Favourite Cotswolds Eateries from Breakfast to Supper | Luxury Cotswold Rentals Animated preloader icon

Favourite Cotswolds Eateries from Breakfast to Supper


The Cotswolds isn't just stunning scenery and quaint villages, it also hosts some of the finest dining experiences in the country. There is certainly no shortage of charming pubs, some offering very traditional fayre, others with more imaginative menus using locally sourced ingredients; or cafes for pits stops as you explore, with artisan coffees roasted locally, home-baked goods and wonderful afternoon teas. There are also some great fine dining experiences both in villages and towns, as well as some some inspiring world-inspired street food at some of the areas incredible markets - or indeed in the middle of a field with incredible views.

Favourite Cotswolds Eateries from Breakfast to Supper

The Cotswolds isn't just stunning scenery and quaint villages, it also hosts some of the finest dining experiences in the country. There is certainly no shortage of charming pubs, some offering very traditional fayre, others with more imaginative menus using locally sourced ingredients; or cafes for pits stops as you explore, with artisan coffees roasted locally, home-baked goods and wonderful afternoon teas. There are also some great fine dining experiences both in villages and towns, as well as some some inspiring world-inspired street food at some of the areas incredible markets - or indeed in the middle of a field with incredible views.

Here are our top picks from breakfast through to supper, although there are rather a lot to choose from.

Breakfast [or even brunch] like a king!

The Kitchen in Minchinhampton has won multiple Cotswold Life Food and Drink Awards and is a genuine hidden gem. You could enjoy breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in this charming café but if you want to get your day off to a splendid start we definitely recommend the breakfast menu. Enjoy a traditional ‘Full English breakfast (or their vegetarian option) which - like all sandwiches - comes with bread from the Cotswold’s very own Hobbs House Bakery and over all local produce.

The picturesque Cotswold Barn in Longborough recently won the 'Best Cafe in the Cotswolds 2023' and offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Breakfast here should not be missed, especially the Full English with Lashford Sausage. They host some super car events through the year from classic motors to modern supercars and we love the dedicated parking space for Betsy.

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Quince and Clover in Great Tew also remains a firm favourite (for lunch also), a charming cafe close to Soho Farmhouse offering seasonal dishes and home-made ice creams - they also do event catering.

The Regency spa town of Cheltenham is brimming with great cafes for breakfast, we love The Find for its selection of artisan coffees - wet not try one of their tailored Barista masterclasses - and Botanica, slightly hidden away near Cheltenham Spa Railway station which offers some inspiring vegan breakfasts and great baked goods.  If you're out near the town of Cirencester, do give Pretty and Pip a visit, an independent coffee shop and walled garden with ethically sourced and roasted coffee and loose leaf teas or if home made brioche butties are tempting, Jacks Brunch Kitchen do the best!

 

Come for lunch!

Stepping in to The Woolpack Slad is like traveling back in time to the halcyon days of local poet Laurie Lee; author of the famous ‘Cider With Rosie’. Just down the road from Sheepscombe House, The Woolpack serves everything from delicious sandwiches to a full traditional British lunch in this rare pub. And if you return in the evening you will find yourself in the middle of a joyous live music event; so bring your instrument of choice and join in.

Some of our other favourite pubs [gosh there are so many] include the modern British inn, The Feathered Nest in Nether Westcote which has arguably the best terrace and garden view in the district, ideal for a family celebration lunch on their terrace; we also love The Halfway at Kineton, Guiting Power, a beautiful tranquil hamlet. Classic pub lunches include a delicious Montgomery Cheddar Souffle or Glazed ham with local Cacklebean eggs. The Hollow Bottom is a firm favourite too, known for its popularity with local jockeys and horse owners. Enjoy a stroll from Barton Farm, set in 13 acres to the pub. If you're staying near Charlbury, do visit The Bull which has a great outdoor space and ingredients are sourced direct from the farmers and producers. Finally, we also recommend The King's Head Inn in Bledington near Chipping Norton, a lovely friendly establishment in a quintessential village complete with village green and babbling brook, in the Summer they have a super ice cream hut to keep the children happy whilst parents enjoy a quiet drink.

Quayles Cornerhouse in the heart of Tetbury, one of Marco Pierre-Whites favourite eateries in Gloucestershire, is a passionately run family business which works closely with local suppliers to serve delicious delicacies; and is loved by locals and visitors alike. The Italian influenced lunch menu offers a great selection from Dorset snails to classic chicken Milanese.  And to make things taste even better Luxury Cotswold Rental guests receive a 10% discount when you spend £25 or more.

And if you're spending your day out and about Jolly Nice roadside farm-shop near Cirencester has has recently updated its super cool 'Hive' space or why not use their drive-through if you prefer to keep on trucking.   If you're after a delicious burger, some local produce to cook up your own storm or exotic ice cream flavours (rhubarb crumble anyone?) to enjoy in the yurt picnic meadow this is a jolly nice place to come! You can even pick up some fine wines here or browse for gifts.

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Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is an English treat and deserves a setting fit for royalty. Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, Thornbury Castle and Ellenborough Park all offer classic teatime menus in a historic and elegant surrounding where you can take a stroll around the castle grounds after tea or enjoy the views at Ellenborough which stretch over the infamous Cheltenham Racecourse.
If you are looking to enjoy a spa trip before or after your tea, do visit Cowley Manor near Cheltenham, Barnsley House or the Dormy House Hotel near Broadway which has a multi-award winning spa.   Those who have a soft spot for tea sets will find themselves in paradise at the very popular The Chipping Norton Tea Set in this charming town or do try the Old Bakery Tea Room or Lucy's both in the popular market town, Stow-on-the-Wold.  Certainly, if you're not sure which market town to head to during a visit to the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold should be top of the list.

Ice Cream Treats

Although the Cotswolds isn't particularly well-known for its ice cream, there is actually an abundance of artisan producers and retailers throughout the area.

Winstone’s Ice Cream Parlour, nestled on the side of the National Trust’s Rodborough Common, serves more than 100,000 happy customers every year, and is one of the busiest ice cream shops in the West Country. On sunny days you will even find their vintage vans on Rodborough and Minchinhampton Common. And people don’t just come to enjoy the amazing Cotswold ice cream but to take in the breath-taking views and ‘go fly a kite’.

Cotswold Hills Ice cream in Stow-on-the-Wold serve the real thing from traditional old-style bicycles more reminiscent of seaside resorts, they also cater at parties. Alfonso ice cream is now available in Stow-on-the-wold as well as its birth place in Oxford. Look out for Marshfield ice creams in and around the city of Bath, available in many local cafes and farm shops.

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Dinner or Supper?

Despite being in the middle of country and a good few hours drive from the nearest coastline, the Cotswolds has some superb fish restaurants worth of an evening out.

The newly opened New Wave Brasserie and Bar in Lechlade-upon-Thames has a buzzy atmosphere with great service and a modern twist on many classic dishes - with lovely sheltered outdoor tables for the warmer months.  For those staying with us at Lechlade House, they have a super fishmonger where you can buy the days catch to cook at home.

In Cheltenham, Purslane, has an excellent reputation for fine dining specialising in fish along with a huge choice of additional eateries. Enjoy a stay at Dryhill House and Cottage (pictured above), with its magnificent views of the surrounding hills and a perfect location to take advantage of all the town has to offer from our own private hideaway.  Another favourite is The Old Butchers in Stow-on-the-Wold, a family run restaurant which does the most delicious lobster Mac Cheese and is a regular go-to for us! Booking is recommended as it is a very popular eatery.  Moving away from fish (although they do some excellent fish dishes) do try Henne in Moreton in Marsh, a modern British restaurant specialising in local, seasonal and ethical produce with a focus on sustainability. It's a small intimate restaurant (super romantic) run by co-owners Nick and Darren who run front and back of house single handedly and are very welcoming.

If you like big flames and banging food, we highly recommend Pit Kitchens, the passion project of brothers Adam and James. It is literally a set up in the middle of field near Chipping Norton, stunning views and great atmosphere guaranteed and we're always glad we did the trip from Cheltenham, but many of our properties are within easy driving distance.  Do also visit the Tetbury Royal Oak gastro pub. Owned by our friends Kate and Chris, this is a firm favourite with all our guests, as well as us of course. A large selection of locally produced drinks (ales, cider, juices, wine and gin), burgers, salads, steaks and even a whole vegan friendly menu offers something for everyone in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

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Sadly, there is not enough time here to recommend all the great eateries in the Cotswolds that we love, so do contact us if you are looking for a particular cuisine, menu style or a recommendation close to where you might be staying.