The Cotswolds offers an abundance of charming dining options, from historic pubs like The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold, dating back to 947 AD, to eclectic street food at Dunkertons Park in Cheltenham, and upscale meals at Daylesford Organic farm shop. But one spot you might not expect for a bite to eat is right by a private airport runway.
Cotswold Airport in Kemble, just a few miles southwest of Cirencester, caught my eye numerous times from the A429, especially with its fascinating collection of retired commercial aircraft parked nearby. Known as the largest private business aviation airport in the southwest, it primarily serves general aviation enthusiasts stopping to refuel or explore the region.
I had never considered visiting—until I learned about AV8, a café situated just beside the runway. Though not an aviation expert, I enjoy watching planes and occasionally track flights on Flightradar, so this quirky spot was irresistible.
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Driving onto the airport grounds felt a bit unusual; it’s still a functional aviation hub, and passing the control tower gave me a fleeting sense of intrusion. But a clear sign for AV8 restaurant led me to a welcoming customer car park. Outside, I paused to admire a huge Boeing 747, known as the Negus, retired from British Airways in 2020 during the pandemic. Rescued from the scrapyard and brought here, it opened for public tours and private events in 2022—an impressive landmark in itself.
Stepping into AV8, the airport theme is everywhere, with model aircraft suspended from the ceiling and displayed above the counter. While the décor might seem gimmicky, it’s cleverly done and appealing to anyone with a love for planes.
After a rainy morning, I chose indoor seating near the window for a clear view of the runway. Over thirty minutes, I enjoyed watching two light aircraft take off while savoring my breakfast.
I opted for the “Wingman Waffles”: two toasted waffles layered with smoked bacon, topped with a poached egg, and drizzled with Canadian maple syrup. Priced at £9.20, this hearty portion delivered great value for airport-adjacent dining in the Cotswolds.
The waffles were delightfully soft, the bacon thick and perfectly cooked without excessive crispiness, and the maple syrup added just the right touch of sweetness. The poached egg was slightly rubbery, so I set it aside, but it didn’t detract from the experience.
The menu also features a full cooked breakfast (£11.50) with sausage, bacon, hash brown, poached egg, baked beans, grilled tomato, and mushroom, as well as lighter breakfast baps from £6.50 with bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage options. For lunch, you’ll find burgers, pizzas, paninis, jacket potatoes, and loaded chunky chips starting at £9.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm, AV8 is an excellent choice if you want a café with character, good food, and a side of plane spotting.