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The best pubs in the Cotswolds

Posted: Tue, 3rd Dec 2024

The Cotswolds: home to the grown up gastropub. The area is certainly not short of charming boozers but this definitely isn’t a case of quantity over quality; each pub listed here is a sensory delight and an absolute must-visit. Read our inside scoop on the best pubs in the Cotswolds and make your next staycation a little more indulgent. After all, the pub is where the feast is.

The Victoria Inn, Eastleach

This beautiful Inn resides in the village of Eastleach Turville and packs oodles of character. The menu sings crowd-pleasing classics that are a little more refined. The Victoria offers wholesome, proper fare and the setting is equally as delightful. In the winter, cosy up in the bar by the fire and in the summer, enjoy the glorious south-facing patios with arguably one of the prettiest views in the Cotswolds.

Cottages near The Victoria Inn: The Roost, Coln, Green Farm House, near Burford, Gable Cottage, Meysey Hampton

The Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote

Resting above the Evenlode valley, this multi-award winning pub is a true countryside bolthole with a bold menu and delicious local beers. The staff are as warm and friendly as the pub itself and the bar is always buzzing, unsurprisingly, due to its large choice of wine. In fact, their wine offering is the largest of any Cotswolds pub. Nestle in at the Feathered Nest for a hearty supper and a bottle (or two).

Cottages near The Feathered Nest: Crofters Barn, Nether Westcote, The Silo, near Burford, Brock Cottage, Kingham

The Bell, Sapperton

The Bell is a sprawling mis-mash of cosy nooks, eclectic bookshelves and rustic dining tables. The food is intentionally straight-forward and traditional with a ‘smattering of magic’. The chefs prepare the food with fresh ingredients and a delicate respect for the produce. The bar and restaurant are warm and welcoming spaces to dine in the winter, but The Bell has something for all year round. You need only peek at their glorious front lawn to imagine yourself, rosé in hand, breathing in the fresh Cotswolds air. Sapperton is a truly beautiful village, and this is a truly buzzing Cotswolds pub.

Cottages near The Bell: Field View, Tarlton, Hyde Tyning Cottage, Minchinhampton

The Sherborne Arms, Northleach

Known for their simple pub food and straightforward wine list, this is another pub in the collection of Cotswolds duo Pete and Tom. Situated in the well connected market town of Northleach, The Sherborne offers a warm glow and low level lighting, inviting you to get comfy and enjoy a feast. Local ales are also on tap and keep your eyes peeled for their ever-changing bar snacks, there are always some delicious delights on the blackboard.

Cottages near The Sherborne: Hawthorn Cottage, Northleach, Bills Cottage, Northleach, Lakeside House, Fossebridge

The Woolpack, Slad

This proper, old-school pub does hearty food, really, really well. Forever immortalised in Laurie Lee’s Cider with Rosie, The Woolpack is a must visit. Nestled in the Slad Valley, the views in the summer are unbeatable and the charm of the bar is canonised by the ever-present locals. The pub serves local ciders and ales and has a lighter menu available for slow and restful Sunday evenings. Insider scoop: they have just opened a sister restaurant, Juliet, in Stroud so be sure to check both out.