Feature Artisan Supplier: Cotswold Gold
The Story of a Cold-Pressed Rapeseed Oil from the Cotswolds
In the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds, where bright yellow rapeseed fields bloom every spring, a small family farm has created one of the region’s best-known artisan food brands.
Cotswold Gold began as a university project and has grown into an award-winning producer of cold-pressed rapeseed oil, dressings and condiments used by chefs and stocked in farm shops across the UK.
At its core is a simple idea: produce a high-quality British cooking oil grown, pressed and bottled on the same farm.
From Farm Project to Cotswold Food Brand
The story of Cotswold Gold begins with Charlie Beldam, who grew up on East Lodge Farm near the village of Broadway.
The farm had long grown rapeseed as part of its crop rotation. Traditionally, the seed was sold as a commodity or used for animal feed. While studying Agriculture and Land Management at the Royal Agricultural University, Beldam explored ways farmers could add more value to their crops.
His university thesis focused on turning the farm’s rapeseed into a premium British cooking oil, offering a home-grown alternative to imported olive oil.
After graduating, he returned to the farm and in 2010 converted old dairy buildings into a small pressing facility, launching Cotswold Gold. From the start, the goal was clear: grow the seed, press the oil and bottle it on the farm, creating a true “field-to-bottle” product.
Cold-Pressed Rapeseed Oil: From Seed to Bottle
The foundation of the brand is extra virgin cold-pressed rapeseed oil. Unlike many refined vegetable oils, Cotswold Gold uses a traditional pressing method that extracts oil gently from the seed.
Cold pressing helps preserve the natural nutrients and flavour of the crop. The oil retains vitamin E and healthy omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, while also producing the distinctive golden colour and light nutty taste that defines the product.
Another key part of the process is traceability. The rapeseed is grown, harvested, pressed and bottled at East Lodge Farm in the Cotswolds. This single-origin approach allows the company to maintain full control over quality and provenance.
A Versatile British Cooking Oil
One of the reasons rapeseed oil has become increasingly popular in British kitchens is its versatility. Cotswold Gold oil has a high smoke point of around 240 °C, making it suitable for frying, roasting, baking and salad dressings.
The flavour is milder than olive oil, which allows it to enhance dishes without overpowering other ingredients. As a result, it has become popular with both home cooks and professional chefs.
Over time, the original oil has expanded into a wider product range including:
Infused oils such as garlic or chilli
Salad dressings and drizzles
Mayonnaise and sauces
All products are made using the company’s signature rapeseed oil as their base ingredient.
From Farm Shops to National Recognition
What began as a small farm diversification project quickly gained attention in the UK’s growing artisan food sector.
Cotswold Gold has won multiple Great Taste Awards and regional food accolades, including honours at the Gloucestershire Food and Farming Awards. Its products are now stocked by independent retailers, farm shops and fine-food stores across the country.
The brand has also received national recognition. It was featured as one of Prue Leith’s “Food Heroes” on the TV series Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen, highlighting its role in the region’s thriving food culture.
More recently, the company was named Established Business of the Year in the South West at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, reflecting its growth from a small farm venture into a nationally recognised food brand.
A Modern Food Brand Rooted in the Cotswolds
Despite its success, Cotswold Gold remains closely connected to its agricultural roots. The business still operates from the Beldam family farm, with a strong focus on British ingredients, local production and sustainable farming.
By growing, pressing and bottling the oil on site, the company keeps its supply chain short and transparent while reducing food miles.
Over the years the brand has also expanded its portfolio and collaborated with other artisan producers, strengthening its place within the UK speciality food market.
A True Taste of the Cotswolds
Today Cotswold Gold represents more than just a cooking oil. It is the story of a family farm, a university idea and a commitment to producing high-quality British food from local ingredients.
From the bright rapeseed fields that colour the Cotswold landscape each spring to bottles of golden oil in kitchens across the UK, the journey from crop to table remains at the heart of the brand.
In an era where consumers increasingly care about provenance and sustainability, Cotswold Gold shows how traditional farming can evolve into a modern artisan food success story.
Explore Cotswold Gold products available at Wild Thyme:
