Josie Gibson, alongside celebrity chef Paul Ainsworth, is starring in a new ITV series that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Gloucestershire and the wider Westcountry. The show shines a spotlight on local delicacies such as the historic Tewkesbury mustard and the famously pungent Stinking Bishop cheese.
In the five-part series, Josie’s Taste of the Westcountry, Bristol-born Josie and Michelin-starred chef Paul travel from Gloucestershire down to Cornwall, visiting treasured restaurants, skilled artisans, and passionate food producers. The journey begins in the picturesque Cotswolds, where Josie meets Countryfile’s Adam Henson and learns about his special breed of pigs. Here, she also samples the Stinking Bishop, one of the UK’s most aromatic cheeses, made famous by the Wallace and Gromit films.
In Gloucestershire, Josie meets Charles Martell, the artisan behind the Stinking Bishop cheese, which catapulted him to fame overnight. She also meets the maker of Tewkesbury Mustard Balls in the historic Tudor town of Tewkesbury — a place celebrated for its mustard so renowned that even William Shakespeare mentioned it.
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Josie, a proud West Country native, expressed her excitement about showcasing the region’s finest food: “With its gentle rolling hills, rugged moors, and stunning coastline, the Westcountry has always been close to my heart. Whether you’re a foodie or not, this show offers something wholesome and inspiring. I was truly on a learning adventure.”
Reflecting on her experience, Josie added, “I hadn’t realised just how much incredible food and talent we have on our doorstep. It’s been amazing to spotlight some of the wonderful people from the Westcountry. I absolutely love this region and want to thank everyone I met along the way.”
Paul Ainsworth, known for his Michelin-starred restaurant Paul Ainsworth at Number 6 in Padstow, Cornwall, joins Josie in showcasing the region’s bounty. Josie noted, “Working with Paul was a highlight. It was my first time meeting him, and he created dishes with layers of flavour that blew me away. We sourced local ingredients together and turned them into unforgettable meals. Maybe I’ll finally get a table at Number 6 next time I visit Padstow!”
Josie’s Taste Of The Westcountry, presented in association with Rodda’s, begins airing Sunday, 19th April at 11:25 am on ITV and ITVX.