Best country pubs near Tetbury
After a day rummaging through Tetbury’s plethora of antique shops and emporiums (there were 25 at the last count), you’ll no doubt be craving sustenance. To help, we’ve compiled a guide to the best pubs in and around Tetbury in the heart of the Cotswolds. Featuring characterful town pubs, glorious countryside inns where locals prop up the bar and dogs doze in front of toasty fireplaces and fabulous foodie finds. We’ve curated a list of our favourite places for a tipple in Tetbury, Gloucestershire or within a few miles’ drive.
All the establishments are in the oh-so-charming town itself, or within easy reach. We’ve also included some of our favourite cottages near Tetbury so you can plan where to stay if you haven’t already done so.
The Cat and Custard Pot Inn
Where | Shipton Moyne | 3 miles from Tetbury
Whilst we’d love to think this unusual moniker arose from marauding cats frolicking in pots of custard, the truth is really much less fun. Back in 1924, the then-new owner of the pub needed a name to keep trading. He was reading an old hunting novel called Handley Cross by R S Surtees and stumbled across the name. It’s been the same ever since. Today, the pub is both a traditional country inn and an Italian food spot. The pub menu serves classic meals, while the Italian Chalet offers traditional pizzas from southern Italy. Our Malmesbury retreats are only three miles from this quirkily named pub.
The Rattlebone Inn
Where | Sherstone | 6 miles from Tetbury
This character-filled pub is quintessentially English. It simply oozes charm and is a welcoming spot to sample a real ale, or two. First and foremost, the Rattlebone is a country pub and takes great pride in the range of liquid refreshments on offer. There is a food menu of lovely British classics and if you want to partake in the Sunday lunch then pre-booking is recommended. It’s also known to be a favoured haunt of members of the royal family.
The Trouble House
Where | Tetbury
The unusually named Trouble House is thought to date back to the mid-1700s when a Tetbury carpenter built the pub. The name is believed to have been bestowed due to the ‘troublesome’ location and its tendency to flood. Today, the Trouble House is a mix of cafe, pub and restaurant. The bar is open daily (except Mondays) with coffee, cake and lunches served. If you want to come for dinner, then it’s Friday and Saturday only.
The Royal Oak
Where | Leighterton | 6 miles from Tetbury
This handsome Cotswold stone pub is well-loved by the Leighterton villagers and sits directly on the Monarch’s Way national walking trail. The national arboretum at Westonbirt is nearby, so why not pay a visit after a day walking through the trees? If food is in the plan, you can expect simple pub classics such as homemade soup, pie of the day and fish and chips.
The Potting Shed
Where | Crudwell | 6 miles from Tetbury
Next on our Tetbury good pub guide is the delightful Potting Shed at Crudwell. Generally regarded as one of the best food pubs in the region. The menu here changes monthly and focuses on using local, seasonal produce. You can just call in for a drink (the cocktails are exceptional) but it is definitely worth visiting for food too. Beautiful Barns Lee is a wonderful barn conversion that is a gentle amble or a two-minute drive away.
The Priory Inn
Where | Tetbury
The Priory has a central location and is both a pub and a restaurant. Their food focuses on dishes using ingredients sourced from within a 30-mile radius of Tetbury. This is more a place for dining rather than drinks, offering a menu of smaller and larger plates. The Sunday lunches come highly recommended.
The Royal Oak
Where | Tetbury
This classic inn dates from the late 18th century, so if you want somewhere full of character, this is a wonderful choice. It’s within an easy walk from Christmas Cottage and Hillside Cottage, our Gumstool Hill holiday homes, and offers a lovely menu of seasonal dishes, along with a plentiful selection of real ales.
The Kings Arms
Where | Didmarton | 6.5 miles from Tetbury
The Kings Arms is a popular pub that is a study of local sporting heritage and a place where in the winter months you can expect roaring fires and hearty meals. During the summer, there’s a wood-fired pizza oven and a pretty garden. Surrounded by some of the finest country estates in the Cotswolds, the menu here features local game when in season. It’s the kind of pub where on a cold winter Sunday you could come for lunch and still find yourself here a good few hours later! Stay at Chapel Walk Cottage to be within strolling distance.
The Snooty Fox
Where | Tetbury
This Tetbury icon is in the centre of town and has been welcoming weary travellers since the late 1500s. Snooty by name but not by nature, the restaurant and bar here offer a relaxed experience with tasty meals. If you call in for a lunchtime drink a casual bar menu is served until 5pm.
Read more: Best towns in the Cotswolds to visit
