Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="woman with goats at a picnic" class="wp-image-64504" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-6-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>Tired of the same old countryside strolls and picnics? Swap them for a wild, snack-stealing afternoon with pygmy goats and your very own private chef. Pygmy Goat Picnics are the brainchild of expert smoked food maestro Kathryn Minchew &#8211; aka The Pyromaniac Chef.</p>



<p>You might know her as the chef behind the former Gloucester Studio, a rustic garden restaurant. One of the UK’s teeniest restaurants, it hit the big time when it starred on Channel 4’s <em>Hidden Restaurants</em> &#8211; with Kathryn cooking up her famous  &#8216;Bonfire Steak&#8217;, for top chef Michel Roux Jr on the show.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/HRMeet-Joan-and-Dawn-the-new-additions-to-the-Pyromaniac-Chef-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="pygmy goats" class="wp-image-64518" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/HRMeet-Joan-and-Dawn-the-new-additions-to-the-Pyromaniac-Chef-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/HRMeet-Joan-and-Dawn-the-new-additions-to-the-Pyromaniac-Chef-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/HRMeet-Joan-and-Dawn-the-new-additions-to-the-Pyromaniac-Chef-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/HRMeet-Joan-and-Dawn-the-new-additions-to-the-Pyromaniac-Chef-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A one-time <em>Masterchef</em> quarter finalist, and with an expert training at a Leiths course in Food and Wine, it was a love for travelling and cooking that took Kathryn around the world where she honed her skills &#8211; nowhere more so than the outdoor cooking culture of Southeast Asia.</p>



<p>It was a chance meeting with some cute goats at Frampton Fair last year that gave Kathryn a lightbulb moment &#8211; why not combine her love of gourmet cooking over flames with a whole new experiential dining experience. The result? Pygmy Goat Picnics was born, bookable for whatever your occasion might be. It&#8217;s even a family business with mini chef Toby, Kathryn’s son, sometimes helping out too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-experience">THE EXPERIENCE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="737" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/2-1-1000x737.jpg" alt="pygmy goat picnics in tetbury" class="wp-image-65346" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/2-1-1000x737.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/2-1-800x589.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/2-1-400x295.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/2-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muddy editor Sophie gets up close with Joan and Dawn</figcaption></figure>



<p>A sucker for anything foodie or furry, I went to Pygmy Goat HQ in Tetbury for a taster sesh. Kathryn themes the visit to whatever you want, from anniversaries to hen dos and beyond. With Mr Muddy in tow I had to plump for the Romantic Package of course (lucky him huh!).</p>



<p>Walking into the big bell tent in her garden we were greeted with the most beautiful table for two, set up with seasonal foliage, flowers, dainty napkins and pretty earthenware plates. </p>



<p>Kathryn&#8217;s attention to detail and eye for design make it feel special. The tent was decorated with a seasonal ski lodge vibe; snuggly reindeer skin throws on a little love seat, flickering candles, and autumnal gourds scattered round.</p>



<p>It was a chilly autumnal day when we visited, but the little stove trugging away in the corner (any smoke is funnelled it out via a chimney in the tent roof) made it feel really toasty and cosy, with a gorgeous fireside vibe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-food">THE FOOD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="733" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/5-1000x733.jpg" alt="pygmy goat picnics in tetbury" class="wp-image-65353" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/5-1000x733.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/5-800x587.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/5-400x293.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We had a little taster of what Kathryn can do, and for starters tucked into a sharing bowl of dips, laced with sweet and smoky peppers. It was absolutely delicious, along with a freshly baked loaf which Kathryn had whipped up that morning.</p>



<p>We also had two bowls of smoky, steaming chorizo and prawns, which were wonderfully grazable and paired well with a hearty red wine which Kathryn served up for us. </p>



<p>You can pick whatever you&#8217;d like for your feast, from fine-dining, over-fire feasts to lighter smoked breads, cakes, and pastries galore for more of a picnic vibe.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-3-1000x667.jpg" alt="picnic food" class="wp-image-64511" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A typical Pygmy Goat Picnic</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-goats">THE GOATS</h2>



<p>Once the feast was over, it was time for the main event, and out trotted Joan and Dawn, the stars of the show. Being incredible curious creatures by nature, they&#8217;re very intelligent and love interaction, gobbling up reats from our hands.</p>



<p>It turns out working goats are used all around the world for light tasks, such as pulling carts or carrying packs. Kathryn is currently training them to be able to pull a specially designed little cart filled with gourmet picnic treats during the experience &#8211; I mean, how insanely cute! It takes at least a year get them up to speed though and they&#8217;re expected to be pros by Spring/Summer 2025.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="733" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/6-1000x733.jpg" alt="pygmy goat picnics in tetbury" class="wp-image-65352" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/6-1000x733.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/6-800x587.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/6-400x293.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For now, Kathryn brings them out on leads, and after your picnic you have loads of time to pet, play and coo over them.</p>



<p>Primed with some tips on goat etiquette we had so much fun watching them nibble plants, come for strokes and and even walked them which was such a treat. The top tip I was given by Kathryn is if you have blonde hair, watch out &#8211; they can think its hay and go in for a mouthful!</p>



<p>I came away with a full head of hair but most of all a real high from spending time with these friendly, funny and incredibly inquisitive animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-m-in-where-can-i-do-it">I&#8217;M IN!&#8230; WHERE CAN I DO IT?</h2>



<p>The picnics launch at Easter 2025. Book in for one at Larkhill Vineyard in Tetbury, a beautiful 5-acre site on the edge of Tetbury. Think good wines, great food and pygmy goats to take for a walk amongst the lush vines, along with with the chance to do some cheeky wine-tasting whilst you&#8217;re there of course.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-5-1000x667.jpg" alt="pygmy goat picnics in tetbury" class="wp-image-64513" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-5-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Kathryn and her furry sidekicks will also come to you, with her bell tent and smoker, to create a bespoke experience, within a 40-mile radius of Tetbury. Whether it&#8217;s an anniversary, hen do, gift or romantic meal a deux, it&#8217;s a fully flexing, feast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sounds-like-the-goat-how-much-is-it">SOUNDS LIKE THE GOAT! HOW MUCH IS IT?</h2>



<p>A bespoke Pygmy Picnic costs £650 &#8211; but book before <strong>10 Dec 2024</strong> and it costs £585. Groups of up to eight people can tuck into a delicious picnic which includes a selection of carefully crafted dishes and drinks. </p>



<p>Seeking a more immersive experience? The Bell Tent Package offers a day and night of goat cuddles, Pyromaniac Chef recipes, and delightful picnic treats. Starting at £1,500 per group, this package is the ultimate getaway for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the charm and culinary magic of the Cotswolds.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="pygmy goat picnic " class="wp-image-64512" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else">WHAT ELSE?</h2>



<p>Just when you think you&#8217;ve heard it all, how about &#8216;Journaling with Goats&#8217;! This fabulous mindful experience is one of a variety of goat-therapy themed sessions you can book in for.</p>



<p>A creative session is priced at £45 per person and includes a vision board creation, tea, cake, and plenty of time to interact with the goats. This session is perfect for those looking to unwind and explore their creativity in a peaceful, supportive environment. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/3-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65354" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-muddy-verdict">MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-good-for">GOOD FOR:</h2>



<p>Foodies and animal lovers will adore this experience. We challenge anyone not to come away with full belly, and an even fuller heart. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, hen dos, or a gift they&#8217;ll never guess under the tree. This adorable pair are hilarious, enjoy hours of fun watching them nibble and play whilst you picnic (just watch out for snack-stealing / hair nibbles).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-for">NOT FOR:</h2>



<p>Although family events are most welcome, picnics are primarily aimed at adults in or visiting the Cotswolds. The Picnics (understandably!) are not designed for children&#8217;s parties due to the patience and tolerance required around the goats.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-7-1000x667.jpg" alt="pygmy goat picnics in tetbury" class="wp-image-64505" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-7-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/09/Pygmy-Goat-Picnics-7.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong><em>Book an experience&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pygmygoatpicnics.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here,</a>&nbsp;or snap up a gift voucher option (perfect for Christmas)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pyromaniacchef.com/product-page/pygmy-goat-picnic-gift-voucher" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</em></strong></p>



<p><em>Partial Image credit: Hamish Mitchell</em></p>


Review: Pygmy Goat Picnics with The Pyromaniac chef

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