Cute Cotswold Pubs You Have To Dine In At Least Once
With their honey-colored cottages, windy lanes, farmers’ markets and abundance of delightfully quaint tea rooms, the Cotswolds is an enchanting and idyllic Area of Outstanding National Beauty encapsulating England at its most charming.
Of all of its cultural treasures, the quintessential Cotswolds Pub tops the list of places to visit in the area. With low wooden beams, open fires, local brews and a traditional village setting beside rolling hills, thatched cottages, hills, dales, woods and rivers, Cotswold country pubs, filled with beauty and charm, are a great stop off for any countryside road trip.
A gateway to exploring the best of the bunch, Cheltenham is the perfect destination to base yourself in to make the most of a trip to the region. Read on discover six cute Cotswolds pubs you have to dine in at least once.
Hidden Off The Beaten Track: The Ebrington Arms, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
Attracting foodies from far and wide to sample its fare of award-winning cuisine, The Ebrington Arms is a hidden treasure nestled in the sleepy village of Ebrington.
Offering thirst-quenching ciders, authentic ales and it’s own craft beer range produced under the banner of The Yubberton Brewing Co, any chosen beverage will complement the stellar menu created from locally sourced produce.
The celebrated Cotswold diner has been serving the local community for almost 400 years and one visit will prove why it’s been a favourite since it opened its doors in 1640.
After a hearty meal, explore the small market town of Chipping Campden, known for its Arts and Crafts Movement. Visit the historic Guild of Handicrafts or the Court Barn museum which showcases the work of local designers.
The Oldest Pub In The Cotswolds: The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham
Dating back to 947 AD, The Porch House is reputedly the Cotswolds’ oldest pub.
Said to originally be a hospice built by order of Aethelmaer, today the Stow-on-the-Wold treasure is ideal for tucking into a tasty meal beside the toasty log burner, or in the warmer months, on the sunkissed terrace outside.
Featuring flagstone flooring, exposed brickwork and intimate candlelit tables, the beautifully-restored Grade II-listed building set in the historic market town is an inviting spot to relax with a pint or two.
Traditional Stone Inn: The Rose & Crown, Shilton, Burford
Nestled in the beautiful village of Shilton, the 17th century Rose & Crown boasts a charming ambiance packed with friendly locals enjoying the extensive menu.
Featured in the Michelin Guide, join the happy crowds revelling in the charming garden and devour a selection of succulent snacks, all sourced from surrounding Oxfordshire farms, before selecting a delicious dinner.
Parsnip and chestnut soup or roast partridge with haricot beans, anyone? Bacon and garlic; steak ale and mushroom pie, bread and butter pudding and pear and almond tart, all are popular with the regulars.
Once you’re full, head to the nearby Burford to see the stunning Burford Church or visit Reavley’s, England’s oldest pharmacy.
Classic Pub Grub: The Bear Inn, Bisley, Stroud
Only four miles from Stroud lies the pretty village of Bisley where The Bear Inn has sat since 1639. Rich in tradition and regular locals who flock to the gastropub time and time again, the pub’s pleasing atmosphere, great range of beers and tasty dishes are sure to be a winner with all.
Offering up a fine feast of authentic British food, the classic bistro dishes are the order of the day with light snacks and hearty meals satisfying all palettes.
Those simply looking for a small bite to eat will love the sandwiches, while those in need of large portions will find the steaks superb, Bombardier beer-battered haddock divine and vegetarian dishes flavourful.
King of Kings: The Fountain Inn, Gloucester
Buried in Gloucester’s city centre, The Fountain Inn has long been connected with the city’s brewing trade making it the ideal spot to sample real ales and great pub food.
Boasting a long and varied regal history dating back to the crowning of King Henry III in 1216, one of the highlights of visiting the pub is seeing the plaque in its pretty courtyard which points to a visit from King William III who allegedly rode his horse up the stairs to show his contempt for Jacobite rebels meeting there.
Visitors can expect a warm welcome whether they’re just enjoying a drink or tucking into some lunch after exploring the bustling city.
An Authentic Inn Loved By Agatha Christie: Mousetrap Inn, Bourton-on-the-Water
Set in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, the Mousetrap Inn has been serving patrons for over 150 years, and legend has it, Agatha Christie was one of them — hence its name.
An authentic Freehouse serving a great range of beers on tap and tasty homemade food, the well-stocked cellar housing the pub’s regularly changing ales is a huge draw.
After feasting on a buffet or from the à la carte menu, escape into the Cotswolds village to explore several small museums, the nearby Birdland to admire all kinds of avian species, including flamingos, pelicans, penguins, and owls, or walk along the abundance of footbridges and green spaces straddling rivers streams.
To explore the area, look no further than a stay in Cheltenham: Great Britain’s most complete Regency town. Want to know more? Discover the best things to do in Cheltenham.
