BT MAGAZINE 2024 VF no marks 8 oct - Flipbook - Page 14
ISSUE 17
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A PICTURE-PERFECT DEPARTURE
Monday morning Day 2, brought the successful passing
of a breathalyser, a necessary precaution before
embarking on the day’s adventure and we all set off to
our first stop: the Dick Lovett Specialist Car Centre in
Swindon. The departure from Chewton Glen was a scene
straight out of a movie, with camera crews capturing
every moment as our convoy of cars hit the road. The
drive to Swindon was a thrilling prelude to what awaited
us at Dick Lovett.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with refreshments and
a selection of exquisite pastries, a small taste of the
day’s culinary theme. The stock of cars at Dick Lovett
was nothing short of overwhelming. From rare vintage
models to cutting-edge supercars, each vehicle seemed
to outshine the last. We spent about an hour and a half
there, marvelling at the collection, with each car offering
something unique—a testament to the dedication and
passion of the dealership.
THROUGH THE HEART OF THE COUNTRYSIDE
The next leg of our journey took us through the winding
roads of the English countryside, leading us to The
Lygon Arms in Broadway, the Cotswolds. This 700-yearold coaching inn, nestled in the picturesque high street
of Broadway, provided a perfect backdrop for the rally’s
midpoint.
For this rally I was driving a 1994 yellow Ferrari Spider
and I have to say, there’s something about such a vibrant
colour that just amplifies the drive. It certainly turned
heads, but it was the way it hugged the winding roads
of the Cotswolds that made it such a great drive. A car
like that, or indeed any of the classic motors we saw
out throughout the rally, is simply made for the narrow
lanes and picturesque landscapes that surrounded us.
THE JEWEL OF THE COTSWOLDS
As we arrived at our destination, it was clear the town
had anticipated our visit—crowds lined the streets, their
excitement palpable as they welcomed our convoy of
cars. The Lygon Arms, often referred to as the ‘Jewel
of the Cotswolds,’ has a storied history, having hosted
guests ranging from King Charles I to Hollywood legends
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Nestled along the
charming high street of Broadway, the hotel’s historic
architecture and luxuriously cosy interior offers the
perfect blend of old-world charm and modern hygge.
The contrast of such deep rooted history alongside the
relative modernity of our cars (classic though they may
be!) only highlighted the meeting of past and present
celebrated by these rallies. And of course, after a day
of exhilarating drives, there’s nothing quite like winding
down with an exquisite meal. And we certainly had that.
For the Lygon Arms isn’t just famous for its history; it’s
also home to two of James Martin’s restaurants.
These fine dining establishments reflect his passion and
dedication to the use of local produce in the creation
of culinary masterpieces, making them an idyllic spot
for rally participants and guests to experience the best
cuisine the Cotswolds has to offer. Whether it’s enjoying
a relaxed meal at the Lygon Bar & Grill, or relishing in
a more intimate experience, dining at James Martin’s
restaurants here feels like an extension of the rally as
those who love fine cars indulge in fine food.
We were treated to a delightful picnic in the courtyard,
surrounded by the historic charm of Broadway. The
spread featured locally inspired sandwiches, scones,
and pastries, each bite a testament to the region’s
culinary heritage. After a leisurely mooch around the
quaint streets of Broadway, exploring its charming
shops and historic sites, it was time to head back to The
Lygon Arms for the evening’s festivities. The evening
began with refreshing G&Ts, setting the stage for a
lavish seafood buffet. The buffet was nothing short of
extraordinary, offering a huge selection of hot food and
desserts that were truly to die for.
As the night drew to a close, the atmosphere was
bittersweet. We had shared an incredible day of driving,
dining, and celebrating—a true testament to the passion
for cars and the joy of good company. The James
Martin Car Rally was more than just an event; it was
a celebration of everything we love about cars, food,
and life. As we headed back to our rooms, we couldn’t
help but reflect on the memories we had made, looking
forward to the promise of next year’s rally, which, if
today was any indication, would be just as exhilarating.
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