Best pubs in Burford
A day out in Burford, in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of its lovely pubs. Whether you’re looking for a lunchtime meal, evening drink or somewhere to have a traditional Sunday dinner, you’ll find the perfect spot. After wandering the famous high street which takes you from the church down to the River Windrush, visiting the shops along the way and spotting the oldest pharmacy in England, you’ll definitely have worked up an appetite!
Step inside one of these inviting pubs, walk the original flagstone floors and duck under the wooden beams. Cosy up with a pint in front of a wood-burning stove in the cooler months or enjoy your meal outside in the summer sunshine. We’re sure you’ll find your new favourite pub in Burford.
The Lamb Inn
Sitting just off the high street on picturesque Sheep Street, the beautiful stone exterior of The Lamb Inn, which is entwined in blooming vines, is a wonderful establishment. Inside you will find a friendly atmosphere at the bar under exposed wooden beams and interesting design details. Wander the flagstone floors and find a hidden nook where you can relax by an open fire to peruse the menu. There is also a country garden where you can enjoy the Cotswold sun. The extensive menu includes options from breakfast through to lunch and afternoon tea and on to evening meals. On Sundays you can gather for a traditional Sunday lunch. The restaurant has been beautifully decorated and serves as a backdrop to delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients. It is also a fantastic venue for hosting an event.
The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak has become known for serving award-winning Cotswold Pie Co pies and they do not disappoint. These pastry wonders sit alongside classic pub grub on the menu and there is something for everybody, as they also have a separate gluten-free menu and a couple of vegan options. The bar and restaurant are exactly what you would expect of a Cotswold pub – oak beams and log fires create a cosy atmosphere and there is a sun trap garden for enjoying a locally brewed craft beer or fresh glass of Pimm’s. It is a dog-friendly pub, so you can really make the most of the area, enjoying a walk around the town before having a satisfying pub lunch.
The Angel
Bringing the brewery to the pub, the bar is partially constructed from timbers from the Hook Norton Brewery and are over 100 years old. The landlord is also originally from South Africa and has brought his passion for their wine to the menu. The award-winning Angel has received 2 AA rosettes, been awarded ‘Cotswold Pub of the Year’ on numerous occasions and has won Hook Norton’s ‘Food Pub of the Year’ award. The menu changes with the seasons and daily specials are available to tempt you. In the sunny months you can enjoy the walled garden and sun terrace, and when it gets cooler the pub is lovely and cosy inside. You can easily book a table online so you can plan your meal around a day out in Burford.
The Carpenters Arms
Priding themselves on being a family-run pub, The Carpenters Arms in Fulbrook is also very welcoming to children. In the large pub garden you will find a play area and the owners ‘embrace the chaos’ that comes with dining out with children! They have a dedicated children’s menu but are also happy to adapt items from the main menu. Inside, the dining area brings the outdoors in with fresh décor and eye-catching details. They have an a la carte menu which has classic pub meals and on Thursdays the chargrill menu takes over with fish and steaks accompanied by chips and your choice of sauce. They also host events including live music, feast nights and quizzes, which really builds the community and friendly atmosphere that this pub offers.
The Cotswold Arms
Popular with the locals, the Cotswold Arms is a friendly family-run pub which dates to the 15th century. Serving homecooked food, they also have live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, and it is recommended that you book a table if you would like to join them for a meal before enjoying the performers in the main bar. There is a range of seasonal drinks on offer with a hand-picked wine list and a rotation of local ales. On Saturday nights you can take advantage of a steak deal or choose from their main menu which has burgers, a grilled selection and traditional meals. Outside is a secluded garden which is a lovely relaxing space, no matter the weather.
The Highway Inn
The highly rated Highway Inn is a contemporary inn full of character with original fireplaces and wooden beams. The fires are lit during the colder months making this a cosy retreat to take some time away from the bustling high street. Out on the front seating area you can watch the hubbub of Burford pass by and people watch while you enjoy a leisurely drink. The bar is stocked with local suppliers including Hook Norton and Cotswold Brewing Co alongside interesting gins to pique your fancy. A menu of sandwiches to evening meals is available and there is also a special Sunday lunch menu. You are sure of a warm greeting at The Highway Inn and they welcome children and dogs too, so you can be reassured everyone in your group will be catered for.
The Prince of Burford
Having been beautifully refurbished, this 18th-century coaching inn provides a cosy setting for evening meals and a wonderful child and dog-friendly beer garden for the summer months. Using local suppliers, their seasonal menu offers pub classics including beer-battered fish and chips using their own Butcombe ale. Sitting at the top of the High Street in Burford, it is the perfect choice for ending your time in this town. After walking the historic streets and exploring the boutique shops you can rest at The Prince of Burford with your favourite drink in hand and watch the world go by. Their extensive drinks menu includes award-winning Butcombe beers alongside seasonal casks and a choice of wines. As a guest of Bolthole Retreats you can also receive a 10% discount on food too!
Where to stay for a break in Burford
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