Sunlit Serenity at Broadway Tower

The recently opened orangery extension at the Tower Barn cafe, nestled at the foot of Broadway Tower, gives sunlit pleasure in abundance – an elegant new space that feels both celebratory and entirely at home in the Cotswold landscape.

There are few joys in life quite like sunlight spilling through glass onto a table set with good food, a well-made cup of coffee, and the quiet buzz of conversation. The recently opened orangery extension at the Tower Barn cafe, nestled at the foot of Broadway Tower, gives that pleasure in abundance – an elegant new space that feels both celebratory and entirely at home in the Cotswold landscape. If you've been craving a weekend escape that combines architecture, food and a little retail therapy, consider this your invitation.

The orangery is an addition that respects its setting while adding a fresh, modern note. From inside, the view is simply a poem – rolling fields, hedgerows and the famed silhouette of Broadway Tower itself. It's a room that makes you slow down. The light here is the star: soft and golden in the mornings, dramatic in the late afternoon, and utterly flattering whether you've come for coffee, a long brunch or a light lunch with friends.

The culinary offering has been crafted to mirror that leisurely mood. The brunch menu errs on the side of convivial simplicity – moreish rather than fussy – and is built around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Crisp, buttery sourdough is served alongside perfectly poached eggs and irresistible crushed peas with chilli lime and coriander; a small plate of smoked trout from a nearby supplier arrives with scrambled eggs. For those with a sweeter tooth, there's a seasonal berry compote folded into thick Greek yogurt topped with crunchy granola, and fluffy pancakes served with crispy bacon and maple.

But what makes the Tower Barn brunch sing is its balance. It's as happy to serve an indulgent full-English for leisurely weekend appetites as it is to place light, thoughtfully composed plates in front of cyclists and dog-walkers grabbing a mid-morning refuel.

There's comfort, but it's never heavy – bright, vibrant, and designed to complement the view rather than compete with it.

The lunch selection follows the same ethos: lighter, seasonal plates that showcase provenance and flavour. Our famous Posh Cheese on Toast with double Gloucester, cheddar and chive served with local plum onion and apple chutney, a handmade delicate tart with a flaky pastry base, filled with local seasonal flavours; and a signature prawn and smoked trout cocktail. For those leaning into the Cotswold experience, the menu includes a dish of the day to tempt you with something special – perfect with a glass of wine.

The beverage list deserves a paragraph of its own. Coffee is taken seriously here: there's an espresso blend pulled to order by baristas who understand crema and timing, and a small but well-curated selection of teas for those who prefer something gentler. Seasonal drinks, whether a sparkling pimms or warming mulled wine, sit alongside a concise wine list and a couple of local ales for those who plan to linger into the afternoon. Everything is served on simple, attractive crockery – the kind that invites you to lift the cup and stay a while.

What I appreciated most on my visit was how the orangery manages to feel both special and inclusive. Families gather for pancake-strewn tables on bright Saturdays; couples find a quiet corner with a view; walkers return muddy and happy for soups that seem designed for damp coats and rosy cheeks. The staff create a warm, unobtrusive rhythm: welcoming, knowledgeable about the menu and the surrounding walks, and generous with recommendations – whether you're after a short loop around the tower or a longer country amble.

Complementing the cafe is the Tower Barn shop, which has been given a thoughtful refresh to dovetail with the orangery's aesthetic. The retail offer is curated with an eye for pieces that feel at once contemporary and rooted in the slow-design traditions that make the Cotswolds such a style reference. Fashion ranges include soft knitwear, tactile scarves woven with natural fibres, and a selection of timeless weekend pieces – linen blouses, country coats with subtle tailoring and easy, flattering dresses that look as comfortable in a tea-room as they do at the market.

Interior gift ranges are where the shop truly charms. There are small-batch ceramics – some with slight imperfections that make them more attractive – alongside candle collections scented with rosemary, orange and other county-inspired notes. Cushions in woven textures and natural tones sit beside elegant throws, and there's a considered edit of tableware and glassware that pairs beautifully with the cafe's own aesthetic. Everything feels like it has been chosen with care, a tactile resume of the Tower Barn experience you can take home.

If there's any criticism to be made, it's that the popularity the orangery so richly deserves can make it busy at peak times. For those who prize quiet, a midweek morning or an early-table booking is recommended. That said, the bustle is part of its charm – there's a lovely hum of life, conversation and the clink of plates that makes the experience feel convivial rather than crowded.

In a region defined by its stone cottages and patchwork fields, the orangery at the Tower Barn cafe is a tasteful, generous addition. It doesn't shout; it invites. It offers a place to witness the landscape and to celebrate the region through food and craft. Whether you're a local looking for a new weekend ritual, a day-tripper drawn to the timeless magnetism of Broadway Tower, or a style-minded shopper seeking original gifts, the Tower Barn's new extension and its refreshed shop present a cohesive, considered destination.

In short: go hungry, leave with a handmade cake in your bag and perhaps a soft scarf or a small ceramic ornament to commemorate the visit. The orangery's light – and the Tower Barn's thoughtful edit of food and wares – will linger longer than the last sip of coffee. It's an addition that feels inevitable now that it's here: a bright, convivial corner of the Cotswolds where architecture, flavour and craftsmanship meet, and where every visit promises a simple, sincere pleasure.

Broadway Tower, Middle Hill, Broadway, WR12 7LB

www.broadwaytower.co.uk