Editorial Standards

Black Cow exists to help readers spend their time, money and attention well. That only works if you can trust what we publish. These are the standards we hold ourselves to.

Independence

Our editorial judgement is our own. We do not sell coverage, and a restaurant, hotel or brand cannot buy its way into a review or a recommendation. Where a piece is sponsored or produced in partnership, it is clearly labelled as such and kept separate from our editorial.

First-hand and considered

We aim to visit, taste, stay and handle the things we write about before we publish. When we cannot, we say so. We prefer fewer, better-reported stories over a high volume of thinly-sourced ones.

Accuracy and corrections

We check facts before publication and correct mistakes promptly and transparently once we are aware of them. If you believe something we have published is inaccurate, please get in touch and we will review it.

Disclosure

Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you buy through them. This never determines whether or how we cover something. Any gifted stays, meals or products that inform a piece are disclosed within it.

Sourcing

We protect sources who speak to us in confidence. Where we describe a venue or person illustratively rather than by name, it is a deliberate editorial choice, not an oversight.