​THE TOP 50 PUBS IN THE COTSWOLDS 2022

​The Cotswolds is brimming with lots of brilliant pubs full of character and charm.

With exposed wooden beams, open fires, stone interiors and wonderful village and market town locations, it's no surprise that "the pub" is one of the Cotswolds' greatest cultural treasures.

The last two years have been tough for all of them and, like all of our wonderful local businesses, they all need our support more than ever.

Here are 50 of our favourites that you need to visit in 2022.

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​​THE STUMP
FOSS CROSS, NR NORTHLEACH

An ancient roadside inn near Northleach, The Stump has been brought back to life with a bang by pizza and pasta obsessives Baz and Fred. There are ten-ensuite rooms, three open fires, a pool table, an incredible Italian-clad menu and a brilliant atmosphere. 

thestump.co.uk

​THE CHEQUERS
CHURCHILL, NR KINGHAM

A sign of a good pub is when hours seem to disappear without you realising it, The Chequers at Churchill is one of these pubs. The beautiful bar features local lagers, gin and cocktails and usually has a lump of cured meat sat on the end of it with comfy seating in front of the fire to enjoy it all in. The unique dining room is equally as beautiful with it's dark walls, flagstone floor, exposed beams and littered with tables of all shapes and sizes making it a wonderful place to enjoy a meal as a couple or with friends. 

www.countrycreatures.com/the-chequers

​THE CHURCHILL ARMS
​PAXFORD, NR CHIPPING CAMPDEN

The Churchill Arms is one of the ​​finest dining pubs in the area. Located in Paxford on the northern reaches of the Cotswolds, chef and owner Nick Deverell-Smith creates some stunning dishes using the highest quality locally-sourced ingredients​

www.churchillarms.co

​THE BELL INN
LANGFORD

The Bell Inn at Langford showcases a love of  hearty, classic, British food with the addition of wood fired dishes and an extensive wine and beer list. It also boasts eight rooms, a large beer garden overlooking the open countryside and a wonderful modern country pub feel.

www.thebelllangford.com

★​ NEW ENTRY ★​
​THE DOUBLE RED DUKE
BAMPTON

The Double Red Duke finally opened its doors in May 2021 and is the latest addition to husband and wife duo Sam and Georgie Pearman's Country Creatures portfolio, which also includes The Chequers at Churchill and The Swan at Ascott-under-Wychwood.

As well as boasting 19 bedrooms and a warren of lounges with log fires and deep leather arm chairs, the inn has also secured the services of butcher and founder of Hawksmoor, Richard H Turner to work alongside Head Chef, Richard Sandiford (ex-Hawksmoor) on a menu dedicated open-fire cooking and large cuts of meat, whole fish dishes and awesome Sunday roasts.

www.countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke

THE POTTING SHED
CRUDWELL, NR MALMESBURY

The Potting Shed is a beautifully charming pub in the village of Crudwell just a few miles from Tetbury, Cirencester and Malmesbury. Its menu showcases the best local produce and with roaring log fires in the winter and a spacious beer garden in the summer, you can easily lose a few wonderful hours here. 

www.thepottingshedpub.com

THE KING'S HEAD INN
BLEDINGTON

Winner of The Good Pub Guide Pub of the Year in 2018, The King's Head Inn is the quintessential Cotswolds pub perfect situated on the village green in Bledington. With a stunning interior full of wooden beams, oak settles and an original flagstone floor and excellent food and drink (including Jeremy Clarkson's brand new Hawkstone Lager on tap), it's easy see why it's so popular. 

thekingsheadinn.net

​THE SWAN
ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD

Now in the hands of hospitality gurus Sam and Georgie Pearman since the spring of 2019, The Swan at Ascott-under-Wychwood has been given a new lease of life and should be high on the list of anyone in, or visiting, the Cotswolds. The pub offers a relaxing retreat for locals, a cracking seasonal menu for foodies and eight stylish bedrooms for visitors.

www.countrycreatures.com/the-swan

★​ NEW ENTRY ★​
THE LAMB
SHIPTON UNDER WYCHWOOD

Located between Burford & Chipping Norton, The Lamb has been the sister pub to The Bell at Langford since June 2021 since being taken on by Peter Creed & Tom Noest. The pair have assembled a similar menu to The Bell, including the famous Garlic, Parsley and Bone Marrow Flat Bread, wood fired dishes and awesome roasts that can all be enjoyed in their cosy bar area, separate restaurant and large beer garden on warmer days.

www.thelambshipton.com

THE KILLINGWORTH CASTLE
WOOTTON, NEAR WOODSTOCK

This wonderful 17th century coaching inn is located on the edge of the village of Wootton, just a couple of miles from Blenheim Palace. Their organic menus have earned 3 stars from the Soil Association and 2-AA Rosettes. This is coupled with 8 lovely bedrooms making it a lovely place to spend a few nights too.

www.thekillingworthcastle.com

THE HOLLYBUSH
WITNEY

The Hollybush is a superb modern dining pub set in the heart of the beautiful Oxfordshire market town of Witney. They serve high-quality, locally sourced, seasonal food, which has earned them an AA Rosette for culinary excellence for 2021/22, and lots of interesting wines, cocktails and local ales in a contemporary setting.

www.hollybushwitney.com

THE NEW INN
COLN ST. ALDWYNS

This beautiful 16th-century coaching inn has had a new lease of life since being taken over by Baz & Fred (also at The Stump) in 2020.

Set in a beautiful sleepy corner of the Cotswolds and boasting 14 luxurious ensuite bedrooms, you can enjoy some mighty fine burgers, craft ales and fine wines.

www.thenewinncoln.co.uk

THE MAYTIME INN
ASTHALL, NR BURFORD

Recently purchased by Carole Bamford (Wild Rabbit/Daylesford), but importantly keeping the same operational team, The Maytime Inn boasts over 100 gins, a beautiful pub garden​ and food menus that celebrate the seasons.

Located a little off the beaten track in the village of Asthall near Burford, it's also a perfect spot for any keen walkers too after a meal or a drink.

www.themaytime.com

THE MILTON HARE
MILTON-UNDER-WYCHWOOD

Located between Stow on the Wold and Burford in the village of Milton-under-Wychwood, The Hare is a hugely popular country pub serving superb food and a great selection of weekly changing cask-conditioned ales, wines and fizz by the glass, draft and bottled lagers in stylish surroundings. Enjoy Champagne Happy Hour at 5pm on a Friday and regular live music throughout the year.

www.themiltonhare.co.uk

THE WHEATSHEAF
NORTHLEACH

Located in Northleach, this beautiful Virginia Creeper clad pub is a real winner throughout the year with a brilliant garden to enjoy in the summer and roaring fires in the winter. With 14 beautiful rooms, it's the perfect place from where to explore the Cotswolds. 

www.cotswoldswheatsheaf.com

THE ROYAL OAK
WHATCOTE, NR SHIPSTON ON STOUR

Built in 1168 as an ale house for workers building local churches, The Royal Oak in Whatcote near Shipston on Stour is the only pub in the list to boast a Michelin Star. Expect "shot to order" game, exceptional cooking from chef owner Richard Craven and a huge local pub ethos in the bar.

www.theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk

THE FLEECE INN
BRETFORTON, NR BROADWAY

Located right on the edge of the Cotswolds, and dating back to early 15th-century, ​The Fleece Inn in Bretforton has been owned by the National Trust since 1977. A favourite with real ale and cider lovers and a vibrant part of the community, this historical pub hosts many events throughout the year, the most famous of which is the British Asparagus Festival Day at the end of May that attracts visitors from all over world.

thefleeceinn.co.uk

★​ NEW ENTRY ★​
THE LAMB INN
CRAWLEY, NR. WITNEY

Located just outside the market town of Witney, The Lamb Inn embarked on a complete makeover when it was purchased in 2018 by its current owners Sebastian and Lana Snow.

Their menus focus on hearty, traditional pub classics, great roasts and plenty of slow cooking during the winter. Outside, you will find beautiful terraces over three levels boasting pizza ovens, BBQ, a suntrap beer garden and an outdoor bar, perfect for warmer months.

www.lambpub.co.uk

THE FEATHERED NEST
NETHER WESTCOTE, NR BURFORD

This 3 AA Rosette and Michelin recommended modern dining pub prides itself on high-quality food, creating a wonderful dining experience. They also have an award-winning wine list which offers over 25 selected wines by the glass. In summer months, you can soak up some magical views from their large terrace and garden.

www.thefeatherednestinn.co.uk

THE MASON ARMS
SOUTH LEIGH, NR WITNEY

 This Artist Residence 16th-century inn near Witney offers unique charm, stunning eccentric decor and a menu offering hearty and rustic meals from breakfast to dinner using produce from neighbouring farms. It also boasts five luxurious bedrooms nestled under its cosy thatch and two suites in the farm outbuildings. 

www.artistresidence.co.uk/masonarms

SEVEN TUNS INN
CHEDWORTH

After benefiting from a renovation in late 2018, The Seven Tuns in Chedworth has gone from strength to strength, establishing itself as the social hub of the village. With a wine selection handpicked by owner Simon Willson-White combined with an exceptional seasonal, sustainable and local menu, this dog friendly pub is a must visit in 2022.

www.seventuns.co.uk

THE BELL
SAPPERTON, NR CIRENCESTER

This multi-award winning pubs sits between Cirencester and Stroud and is the perfect place for discerning foodies, wine lovers (there's an actual "wine wall" in the bar!), real ale enthusiasts to visit. You can even rock up on your horse if you like as there is some dedicated parking for your steed. 

bellsapperton.co.uk

THE KINGHAM PLOUGH

With Matt and Katie Beamish at the helm, the legacy of championing the very best fresh, local, seasonal ingredients lives on at The Kingham Plough. Their daily-changing modern British menu includes Mediterranean influences and British pub classics. There are also six individually furnished, en-suite bedrooms for anyone wishing to make a few days of it in the stunning Oxfordshire countryside.

www.thekinghamplough.co.uk

THE PLOUGH INN
COLD ASTON, NR BOURTON ON THE WATER

The Plough at Cold Aston is a huge favourite with locals and visitors alike. You will find  local game, meat and classic dishes on the menu and craft beer and lots of outstanding wines behind the bar. The Sunday roasts are some of the best around too!

coldastonplough.com

THE MASONS ARMS
MEYSEY HAMPTON, NR FAIRFORD

The Mason Arms sits proudly on the village green in the village of Meysey Hampton 2 miles west of Fairford and about 6 miles from Cirencester. Awarded New Pub of the Year 2019 by The Good Pub Guide, the pub is now run by former pub regular Paul Fallows who has transformed it into a bustling pub for the community serving good heart food and well-kept ales in a hugely welcoming atmosphere.

www.masonsarmsmeyseyhampton.com

THE SWAN INN
SWINBROOK, NR BURFORD

The beautiful Swan Inn at Swinbrook is perfectly positioned on the banks of the River Windrush a couple of miles from Burford. Steeped in history, the pub is owned by the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire’s estate, the last of Mitford sisters and offers a wonderful place to enjoy a drink, some food or a night in one of their six beautifully designed bedrooms. 

www.theswanswinbrook.co.uk

THE WILD RABBIT
KINGHAM

Part of the Daylesford Estate, The Wild Rabbit is a stylish and modern country pub located in Kingham. The menus will continue to be led by the seasons, offering locally sourced and ingredient-focused modern British food under new head chef Sam Bowser. There are 13 bedrooms in the pub and some nearby cottages where you can enjoy a stay. 

thewildrabbit.co.uk

THE VILLAGE PUB
BARNSLEY, NR CIRENCESTER

Located in the village of Barnsley near Cirencester, The Village​ Pub has always been a firm favourite of locals and visitors alike. With exceptional food, fine ales, open fires, comfy seating and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, it's very easy to see why. 

www.thevillagepub.co.uk

THE HOLLOW BOTTOM
GUITING POWER

Now in the hands of The Lucky Onion, The Hollow Bottom is one of the most famous horse racing pubs in the UK and the place to be throughout the Cheltenham Festival. For the other 361 days of the year, the pub offers a relaxed place to eat and drink and one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds.

hollowbottom.com

THE BULL INN
CHARLBURY

This wonderful 16th century coaching inn is a real home away from home with stunning interiors in both the pub, restaurant and rooms. It prides itself on high quality food and service and is open all day every day with food being served at all times. Charlbury Station is on the Cotswold Line and just 500 meters from the pub offering easy access to London, Oxford, Worcester and Hereford.

www.bullinn-charlbury.com

★​ NEW ENTRY ★​
THE CROWN
AMPNEY CRUCIS

Located just outside Cirencester, The Crown at Ampney Crucis finally reopened its doors once again in December 2021.

 During its closure, the 16th-century pub had a stunning transformation which included an open copper kitchen at the centre of the action serving farm-to-table menus inspired by the idyllic Cotswolds surroundings. The bar offers a good selection of beers and cocktails, and you can take advantage of their superb enomatifor machine for some fine wines by the glass.

www.crownampneybrook.co.uk

THE VICTORIA INN
EASTLEACH, NR BURFORD

The picture postcard village of Eastleach lies just minutes from Burford and is home to the beautiful Victoria Inn. The interior is and charming as the exterior and you can expect some traditional Arkells ales and nice wines to accompany some good value quality food.

www.thevictoriainneastleach.co.uk

​​THE BATHURST ARMS
NORTH CERNEY, NR. CIRENCESTER

Just a few miles north of Cirencester, The Bathurst Arms is the first pub to achieve 5 stars with the Soil Associations “Organic Served Here” scheme, purchasing over 95% of organic food from local farms and suppliers.

The distinctively pink pub offers superb food and drink and a lovely outdoor space, nestled beside the River Churn.

bathurstarms.co.uk

​THE BOXING HARE
SWERFORD, NR CHIPPING NORTON

With a  two-time Michelin star and 3 AA rosette winning chef in the kitchen and a 15 minute drive from Soho Farmhouse, The Boxing Hare near Chipping Norton offers a warm welcome and lots of charm. Set overlooking the rolling Cotswold Hills, this is a pub with outstanding food and drinking and a lovely atmosphere to boot.

www.theboxinghare.co.uk

THE FROGMILL
SHIPTON OLIFFE, NR ANDOVERSFORD

After a complete renovation in 2018, The Frogmill in Shipton Oliffe now boasts 28 rooms, a beautiful snug room and a fantastic terrace area perfect in the summer months. The welcoming oak beam and mismatched vintage furniture adorned bar area is full of country charm is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a pint or Sunday roast.

www.thefrogmill.co.uk

THE TAVERN
CHELTENHAM

The Tavern has always been a favourite in the heart of Cheltenham. Expect quality taverna-style food, a lively atmosphere, awesome cocktails and weekend brunch. It is also host to regular comedy nights and a Music Box featuring emerging artists.

www.thetaverncheltenham.com

THE HOWARD ARMS
ILMINGTON

A stunning, 400-year-old Cotswold-stone inn, The Howard Arms lies in the heart of the idyllic village of Ilmington in the very north of the Cotswold. Known for its quality food, ales and atmosphere, the pub also boasts 8 bedrooms from where you can explore nearby Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds.

howardarms.com

★​ NEW ENTRY ★​
THE SHILTON ROSE & CROWN
SHILTON, NR BURFORD

Dating back to the 17th-century, The Rose & Crown can be found in the idyllic village of Shilton, located two miles south of Buford.

The interior boasts exposed Cotswold stone walls, original beams and log fires in each of the two rooms where you can enjoy classic and contemporary dishes. In warmer months, the charming garden is a lovely place to spend an evening eating and drinking.

roseandcrownshilton.com​

THE FALKLAND ARMS
GREAT TEW

Located in beautiful Great Tew, this 16th century pub oozes rustic charm with its oak walls, beams and bar, quirky interior, inglenook fireplace and flagstone floor, and is a hugely popular pub for drinkers, diners and guests staying in one of their 6 rooms.

www.falklandarms.co.uk

THE FIVE ALLS
FILKINS, NR LECHLADE

Located in a quaint village just outside of Lechlade, The Five Alls is quintessentially Cotswolds. With two spacious dining rooms and a lounge bar, the pub is a great spot for lunch, dinner or a quiet pint.

thefiveallsfilkins.co.uk

THE ANGEL
BURFORD

Located just off the main street, The Angel has earned a AA rosette from their top quality menu which incorporates traditional classics with fresh fish and is the only pub in the town that serves food all day. As a Hook Norton Brewery pub, you can expect fine ales, it's retained its Cask Marque accreditation every year since 2011. In warmer months we highly recommend their stunning walled garden that was landscaped in 2017.

theangelatburford.co.uk

THE FUZZY DUCK
​ARMSCOTE

In the very northern reaches of the Cotswolds you will find the hamlet of Armscote, home to the modern and stylish Fuzzy Duck. Winner of the 'Best Pub' in the 2018 GQ Awards, the pub offers a main menu and a bar menu packed with nibbles, snacks, sandwiches and seasonal dishes perfect for a romantic supper, family feast or lazy lunch. If you fancy a stay, there are four bedrooms all offering a touch of luxury. 

www.fuzzyduckarmscote.com

THE BOTTLE OF SAUCE
CHELTENHAM

The Bottle of Sauce is one of the most popular pubs in town. The casual menu is full of great burgers, pizzas and brunch offerings with local beer and handpicked wines behind the bar. There’s always something happening too from a rebel knitting club to their ​monthly Saturday yard sale. 

​dodopubs.com/locations/the-bottle-of-sauce

THE GREEN DRAGON INN
COCKLEFORD, NEAR COWLEY

Situated in the hamlet of Cockleford near Cowley, The Green Dragon Inn is a charming 17th century pub in a beautiful setting offering everything you need with good food, log fires, exposed oak beams and a very warm welcome. 

www.green-dragon-inn.co.uk

THE FOSTON'S ASH INN
THE CAMP, NR STROUD

If you drive from Birdlip towards Stroud, you will find The Foston's Ash on the roadside. The pub prides itself on delivering brilliantly fresh and locally sourced food and drink in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and does exactly that. It's a must stop for gin fans as the venue is now the home of the 100% organic and three star great taste award winning British Polo Gin. With extensive gardens (with play area) to enjoy in the summer and open log fires in the winter, The Foston's Ash is a proper Cotswold destination pub in "Cider with Rosie" country with dogs, horses and children all welcome.

www.fostonsash.co.uk

★​ NEW ENTRY ★​
THE FARMERS ARMS
GUITING POWER

There are not many pubs like The Farmer's Arms left in the Cotswolds. After years in the doldrums, it has had a lot of life pumped back into it by its new landlords and has become a vibrant heartbeat to the village once again. Enjoy great value food, a high-quality Sunday carvery, local ales, meat raffles and a wonderful welcoming atmosphere.

THE KILKENEY
NR ANDOVERSFORD

Located just outside Andoversford, The Kilkeney Inn was refurbished in early 2016 and given a much needed new lease of life. As the self-proclaimed 'Home of Slow Cooking', the menu displays a strong appreciation for the finest local food and boasts a particularly strong wine list to compliment it. One of the biggest transformations is the patio area which is a great spot to soak up some sunshine in the summer.

www.kilkeney.co.uk

THE ROYAL OAK
TETBURY

With it's upcycled furnishings, vintage jukebox and Art Deco piano, The Royal Oak is a lively and charming family and dog friendly pub in this historic Cotswolds town. The food is honest and hearty with a dedicated vegan menu and the six en-suite rooms, including three that are dog friendly, offer a perfect base to explore the Cotswolds.

theroyaloaktetbury.co.uk

THE PLOUGH
PRESTBURY

This beautiful 17th Century Grade II listed thatched pub is full of character and is just a short walk from Cheltenham Racecourse. With a huge focus on traditional Cider and cask ales, its real ales are still served from a small hatch, straight from the casks which are racked at the back of the bar. It also boasts a fabulous one acre garden with a stream running alongside. Look out for their cider and beer festivals too. 

www.theploughprestbury.co.uk

THE RED LION
LONG COMPTON

The Red Lion in Long Compton is hugely welcoming pub for anyone on two or four legs. Built as a coaching inn in 1748, this Grade II listed free house, this charming characterful country pub offers quality food, dog friendly rooms, regular quizzes and a big playground in the garden ensuring fun for all the family. 

redlion-longcompton.co.uk

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