Best pubs in the Cotswolds
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The best pubs in the Cotswolds

Are you searching for the best spots in the Cotswolds for a bit of pub grub and some drinks? Whether you’re searching for somewhere with a great pub garden, or a cosy corner next to a fire for a roast dinner, here’s my roundup of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. Having been born and bred in the Cotswolds, I’ve got a good idea of the best of the bunch.

You could say I’m a bit of a regular when it comes to the best pubs in the Cotswolds. Having spent a large part of my life growing up in the area, I’ve become pretty clued up on the best pubs to visit, and where I’d bring guests visiting. I’ve previously written a guide dedicated to the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds, but what about when the weather isn’t quite so sunny and warm? Those weekends when you fancy a pint by a crackling log fire? Sundays when you fancy a great Sunday roast after a long dog walk through the muddy Cotswolds fields? I may be biased but there are no pubs quite like those in the Cotswolds. So, look no further – sit back, relax, and enjoy my guide to the best pubs in the Cotswolds.

Quick tips for visiting the Cotswolds

Get this: affordable car hire from Cheltenham. Cheltenham is the gateway to the Cotswolds, and having a car is a huge help for enabling you to travel between the villages as public transport here isn’t great.

Don’t miss: a small group tour of the Cotswolds from Oxford. A local tour guide can show you all the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds so you get the most from your trip.

Bucket list experience: a guided walking tour of the Cotswolds so you can see the best of the beautiful Cotswold countryside before heading for a pub lunch and a pint.

Stay: Find the most affordable hotels in the Cotswolds on Booking.com.

The Bell Inn, Langford

You can’t go wrong with The Bell – it’s in the gorgeous village of Langford that’s perfect for a walk before or after visiting. Check in to The Bell Inn in beautiful Langford for one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. A traditional pub, here you’ll find roaring log fires, a beautiful pub garden, and a modern feel in the heart of the Cotswolds countryside. Choose from the generous wine and beer menu, and indulge on great quality pub food classics. The chicken Milanese and n’duja pizza are not to be missed. You may even spot a celebrity or two here. It’s also considered one of the top gastropubs in the country, in case my word isn’t enough!

Best pubs in the Cotswolds
Photo credit: The Bell Inn

Heading to nearby Cheltenham? Check out my guide to finding a drink at the best pubs in Cheltenham.

The Stump, Foss Cross

For some of the best pints and pizzas in the Cotswolds, The Stump has to be on your list of pubs to visit. An old inn near the beautiful Cotswold hamlet of Hampnett, The Stump has a beautiful outdoor patio and elegant interiors. Many head here for their famous pizzas, dished up by Baz and Fred. One of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, you can’t miss the epic jamon croquettes with garlic mayo and the chorizo and nduja hot pizza.

The Stump, Cirencester
Photo credit: The Stump

The Swan Inn, Ascott-under-Wychwood

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more beautiful pub in the Cotswolds than the gorgeous Swan Inn. Offering a relaxing vibe for after a long walk through the countryside, there’s an excellent food and drink menu that simply can’t be missed. Discover delightful interiors with wooden beams, French windows, and cute nooks. One of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, the food menu is superb – try the Dexter beef and horseradish pie.

Best pubs in the Cotswolds
Photo credit: The Swan

The Swan Inn, Swinbrook

Not to be confused with The Swan Inn at Ascott, The Swan Inn in Swinbrook is just as idyllic. Located on the banks of the River Windrush, it is the perfect place for an icy G&T in the summer months to cool down with a view. One of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, The Swan Inn offers a seasonal pub food menu – don’t miss their delicious beef pie washed down with a pint of the good stuff. I love visiting here in the summer months. Just make sure you book ahead as it can get super busy when it’s hot, with punters wanting to cool off in the nearby stream!

Best pubs in the Cotswolds
Photo credit: The Swan Inn

The King’s Head, Bledington

An idyllic inn located on a beautiful village green, The King’s Head near Oxfordshire’s Chipping Norton is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. The former winner of The Good Pub Guide Pub of the Year, it’s the perfect watering hole. Enjoy the gorgeous Cotswold courtyard garden in the summer months, and the cosy interiors with wooden beams to warm up in the winter and enjoy some fresh seasonal cooking.

Kings Head Inn Bledington

Double Red Duke, Bampton

I really don’t think you can find a more aesthetically pleasing pub in the Cotswolds! You may recognise it from its iconic stripy parasols in the pub garden. Another member of the chic Country Creatures group, Double Red Duke stepped onto the scene in 2021 as one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. Set in the peaceful village of Clanfield, it has been renovated from a former wool merchant’s house. Sink into a cosy armchair next to the fire with a tipple, relax, and tuck into some hearty food including an impressive range of steak cuts with incredible sides like hispi cabbage and salt and vinegar chips. Their Sunday roast menu is truly to die for too.

Best pubs in the Cotswolds
Photo credit: Double Red Duke

Check out my guide to the best Cotswolds villages to visit during your visit to the Cotswolds.

The Five Alls, Filkins

The Five Alls is a beautiful eighteenth century traditional English coaching inn, and one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. Located in the chocolate box village of Filkins, the pub has a flagstone bar, and is deliciously furnished with leather chesterfields next to crackling log fires. Visit for tasty local ales and scrumptious Sunday lunches and pub classics. There’s also a delightful pub garden for the summer months.

Best pubs in the Cotswolds
Photo credit: The Five Alls

The New Inn, Coln St Aldwyns

A sixteenth century coaching inn located in the adorable village of Coln St Aldwyns near Cirencester, The New Inn is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. Serving up delicious cocktails and fantastic food, it’s one of the hottest new spots around. With contemporary interiors among the pub’s period features, tuck into tasty treats like crab tacos and mouthwatering burgers. You’ll be well looked after.

New Inn Coln St Aldwyns
Photo credit: The New Inn

The Chequers, Churchill

Another member of the beautiful Country Creatures family, you’ll find The Chequers tucked away in the idyllic village of Churchill. One of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, is a classic rural spot with large leather chairs for sinking into next to the fire. Sip on one of the delicious wines from their extensive list, and delve into delicious snacks like crevettes and Padron peppers. You might even spot a celebrity while you’re there.

Best pubs in the Cotswolds
Photo credit: The Chequers

The Ebrington Arms, Chipping Campden

The Ebrington Arms is a traditional local pub that has recently gathered excellent acclaim for its fantastic food and drink. One of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, it has collected a plethora of prestigious awards, including AA Rosettes and the status of CAMRA North Cotswold ‘Pub of the Year’ for consecutive years. It brews its own beer and also has a variety of beautiful rooms that you can book.

Best pubs in the Cotswolds
Photo credit: The Ebrington Arms

The Bell, Sapperton

An independent, family-owned country pub, The Bell at Sapperton prides itself on delivering excellent pub food with local ingredients, and great drink to match. One of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, it’s located between the beautiful towns of Cirencester and Stroud. Don’t miss the Wine Wall – a self-serve wine shop where you can enjoy your choice of wine either in the pub or back at home.

The Bell at Sapperton
Photo credit: The Bell

The Potting Shed, Crudwell

Look no further when it comes to finding one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. The Potting Shed is a gorgeous pub in the heart of the chocolate box village of Crudwell, near Tetbury and Stroud. With adorable interiors, you need to arrive hungry to enjoy some of the excellent food next to a roaring log fire. You can’t go wrong with their pan roasted chicken with champ potato, or go for a tasty chateaubriand with your loved one.

The Potting Shed Crudwell
Photo credit: The Potting Shed

The Village Pub, Barnsley

A beautiful country pub as its name suggests, The Village Pub is situated in the quaint village of Barnsley near Cirencester. Popular with both visitors and locals, The Village Pub is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. Visit for roaring log fires, Cotswold craft ales, crisp West Country ciders, and a delicious food menu that uses local produce. Their Sunday roast with all the trimmings is to die for.

The best pubs in the Cotswolds
Photo credit: The Village Pub Barnsley

The Lion Inn, Winchcombe

A fifteenth century coaching inn in the old Cotswold village of Winchcombe near Cheltenham, The Lion Inn is undoubtedly one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. Boasting an AA Rosette, the pub offers some delicious dishes, as well as local ales. With cosy interiors and a warming log fire, it packs bags of character and is the perfect Cotswold spot to while away several hours among creature comforts.

The Lion Inn Winchcombe
Photo credit: The Lion Inn

The Kingham Plough, Kingham

A beautiful Cotswold stone pub packed full of character, The Kingham Plough is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. Situated near the affluent Chipping Norton, the pub has gorgeous surroundings. Arrive hungry, as the pub’s chef won the BBC’s Great British Menu a few years ago. The menu is regularly changed, offering beautiful, seasonal dishes from pan roast sea bass to succulent sirloin steaks with homemade bearnaise.

The best pubs in the Cotswolds
Photo credit: The Kingham Plough

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That’s my guide to the best pubs in the Cotswolds. Are there any other pubs in the Cotswolds that you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments below.

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