Best pubs in Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is a chocolate-box Cotswold village that is regularly named among the prettiest villages in England, and it’s not hard to see why. Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds and has a diverse range of attractions to enjoy, from Birdland and the Model Village to the Motoring Museum. And then of course there are these charming pubs where you can be sure of good food and a warm welcome whatever the season, whether you sit by a roaring fire in the winter or in a sunny garden in the summer.
The Mousetrap Inn
Agatha Christie is rumoured to have been a guest at The Mousetrap Inn, which might explain the name of what has become a much-loved local institution. The renovated mid-19th-century Victorian inn is now in the hands of new owners who are passionate about upholding the standards and reputation of this popular pub, which serves a mean Sunday roast and regularly changing lunch and dinner menus. A loyal supporter of local brewers, it has also been included in the CAMRA ‘Good Beer Guide’ and serves a range of locally produced spirits including its own Mousetrap gin. It’s dog-friendly too if you’re popping in with a four-legged friend.
The Duke of Wellington
Overlooking the River Windrush, The Duke of Wellington has a lovely outdoor seating area where you can sit and watch the water flowing by, while inside you can be sure of a warm welcome in the cosy dining room with its characterful wooden beams and open fire. Order food from a menu of traditional pub classics or spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon indulging in a carvery roast with all the trimmings. A children’s menu caters for little ones and includes activities to keep them entertained too.
The Old New Inn
A former coaching inn dating all the way back to 1712, The Old New Inn lives up to its name by combining its plentiful charm and original character with the upgrades of a 21st-century renovation (pictured). From small plates to sharing platters, the contemporary menu has something for all tastes and appetites and is served in the refurbished Tap Room restaurant. The pub is also home to Bourton’s famous Model Village, a one-ninth scale replica of the village in miniature, so while it’s every inch the picture of a cosy Cotswold pub there’s an unexpected treat in store next door for young and old alike.
The Kingsbridge
A stone’s throw from the River Windrush, The Kingsbridge is a lovely watering hole whatever the weather, with a riverside garden to sit in during the summer and a fireside to warm up by once the temperatures start to fall. Family-friendly and dog-friendly, it serves hearty pub staples including sausage and mash, and fish and chips, alongside lighter bites for smaller appetites and an impressive choice of vegetarian and vegan options. Desserts aren’t an afterthought either, with a tempting selection of sweet treats that you’ll want to make sure you leave room for.
The Old Manse
Built in 1748, The Old Manse stands next to the historic Mill Bridge, one of five in the village that straddle the River Windrush, and the popular Motoring Museum. Family-friendly, dog-friendly and with a lovely terrace to make the most of the river views, the pub serves brunch, main meals and a bar snacks menu throughout the week, and the mouth-watering sides that can be ordered with the Sunday roast are sure to be a big hit at the weekend after a stroll around the village.
Coach and Horses
On the outskirts of the village but still within easy walking distance of the centre and attractions including Birdland and the Model Village, this 400-year-old former coaching inn has a separate bar and a restaurant area where the pub’s Indian menu is served at lunchtime and in the evenings. A carvery is also available on Sundays, all accompanied by real ales.
