
Danish pastries: 8 unusual varieties including almond & sultana, or
apple & apricot. Freshly-made sandwiches and huge, colourful salads
are available all day, together with filled jacket potatoes and wholesome
soups: potato & leek, perhaps, or chicken and mushroom.
A small but carefully chosen selection of gifts includes prints of local
views, Cotswold tea towels and aprons, along with local honeys, jams,
delicious fruit cakes and Sugar Mice.
Opening times: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (Monday-Saturday); 10.30 am - 5.00 pm
(Sunday), all year. Bakery open from 9.00 am.
Telephone: (01386) 853676. |
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