The 10 best pubs in the Cotswolds
A decent pint and real local flavour: in our book that’s what a traditional pub should be all about. Of course it helps to have other accoutrements, such as generous old fireplaces, stalwart beams, rugs and flagstones, but what really matters is the soul of the place – in effect a patina created by centuries of sociability. The Cotswolds offers plenty of pubs in handsome honey-stone properties with stylish interiors, but some have more authentically old-school spirit than others. We’ve had the hard task of touring the region to test out time-honoured Cotswold inns and make this selection of some of the best.
For further inspiration, see our guide to the Cotswolds and the best hotels, restaurants, afternoon tea, shopping and things to do in the area.
Find a pub by area
North Cotswolds
Howard Arms, Ilmington
This stylish old pub with rooms is set on the edge of an enterprising village that is an easy drive from Stratford-upon-Avon. Much loved by locals, it offers good food with inventive flourishes along with a fine range of cask ales. Dating back several centuries, it has evolved from a collection of barns. Inside, it offers plenty of spaces for a quiet drink – there are dark flagstone floors by the bar, snoozy armchairs in front of a stone fireplace, and hunting pictures on the walls.
Contact: howardarms.com
Prices: £
Ebrington Arms, Ebrington
Dating from the 1640s, this creaky old inn sits on the edge of an idyllic northern Cotswold village near Chipping Campden. Although a stylish place to eat and to stay, in the bar area it also retains the atmosphere of a proper, traditional local, with community spirit and regulars dropping by. Call in for a pint of Stroud Brewery craft ale and pull up a seat by the inglenook fireplace or, in summer, head outdoors to the rose-filled garden.
Contact: theebringtonarms.co.uk
Prices: £
The George, Barford St Michael
This thatched, golden-stone inn near Great Tew has been serving pints since the 1690s. Now with a charming and affordable restaurant and nine bedrooms, it also remains a genial hub of the local community. Cotswold ales, ciders and a splendid choice of well-priced wines as well as cocktails are offered in a cosy bar complete with flagstone floors, fireplace and trad horse brasses.
Contact: thegeorgebarford.co.uk
Price: £
The Falkland Arms, Great Tew
This is a halcyon thatch and honey-stone hostelry in a charming village on the north eastern fringes of the Cotswolds. Step inside and you’re in a cosy, old-school pub whose ancient oak beams are hung with clay pipes and pint jars. Flagstone floors and old settles complete the picture. The range of Wadworths beers here include 6X, Swordfish and the brewery’s craft Beer Kitchen ales. For warm weather eating and drinking there’s a back beer garden and tables at the front.
Contact: falklandarms.co.uk
Prices: £
Mid Cotswolds
The Inn at Fossebridge
The original part of the property was built as a blacksmith’s workshop and today the old forge is one of the two fireplaces here. Locals pop in for a pint, walkers stop for lunch, and evening meals are always popular. Dee Ludlow and Geoff Collins acquired the pub in 2014 and have infused it with a spirit of warmth. She oversees front of house, he masterminds the bar to much acclaim; the pub has won awards from the North Cotswold branch of Camra.
Contact: innatfossebridge.co.uk
Prices: £
The Woolpack, Slad
At first sight this roadside pub doesn’t exude appeal. But step through the door and you’re in an old inn of much charm. There are settles, wooden floors, well-thumbed books on shelves and wild flowers in vases. And the views from back are wonderful. This is a proper old-fashioned public house and it is the hub of the community – as it was in Laurie Lee’s day. The author was a regular and even had his own seat here.
Contact: thewoolpackslad.com
Prices: £
The Crown Inn, Frampton Mansell
Built in the 1630s as a cider house, The Crown glories in wonky beams, three old fireplaces and much exposed stone. It has an idyllic location above the Golden Valley of the River Frome: the views from the front terrace are fabulous and there are numerous staggeringly beautiful walks in the area. Pop in for a pint of Uley Bitter and stay for a hearty meal of good pub fare – the likes of Gloucester Old Spot sausages and mash.
Contact: thecrowninn-cotswolds.co.uk
Prices: £
The Royal Oak, Tetbury
The Royal Oak, a tavern dating from the 1780s, is a retro-style community hub. Décor is simple so as to show off the character of the building. There’s a warm saloon on the ground floor, with two fireplaces, a reconditioned jukebox and a bar fashioned from recycled church panelling. Upstairs is a restaurant. Locals make tracks to the music events, the Sunday Bloody Mary bar and more
Contact: theroyaloaktetbury.co.uk
Prices: £
The Carpenters Arms, Miserden
You putter down rural lanes to reach the appealing little village of Miserden where The Carpenters Arms is very much a local hub. It’s a proudly trad establishment, complete with exposed stone walls, a big fireplace and glorious old photos of the area. There’s a good choice of wines and guest ales and also a cider menu – nine draught and nine bottled. Food here is largely based on what’s in season in the big kitchen garden.
Contact: thecarps-miserden.co.uk
Prices: £
South Cotswolds
Cat and Custard Pot, Shipton Moyne
This old inn in the centre of golden-stone Shipton Moyne offers much old-school charm. After a period of faltering it was acquired, in 2014, by four local families and they’ve ensured it remains a down-to-earth pub. There are horse brasses on the walls and rugs on wooden floors. There’s a generous bar area, a dining room and also a cosy second bar with a big TV screen showing major sports fixtures – especially equestrian events.
Contact: catandcustard.co.uk
Prices: £
How we choose
Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
