Best restaurants in the Cotswolds to book now
The rolling hills and pretty villages and towns of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire have long been highly regarded for their exceptional approach to food. So, we’re taking a look at some of the best restaurants in the Cotswolds right now. The abundance of local produce and laid-back pace of life has attracted a number of highly talented chefs. This has created a region of truly superb restaurants and gastropubs. We’re shining the spotlight on some exciting new openings and a few old favourites that have undergone divine makeovers.
The Nook On Five
Located on the fifth floor of the newly refurbished Quadrangle, the Nook on Five can lay claim to being Cheltenham’s first rooftop restaurant. Against the beautiful backdrop of Cleeve Hill and Leckhampton Hill, the Nook offers an exceptional dining experience. The modern menu is sourced with ingredients, the locations of which can be spied from the windows, and there’s a gorgeous cocktail bar too. The Nook on Five is open for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, and come Spring 2023 the outside terrace for alfresco dining comes into play too.
Restaurant Journey
Restaurant Journey brings a new dining concept to Cheltenham. This intimate experience caters for just 10 tables at any one time, with two chefs, Head Chef Jeff Lewis and Sous Chef Alex Truelove, creating an inspiring 12-course tasting menu from around the globe. Expect mood lighting, soft music and dishes which might include wagyu beef, black cod, popcorn or bacon and egg crème Anglaise.
Double Red Duke
Clanfield
Forming part of the Country Creatures stable, the Double Red Duke near Bampton is a gorgeous Cotswold hideout serving sensational food. This is a place for rustic, hearty dishes where huge steaks are seared to perfection over the wood fire. The sensational small plates to keep you going include devilled kidneys on toast, apple-glazed bacon ribs and diver scallops. Come hungry, the menu is divine.
The Bull
This Charlbury institution has just signed a 10-year lease with the uber-popular Pelican group which owns and operates an exceptional gastropub in Notting Hill. They have a strong focus on local producers and community-led projects. The immediate future will see the pub open under the guise of a Pelican pop-up before Christmas, before a full refurbishment and grand re-opening next year. The Bull has always been an integral part of Charlbury life, and this only adds to the appeal.
Restaurant Henne
Local, seasonal and ethical encapsulates the dining at Restaurant Henne. This superb restaurant is owned and operated by two friends and caters for just 14 diners at any one time. Expect a tasting menu of modern British dishes served with flair and a gentle touch. It was brought to our attention by one of our holiday cottage owners, and personal recommendations are always the best. We’ve been talking about it to all who will listen ever since.
The Fox at Oddington
Lower Oddington
This much-loved village pub has been a firm favourite for many years. It has recently received a new lease of life under the eponymous Bamford brand which includes the Daylesford Organic empire. The Fox is the second of their Cotswold pubs (the other is the Feathered Nest Inn) and is staying true to its roots with a hearty menu of pub classics.
Jonas at GL50
Chef and owner Jonas Lodge started his career under legendary chef Raymond Blanc. He has since worked with the likes of Paul Heathcote and Heston Blumenthal. His restaurant Jonas at GL50 offers a relaxed approach to fine dining with a small, but perfectly formed, à la carte menu that changes bi-monthly. There is a strong leaning towards minimum waste and the dishes are exciting and often experimental.
The Lamb Inn
Shipton-under-Wychwood
This glorious Cotswold pub epitomises all that is great and good about the classic country inn. The Lamb is the third project for owners Pete Creed and Tom Noest and showcases a non-fussy and straightforward menu of delicious seasonal dishes and core pub classics. Fish and chips and steak and seafood cooked on the wood fire sit alongside game terrines, venison bourguignon pie and calves liver.
Read more: Best pubs in Bourton-on-the-Water
