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There are countless places to get a bite to eat in the Cotswolds, but nothing is more disappointing than traveling miles, thinking you’ve hit the mark, and receiving a meal so underwhelming that you wish you’d done a bit more research.
Everyone is quick to offer recommendations, but is your non-foodie friend really the one to trust? That leaves us with an obvious question: who should we listen to when deciding where to spend our hard-earned money on the best restaurants and pubs?
The ideal answer is someone who truly understands food, someone who has dedicated an entire career to cooking and sourcing world-class dining. This is where British chef, Marco Pierre White comes in.
The world-renowned chef, legendary for running some of the globe’s finest kitchens and training icons like Gordon Ramsay, has shared his favourite culinary spots, and many of them happen to sit right in the heart of the Cotswolds. So don’t just take our word for it, Marco Pierre White has personally highlighted the exact places and dishes that impressed him, and we’re here to spill the beans.
Most of these gems are nestled in the southern Cotswolds. If you’re planning a trip to Tetbury, Cirencester, or Coln St Aldwyns, you’ll definitely want to add these foodie hot spots to your itinerary.
The Wild Duck
Drakes Island, Ewen, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6BY
The Wild Duck pub in Ewen has recently undergone a refurbishment, bringing back to life all the things we love about a classic country pub. With a wide variety of menu options, ranging from beef tartare and trout to flat iron rump and côte de bœuf, this is a meal well worth stopping for.
However, the dish that stole Marco Pierre’s heart was the prawn cocktail. He took to social media to state:
‘it’s sensational’ & ‘the best prawn cocktail I’ve had since 1978.’
As well as praising the prawn cocktail, he commented on the pub itself:
‘This is without question the most wonderful pub’
‘seven years ago it was derelict, seven months ago it was reborn’
Stay nearby?
Upcycled heritage meets cosy comfort at this completely unique 18th-century riverside Cotswold hideaway with a log burner.-
Lakeside lodge on the Cotswold Water Park with a hot tub on the terrace and fantastic on-site facilities. -
On the bank of Isis Lake in the heart of Cotswold Water Park, Mayfly Lodge offers stunning views and fishing opportunities.
The Ship Inn
Briscombe Hill, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2QN
The Ship Inn a family-run pub, is a fan favourite, offering pub classics, bistro heroes, and one of Britain’s most treasured traditions… the Sunday roast. There really is something for every occasion, and its Sunday roast caught the eye of Marco Pierre White, who travelled miles to sit down and enjoy a meal.
He commented, saying:
‘Ive travelled 50 miles to come here’
Stay nearby?
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Luxury holiday home, with a great alfresco dining area and sun terrace, within walking distance to the pub and shops. -
A charming, 19th century cottage with two open fires, a garden, lake view and minutes from two great pubs. -
A walkers’ haven with spectacular views of the Stroud valleys beautifully finished to a high standard.
Lola & Co
20A Long Street, Tetbury, GL8 8AQ
One of Tetbury’s most loved spots for a special meal is Lola & Co. Championing the very best seasonal produce and serving up tapas you simply won’t forget, this is a must-add to your list when planning your getaway to the Cotswolds. Enjoy a quality glass of wine over some of the best Mediterranean-inspired plates in the area.
A long-term fan of the restaurant is none other than Marco Pierre White, who has been spotted dining there previously and has raved about it on social media. He commented stating that Lola’s was “one of my favourite restaurants,” where he indulged in “chorizo braided in red wine and onions” along with “braised rabbit.” He went on to say: “Some people say it’s expensive, but the truth is, quality is never expensive… if you are in this part of the world, come to Lola’s for dinner… it’s special, it’s worth every single penny.”
This spot has also been visited by Richard E. Grant and Helena Bonham Carter, who enjoyed a meal together there.
Stay nearby?
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A charming Cotswold cottage full of character in the historic town of Tetbury, just a stroll from shops, restaurants and cafes. -
Tetbury Hillside Cottage
4.5/5A cosy period town house with a contemporary interior, a minutes walk from antique shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. -
Tetbury The Mews
4.9/5Stylish house in the heart of Tetbury just a short walk from the shops and pubs.
The New Inn Coln
Coln St Aldwyns, Gloucestershire, GL7 5AN
The New Inn Coln was opened by local geniuses ‘Baz & Fred’, who brought this 16th-century coaching inn back to life. Marco Pierre White dropped in and remarked:
‘The food is simple, its elegant, its affordable, most importantly its delicious.’
‘Trust me, the new inn.’
He even went on to comment on the pint of DEYA he was drinking, stating ‘it’s delicious’. DEYA is based in Cheltenham and is a brewery that every local knows and loves.
Stay nearby?
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Elegant Cotswold retreat nestled in a quaint village perfect for walkers looking to explore with their furry friend. -
A historic mill house and a cosy cottage set in the beautiful Cotswold village of Bibury -
Romantic retreat for two on the site of a historic converted mill in beautiful Bibury.
We’d love to know if you have been to any of these spots before. If so let us know how it was.
