You might imagine that Stockbridge is quiet on a Tuesday morning, but you would be pleasantly surprised. Listed as one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times, Stockbridge boasts a thriving high street with a great butcher, green grocers, wine merchants, and many excellent eateries. One such eatery is Meadow, a café serving breakfast through to lunch, with a locally sourced, fresh, and seasonal menu, including Hildon water, sourced from just a few miles up the road.

Equal to the culinary delights is the space itself: understated, airy, and fresh, with a well-curated selection of art on the walls. Upstairs, beyond the sweeping Georgian staircase, you'll find more exhibitions, workshops, and the occasional musical offering. It’s a fantastic concept—spending time with the artwork and gradually falling in love with it over an asparagus, pea, and goat's cheese tart. I have my eye on a funky screenprint by Charlotte Farmer. The art curation is managed by Mylo Art, who also oversee the workshops and events. Earlier in the year, Hildon sponsored a children’s workshop here, celebrating the children's author and illustrator John Burningham. This included a treasure map that encompassed many of the local shops along the high street. With numerous pop-up events, including workshops, talks, and sales, there is always something to engage with.

There’s a real community spirit here, fostering all kinds of collaboration and support. Recently, "Taste of Stockbridge," a charity event, raised funds to support Stockbridge Ukraine. This unique 'safari supper' event was great fun, involving many of the fabulous restaurants, pubs, and shops along Stockbridge High Street, culminating in a cheese board and acoustic music set at our friends The Grosvenor (featured last month).

On Sunday, August 4th, the Trout’n’About transforms the village into a foodie festival, attracting 8,000 visitors who enjoy both the permanent delights and an array of pop-ups. Hildon is one of the main sponsors this year, with all profits benefiting the town. Last year, the profits were used to pay for the relining of the village pond.

Driven by a team of passionate individuals. Laura Reynolds, a wellbeing cook, infuses the menu with seasonal, local ingredients inspired by her travels in the Far East, creating nourishing and delicious dishes. Carrie Dunlop, a stylist and interior designer, brings a unique aesthetic to Meadow, using non-toxic, recyclable, and natural products influenced by her upbringing in France, India, and Africa. Kate Anniss, founder of Mylo Art & Design, curates the beautiful art that adorns Meadow's walls, bringing her extensive network of artists and a family background in design to the space. This dedicated team has created a welcoming environment that not only offers delicious, locally sourced meals but also serves as a cultural hub. Meadow embodies the spirit of Stockbridge, providing a place where people can come together to enjoy great food, art, and community.

Meadow is more than just a café; it's a cornerstone of the Stockbridge community. The dedicated team behind Meadow has created a welcoming space that not only offers delicious, locally sourced meals but also serves as a cultural hub. Their commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and their collaboration with local artists and event organizers bring a unique vibrancy to the town. Meadow embodies the spirit of Stockbridge, providing a place where people can come together to enjoy great food, art, and community. Visit Meadow to experience the heart of Stockbridge and enjoy the warmth and creativity that this special café brings to the village.