TOP 50 PUBS IN THE COTSWOLDS

THE TOP 50 PUBS IN THE COTSWOLDS 2019

The Cotswolds is full of lots of wonderful pubs. We have picked our Top 50 that you should visit in 2019.

CHECK OUT OUR TOP 50 PUBS IN THE COTSWOLDS 2020

THE BELL INN AT LANGFORD

Reopened in December 2017 by Peter Creed and Tom Noest, The Bell Inn at Langford offers wonderful food and drink in charming surroundings. It now also boasts 8 newly renovated rooms starting at just £69 a night too. A must visit in 2019!

www.thebelllangford.com

THE MAYTIME INN

With over 100 gins, a beautiful pub garden and menus that celebrate the seasons, there's a lot to love about The Maytime Inn. Located a little off the beaten track in the village of Asthall near Burford, it's definitely a pub you should discover in 2019.

www.themaytime.com

THE EBRINGTON ARMS

For the past decade, The Ebrington Arms has won a clutch of awards for it's food and drink including two AA Rosettes for seven consecutive years, the award for CAMRA North Cotswold 'pub of the year' three years running and was rated number one village pub in the UK by The Times in 2017. It brews its own organic ale and offers some delightful rooms. What more could you want?

www.theebringtonarms.co.uk

THE CHURCHILL ARMS

Located in the village of Paxford, a couple of miles east of Chipping Campden on the northern tip of the Cotswolds, The Churchill Arms is one of the finest dining pubs in the area. Using the highest quality ingredients, chef and owner Nick Deverell-Smith creates some stunning dishes in relaxed surroundings.

www.churchillarms.co

THE BELL AT SAPPERTON

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 MILTON HARE

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 POTTING SHED

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 MASONS ARMS AT MEYSEY HAMPTON

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 FROGMILL

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 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, it's easy see why it's so popular.

thekingsheadinn.net

THE WHEATSHEAF

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.

theluckyonion.com/property/the-wheatsheaf

THE KILLINGWORTH CASTLE

This wonderful 17th century coaching inn is located on the edge of the village of Wooton, just a couple of miles from Blenheim Palace. A sister pub to The Ebrington Arms you will also fine great quality food, lovely rooms and their own brewed organic Yubbington Ale here too.

www.thekillingworthcastle.com

THE VILLAGE PUB

Located in the village of Barnsley near Cirecencester, 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 CHEQUERS

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.thechequerschurchill.com

THE WILD DUCK

The Wild Duck at Ewen is literally brimming with history as you would expect from a 15th century pub. Expect dark hop-strung beams, a good food and wine menu, and roaring open log fires making it a perfect place to hibernate in winter months Summer's aren't bad either with a suntrap garden to enjoy a drink in.

theluckyonion.com/property/the-wild-duck-inn

THE MASON ARMS

The "Mr Hanbury's" part of the name has disappeared but the unique charm and eccentric decor is still evident at The Mason Arms in South Leigh near Witney. This Artist Residence 16th-century inn has five luxurious bedrooms nestled under its cosy thatch and two suites in the farm outbuildings and a menu offering hearty and rustic meals using produce from neighbouring farms.

www.themasonarms.co.uk

THE PLOUGH AT FORD

Located at the foot of Jonjo O'Neill's gallops in the village of Ford, it is no surprise that the The Plough Inn at Ford has a strong association with horse racing. This hugely popular and pub offers a wonderful atmosphere, local Donnington Ales and a huge menu to suit all ages.

theploughinnford.co.uk

THE SWAN INN AT SWINBROOK

The beautiful Swan Inn at Swinbrook is perfect 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 FOX AT ODDINGTON

The Fox at Lower Oddington has always been a firm favourite for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike. This 16th century in is as charming inside and out and offers 3 rooms for anyone looking for a night or two away in a beautiful Cotswolds village just a stone's throw away from Daylesford.

thefoxatoddington.com

THE PLOUGH INN AT COLD ASTON

Now under new ownership, The Plough at Cold Aston is well and truly back on the map. You will find local game, meat and classic dishes on the menu and craft beers and lots of outstanding wines behind the bar.

coldastonplough.com

THE QUEEN'S HEAD

If you are looking for a proper old-school pub with a toothless barely comprehensible local rolling a cigarette in the corner (their words, not ours!) then The Queens Head in Stow on the Wold is the perfect place for you. One of the last bastions of a drinkers pub in the North Cotswolds, the food menu is pretty good too with homemade pies and classics all at decent prices.

queensinnstow.com

THE FALKLAND ARMS

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 KING'S ARMS

Located in the village of Didmarton in the south of the Cotswolds, The King's Arms is a hugely popular pub. The menu displays the passion for locally sourced produced with all the game coming from neighbouring country estates. The interior of both the pub and rooms beautifully reflect the local sporting heritage and the roaring fire and leather armchairs make winter nights enjoyable. At Summer weekends, their wood-fired oven serves great pizza in the beautiful garden.

kingsarmsdidmarton.co.uk

THE WILD RABBIT

Part of the Daylesford Estate, The Wild Rabbit is a stylish and modern country pub located in Kingham. It's menu reflects their support for British farmers and includes organic ingredients from their own gardens and there are 13 bedrooms and cottages nearby where you can enjoy a stay.

thewildrabbit.co.uk

THE FOSTON'S ASH INN

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

THE SWAN AT SOUTHROP

Quintessentially English, oozing with Cotswold charm, The Swan at Southrop is part of Thyme on the Southrop Manor Estate near Lechlade. The Restaurant and Snug in this 17th century pub feature flagstone floors and open fireplaces creating a hugely welcoming environment and a wonderful place to enjoy a pint of their very own cask beer ‘The Village Tipple’ and meal from their daily changing menu.

https://www.thyme.co.uk/dining/the-swan-at-southrop

THE BOTTLE OF SAUCE

A relative newcomer to Cheltenham, it hasn't taken The Bottle of Sauce long to become 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 FEATHERED NEST

This 3 AA Rosette award-winning modern dining pub is one of the finest restaurants in the area with Head Chef Kuba Winkowski recently being crowned National Chef of the Year. A winner of Visit England Pub of the Year in 2013 and 2014, the award-winning wine list consists of over 240 bins and over 25 selected wines by the glass. There are also 4 rooms where you can enjoy a lovely stay in the lovely village of Nether Westcote.

www.thefeatherednestinn.co.uk

THE FUZZY DUCK

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 GREEN DRAGON INN

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 VICTORIA INN

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

IMAGE VIA EASTLEACH.ORG

THE ANGEL AT 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 BULL INN AT CHARLBURY

This wonderful 16th century coaching inn that was given a make-over in 2015 creating a beautiful space. 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

THE LION INN

Dating back to the 1500's, The Lion Inn in Winchcombe benefited from a wonderful renovation in 2011. The AA Rosette restaurant offers a selection of fine dishes and all of its 8 en-suite bedrooms are dog friendly making it a hugely popular pub in the Cotswolds.

www.thelionwinchcombe.co.uk

THE ROYAL OAK LEIGHTERTON

Nestled just a few miles south-west of Tetbury and a stone's throw from Badminton, Highgrove House and Westonbirt Arboretum, the Royal Oak at Leighterton is a free house serving exceptional food, great value wines, excellent local ales in a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy open fires in the snugs in colder months and the walled garden in the summer.

www.royaloakleighterton.co.uk

THE HOLLOW BOTTOM

Located in Guiting Power, 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 an one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds!

hollowbottom.com

THE TAVERN

After a rocky few years including a fire that ripped from the pub and forced it to close for 6 months in 2016, The Tavern in the Royal Well area of Cheltenham is now back to its best serving taverna style food from Europe and far beyond in relaxed and comforting atmosphere. Check out their regular music and comedy nights as well as their new Sunday Brunch offering and awesome roasts!

theluckyonion.com/property/the-tavern

THE KILKENEY

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 PLOUGH AT 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 BAKERS ARMS

A beautiful village like Broad Campden deserves a cracking pub like The Bakers Arms. Whether you are on a walk or enjoying a meal, you will be treated with the same warm welcome, great selections of ales and some hearty pub food. Winner of the North Cotswold Camra Pub of the winter season 2016 & Pub of the year 2017.

www.bakersarmscampden.com

THE HALFWAY HOUSE

Where else can you find Sunday Roast burgers with Yorkshire Puddings taking the place of the bun, a side of roast potatoes and a pot of gravy to dip them in? Located between the two Guitings in the hamlet of Kineton, The Halfway House is known for its food and family an dog friendly welcome. You can now stay there too with 3 bedrooms being completed in 2018!

www.thehalfwayhousekineton.co.uk

THE CROWN

If you are looking for a pub that covers all areas then The Crown at Kemerton is right up there. Whether you are looking for a base to start or end your walk, a lovely meal, including a menu dedicated to sharing dishes, some locally brewed ales and cider or just a relaxing break, this vibrant and welcoming village inn has got it all.

thecrownkemerton.co.uk

THE KINGHAM PLOUGH

The pressure is always on a pub when the chef has appeared on a TV cooking programme, and won, like Emily Watkins did on BBC's Great British Menu in 2014, yet the Kingham Plough contiues to go from strength to strength winning both the County Dining Pub and the National Dining Pub for 2019 in the Good Pub Guide. The menu changes constantly with the seasons and features game, meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. If you want to make a weekend of it then there are 6 bedrooms of differing sizes to choose from.

www.thekinghamplough.co.uk

THE GOLDEN CROSS

Tucked away on Black Jack Street, a stunning medieval backstreet just off Cirencester's main market place, The Golden Cross Inn is a very popular for anyone looking for a good drink, the pub retains one of the widest selections of single malt whiskies in the Cotswolds, and good feed, their roasts are the talk of the town and there are always themed food nights. This family, dog and people friendly pub is great little find in The Capital of the Cotswolds.

thegoldencrossinn.com

THE PRINCE ALBERT

Located near Rodborough Common just outside Stroud, the popular Prince Albert is more than just a boozer on the corner. A winner of many accolades including being named Stroud District Pub of the Year by CAMRA, live music is at the forefront, and the pub has become well known for excellent folk music and a space for touring bands as well as the odd film screening or comedy event. With no permanent kitchen, you will find a varied mix of pop-ups at weekends which include Caribbean dishes from Jamaica Inn and the hugely popular Japanese pop up truck Tonbo.

www.theprincealbertstroud.co.uk

THE BELL INN AT SELSEY

With listings in The Good Food Guide, The Michelin Guide, The Good Pub Guide and 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence, you would think The Bell at Selsey near Stroud was just a food pub, how wrong you would be. They have a dedicated Gin Bar with over 90 gins from around the world, the UK and closer to home including their own house gin Mrs Chef's Ruin. There are 2 bedrooms too for those who like gin more than driving!

www.thebellinnselsley.com

THE MOUNT INN

As the name suggests, The Mount stands on a mount on the edge of the beautiful village of Stanton near Broadway and boasts spectacular panoramic views across the Vale of Evesham and Malvern Hills which can be enjoyed on the terrace in summer months. This relaxed 17th century inn is perfect for walkers, locals and visitors alike, the menu offers excellent food, local ales and good selction of wine.

www.themountinn.co.uk

THE RED LION

The Red Lion in Long Compton is hugely welcoming pub for anyone on two or four legs, you will usually find Cocoa the Chocolate Labrador curled up in front of the fire. 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

THE DANEWAY

Sitting in a valley teaming with wildlife in Sapperton between Cirencester and Stroud, The Daneway offers a locally sourced menu, well-kept Wadworth ales and a decent sized beer garden. The landlords also own a butchery which provide great steaks for their weekly £1 per ounce steak night. There might not be rooms but there is a pub campsite available all year around just 100 meters from the pub running old canal towpath.

www.thedaneway.pub

THE FOX INN

Overlooking the village green in Broadwell near Stow on the Wold, The Fox Inn is very much a traditional pub for locals and visitors alike. The menu is inspired by hearty pub classics using local meats, vegetables grown on the landlords allotment and fresh fish delivered from Brixham every day, and perfect to wash down with a pint of Donnington ale. It's also a great place to start and finish a walk around the North Cotswolds for any keen ramblers.

www.thefoxinnbroadwell.com

THE CROWN INN

Dating back to 1633, The Crown at Frampton Mansell is a former cider house and everything you want from a village pub. Expect roaring log fires, hearty traditional, home-cooked food; quality locally brewed real ales and a beautiful building steeped in history. Further more, there is a 12-bedroom hotel annex with stunning views across the Cotswolds countryside.

www.thecrowninn-cotswolds.co.uk

​THE TOP 50 PUBS IN THE COTSWOLDS 2019