The best pubs in the Cotswolds to visit ASAP

A traditional village pub steeped in history, The Shilton Rose & Crown is located in Shilton near Burford. This charming venue sits in a peaceful setting, offering a quintessential English countryside atmosphere. The cuisine focuses on high-quality British pub fare and seasonal ingredients. A standout for group dining is the generous côte de boeuf expertly prepared by His Majesty’s accredited butcher Aubrey Allen and Huntsham Farm, alongside a daily-changing Sunday lunch menu. The pub is renowned for its cosy bar and high standards of service, making it an ideal choice for a comforting pub lunch Cotswolds experience.

The Black Horse is a welcoming, high-quality gastropub located in Standlake, near Witney. This venue delivers a refined dining experience in a relaxed setting. The cuisine is Modern British with a strong emphasis on seasonal ingredients. The pub is known for its excellent Sunday lunch set menu, offering classic roasts such as topside of English beef and roast leg of lamb. The Black Horse is a great choice for restaurants for big groups seeking high-quality food in an unpretentious environment.

The Bathurst Arms is a traditional pub in Cirencester, offering a rustic, warm atmosphere beside the River Churn. Its scenic location makes it one of the most charming and best country pubs the Cotswolds can claim. The menu features British pub classics and seasonal dishes. For groups, the pub offers customisable buffet menus and an excellent value Supper Club Menu (two courses for £20.50) on select days. The Bathurst Arms is perfect for family gatherings and anyone seeking a blend of riverside relaxation and quality pub food.

An unspoiled country inn, The Fox at Barrington is located near Burford. The venue stays true to authentic British cuisine and features a cosy, traditional bar area. The menu focuses on elevated pub fare and high-quality steaks. Signature dishes include the popular Cotswold gold–battered fish and the generous chargrilled sirloin steak. Ideal for group dining, the pub is celebrated for its use of locally sourced ingredients, making it one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds for genuinely regional food.

The Lamb Inn is an elegant gastropub in Nether Westcote, offering a sophisticated experience in the heart of the Cotswolds. This beautiful inn is known for its charming ambience, complete with exposed stone and wooden beams. The cuisine is Modern British, driven by impeccable sourcing and seasonal produce. The pub is famous for its outstanding Sunday roast (featuring roast beef and slow-cooked pork belly) and a refined à la carte menu. The Lamb Inn also offers luxurious guest rooms, securing its reputation as one of the best pubs with rooms the Cotswolds provides for a perfect country break.

The Stag at Stow is a traditional British pub located in the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. This historic venue offers a classic, warm atmosphere ideal for group dining and socialising. The menu highlights high-quality pub classics and steaks. Signature dishes include the impressive chargrilled rib of beef for two and the generous seared calves’ liver. For more accessible dining, guests can enjoy Stag classics such as Gloucester old spot sausage and mash. The Stag at Stow is an excellent choice for visitors seeking outstanding food in one of the Cotswolds’ most picturesque locations.

Nestled in the idyllic village of Blockley, The Great Western Arms is a high-quality gastropub offering excellent British dining near Chipping Campden. The pub provides a welcoming, traditional atmosphere perfect for family meals. The menu is diverse, featuring pub classics and elevated dishes. Signature items include the trio roast, showcasing three meats on Sunday, and the black pudding and apple scotch egg. The pub is known for its genuine hospitality and commitment to quality pub food in the Cotswolds.

The Angel at Burford is a charming, historic British pub in Burford. Part of the Vintage Inns collection, it offers a traditional setting ideal for group dining. The cuisine focuses on comforting, seasonal pub fare. Popular features include the generous Sunday trio roast and a variety of signature skewers. For more casual dining, the pub serves favourites such as the crispy buttermilk chicken burger. The Angel is a reliable choice for a satisfying pub lunch Cotswolds experience.

The Fleece Witney is a popular, high-quality gastropub located in Witney. Known for its commitment to premium sourcing—including Aubrey Allen’s dry-aged rump of beef—the pub excels at delivering refined yet comforting dishes. The Sunday Best menu is a highlight, offering delicious roasts and sophisticated starters like garlic and rosemary-studded camembert. The Fleece is well suited to group dining and private events, providing a stylish atmosphere perfect for celebrations.

The Royal Oak is a characterful gastropub offering excellent British dining in South Cerney. This refurbished pub provides a cosy, traditional vibe ideal for group gatherings. The menu delivers refined takes on pub classics and seasonal dishes. Signature options include the rolled rump of beef and the sweet butternut risotto. The pub also offers guest rooms, making it a great option for pubs to stay in the Cotswolds. The Royal Oak is perfect for those seeking high-quality dining with traditional village charm.

The Foxham is a charming gastropub located in Foxham, near Chippenham. Renowned for its high-quality cooking and focus on fresh seafood sourced from the Cornish coastline, the pub offers an elegant dining room complete with exposed oak beams, ideal for group dining. The menu spans traditional pub fare to exquisite seafood specials. Highlights include scallops with black pudding, loin of Somerset goat, and the classic beef and kidney pie. The Foxham is perfect for a pub lunch in the Cotswolds or an intimate date night centred on exceptional cuisine.