30 Best Pubs in The Cotswolds Revealed [2023]

The Cotswolds and country pubs are a classic pairing – and there’s few things better than finding a cosy corner and whiling away the afternoon with good company and a great plate of food. My guide to the best pubs in the Cotswolds covers everything from country boltholes to modern eateries, so you’re bound to find the perfect place for you!

I’m lucky enough to have grown up only a short drive away from the Cotswolds and I’ve visited endless times over the years – making my way through LOTS of pubs along the way.

With honey-stone exteriors, cosy nooks, roaring log fires and locally-sourced produce, it’s pretty hard to find a bad pub in the Cotswolds. But I do have my favourites, and I’ve compiled them to produce this list of the 30 best pubs in the Cotswolds.

Every pub on this list is dog friendly, and the majority of them have a garden, perfect for sunny afternoons.

1. The Bell Inn

Dog-friendly | Award-winning | Rated 4.5*
The Bell Inn, Langford GL7 3LF

The Bell Inn is, in my opinion, THE best pub in the Cotswolds. It’s based in charming Langford, and whilst there isn’t much else to do in the village, this place is definitely worth the detour. Run by locals Peter Creed and Tom Noest, it describes itself as focusing on “good simple pub food” but it delivers so much more.

Expect a classic British menu with a brilliant beer list, and don’t visit without trying the fried chicken with aioli and wood-fired pizza. If you need proof of just how great this place is, in 2019 it took up residency as “The Little Bell” at nearby Soho Farmhouse, a venue famed for its high standards.

In 2022, it made the list of the 50 best gastropubs in the country, coming higher than any other pub in Oxfordshire.

2. The Wild Rabbit

Dog-friendly | Locally sourced food | Rated 4.5*
Church St, Kingham, Chipping Norton OX7 6YA

Photo credit: The Wild Rabbit

Getting a table at The Wild Rabbit is a similar feat to securing Glastonbury tickets, so that alone should tell you how brilliant the food is. Part of the Daylesford estate – one of the UK’s most sustainable organic farms, the focus here is on locally-sourced and organic ingredients.

The award-winning restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, with something on offer for everyone. There’s a bar and terrace serving up snacks and a selection of more casual, classic pub dishes. The dining room is a more formal setting, boasting an open kitchen with an ever-changing menu.

Choose from dishes like charcoal grilled monk fish, miso pumpkin dumplings, and grilled ribeye steak. If you just fancy a light bite, there’s a bar menu serving snacks like sausage rolls, french onion soup, charcuterie boards and salads.

To drink, there’s a selection of artisan beers & ales, wines selected from independent suppliers and a variety of cocktails.

3. Double Red Duke

Dog-friendly | Outdoor space | Rated 4.5*
Bourton Rd, Clanfield, Bampton OX18 2RB

Photo credit: Double Red Duke

Nestled in the sleepy village of Clanfield, this former wool merchant’s house was renovated into a hotel & pub in 2021. I stayed at Double Red Duke last year and the food was exceptional – it’s one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds.

There’s a brilliant all-day menu – order a fresh coupe cocktail and nibble on the sea scallops with garlic crumbs, grilled bone marrow oysters and courgette & mint flatbread.

The evening menu is designed to be shared. The stand-outs for me were the apple glazed bacon ribs with fennel slaw & the potato salad. If you’re visiting as a group, there’s even a private room you can hire exclusively. There’s a separate entrance, a 60″ TV and you can play whatever music you want.

As well as lots of cosy corners inside the building, there’s also a brilliant terrace with a separate outdoor bar.

4. The Mason Arms

Dog-friendly | Outdoor space | Rated 4.5*
Artist Residence Oxfordshire, Station Rd, South Leigh, Witney OX29 6XN

Photo credit: Artist Residence

The Mason Arms is a rustic village pub located in the quiet Cotswolds village of South Leigh. It’s owned by Artist Residence – the hotel group famed for quirky design and excellent food.

It’s got a real fairytale feel with roaring fires and cosy corners that lend themselves well to the winter months. But come summer, there’s a large terrace overlooking the idyllic kitchen garden.

There’s an extensive menu that feels a bit more exciting than the classic pub dishes. With everything from buttermilk fried monkfish to a chickpea, spinach and courgette tagine. Of course, you can still find firm favourites on there – fish and chips, burgers and a Sunday roast all make an appearance.

Expect friendly service, beautiful interiors, and great food – it’s one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds.

5. The Swan

Dog-friendly | Outdoor space | Rated 4.3*
4 Shipton Rd, Chipping Norton OX7 6AY

Photo credit: The Swan

The Swan is located in charming village of Ascott-under-Wychwood, and is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. The 16th century coaching inn retains plenty of original features, with a log fire and bundles of character. Outside there’s a terrace with its own bar perfect for the summer months.

There’s a real focus on good quality food here. The menu is so well curated I found it nearly impossible to choose what to order when I visited last year.

Using locally-sourced ingredients from nearby farmers, make sure you order the chorizo popcorn, and the ox cheek, stout & oyster pie with creamed potato and gravy.

They even have a separate menu just for pizza, with classics like margherita and pepperoni featuring alongside more adventurous choices like the hot pig – tomato, parmesan, mozarella, olive oil, oregano, pepperoni, nduja and spicy pepper.

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss the roast dinners. Choose from sirloin of beef, leg of lamb, pork loin, half roast chicken or roast celeriac. They’re all served with burnt butter cauliflower cheese, roasted roots, greens & yorkshire pudding.

6. The Potting Shed

Dog-friendly | Outdoor space | Rated 4.3*
The St, Crudwell, Malmesbury SN16 9EW

The Potting Shed is the sister pub to The Rectory – one of the best places to stay in the area. So it’s no surprise that this place is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds.

This award-winning pub won Wiltshire Dining Pub of the Year in 2014, National Pub of the Year in 2012, and National Dining Pub of the Year 2011.

It’s found in the charming town of Malmesbury, in North Wiltshire, which is well-located for visits to the fairytale village of Castle Combe, Bath and Bristol.

Inside is cosy and quirky, whilst outside there’s a brilliant pub garden.

Menu highlights include black pudding scotch egg, twice-baked double Gloucester souffle and whole grilled Cornish sole. On Sunday’s they do a great roast, choose from beef, pork or roasted cauliflower with all the trimmings.

And there’s an extensive wine list, as well as the finest British ales.

7. The Chequers

Dog-friendly | Outdoor space | Rated 4.5*
Church Rd, Churchill, Chipping Norton OX7 6NJ

The Chequers is the sister pub to The Swan Inn, and the food here is equally brilliant. This traditional stone gastropub has a relaxed atmosphere, with a welcoming open fire, candle-lit tables and a dartboard in the corner.

There’s an extensive list of locally-brewed beers, and a menu that steers away from the ordinary. Try the devilled kidneys, the mushroom arancini with truffle crème fraîche or the gypsy egg with nduja & dried prosciutto.

Prefer to stick to the classics? Try the slow-cooked beef brisket burger, a posh fish finger sandwich or a Cotswold lamp hot pot.

If you’re only in the mood for a snack, there’s a great selection of nibbles, including buttermilk chicken, padron peppers, sourdough bread and butter and a scotch egg with brown sauce.

Similarly to The Swan, they do an excellent roast on Sunday’s. Choose from beef, pork or chicken, served with all the trimmings. And there’s even a kids roast if you’re visiting with the family. It’s one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds.

8. The Lamb Inn

Dog-friendly | Outdoor space | Rated 4.3*
High Street, Shipton-under-Wychwood, OX7 6DQ

The Lamb Inn is a stunning 16th-century inn close in the village of Shipton-under-Wychwood, just a short drive from idyllic Burford. It’s the sister location to The Bell Inn, my favourite pub in the Cotswolds.

The focus here is on delivering seasonal, quality food. So the menu changes based on what can be sourced from the butcher, fish monger & local farmers.

Everything is prepared fresh daily, but you can expect dishes like double cheeseburger, chicken escalope, steak frites and cote de boeuf. There’s also a selection of wood-fired pizza and a selection of roasts on Sundays.

If you’re in a rush, they also do a great takeaway menu, and it includes lots of their best dishes, such as pizza, burgers, fish and chips, and fried chicken. Plus a great selection for children too.

With the menu being very similar to The Bell Inn, the choice really comes down to location and availability. The Lamb Inn is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds.

9. The Kingham Plough

Dog-friendly | Outdoor space | Rated 4.5*
Kingham, Chipping Norton OX7 6YD

If you can’t get a table at The Wild Rabbit, The Kingham Plough is a brilliant alternative, just 1-minute down the road. Championing the best local and seasonal ingredients, the menu features the best of British.

Herefordshire beef, fish and shellfish from the Cornish Coast, Salt Pig charcuterie and Cacklebean eggs all make an appearance.

Menu highlights are the crispy szechuan pork belly and the woodfired tikka salmon fillet. To accompany the food, there’s an excellent selection of local beers and craft ales. It’s definitely one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds.

10. The Ebrington Arms

Dog-friendly | Beer garden | Rated 4.4*
Address: May Ln, Ebrington, Chipping Campden GL55 6NH

The Ebrington Arms is constantly picking up awards, including AA rosettes, Number 1 Village Inn and most recently, Best Pub for Food. They were chosen over 500 other pubs, which is a testament to how great the offering is here. So it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds.

Using fresh and seasonal produce, expect the very best of a classic pub menu. Highlights are the whipped goat’s cheese with beetroot and sourdough crisps, as well as the preserved lemon posset dessert.

On Sunday’s they serve a delicious roast dinner, but make sure you book well in advance.

Not only is the food exceptional here, but this traditional inn is also one of the prettiest pubs in the area. Outside, its chocolate-box appearance makes it impossible not to snap a picture. And inside, there’s a roaring fire, exposed beams and rustic features. It’s everything you imagine a Cotswold pub to be.

11. The Frogmill

Dog-friendly | Large terrace | Rated 4.5*
Shipton Oliffe, Cheltenham GL54 4HT

As well as being a brilliant place to spend the night, The Frogmill is home to one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. In fact, it’s so good, it was awarded the title of the Best Pub in the Country in 2022.

The 16th-century inn is just a 20-minute drive from bustling Cheltenham, but it’s countryside location feels worlds away from city life. After undergoing a huge renovation in 2018, it’s now the perfect blend of old and new. The cosy pub features exposed beams, wood panelling, and plenty of Cotswolds charm.

The menu offers plenty of choice, with starters such as wild mushrooms with focaccia, truffle & cream, pan seared scallops and creamy burrata. Mains include a chicken and chorizo burger, sesame tuna steak, and beetroot risotto.

Outside, a huge terrace overlooks the immaculate gardens. You can eat outside too, which is perfect if you’re visiting in the summer.

12. The Maytime Inn

Dog-friendly | Huge outdoor space | Rated 4.6*
Asthall Manor, Asthall, Burford OX18 4HW

The Maytime Inn is a quintessential 17th century inn near Burford, and one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. And it’s the perfect stopping off point if you’re wanting to explore the surrounding villages, as it’s only a short drive from Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Lower Slaughter.

Although the pub has been redecorated a few times in the last 400 years, it’s retained its original features and plenty of charm. There’s log fires, exposed brick work, and plenty of cosy corners. The menu offers something different to classic pub dishes, with dishes like wild boar burger and veal escalope. There’s a real focus here on quality, locally sourced ingredients.

And if you’re just popping in for a drink, this is the place to do it. There’s over 100 different gins, wines, craft beers and real ale. If the weather’s nice, there’s an award-winning beer garden with an outdoor bar, boules pitch, and regular live music, plus stunning views over the countryside.

13. The Falkland Arms

Dog-friendly | Traditional features | Rated 4.4*
9-21 The Green, Great Tew, Chipping Norton OX7 4DB

I discovered The Falkland Arms on my most recent visit to the Cotswolds, and I think it might be my new favourite place. It’s absolutely beautiful – if you close your eyes and imagine an English country pub, this is what would come to mind.

Located in the picturesque village of Great Tew, the 16th century pub has bags of original features. What it’s most famous for though, are the hundreds of ceramic jugs hanging from the ceiling. If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy spot, this is it.

This is a pub that prides itself on quality, offering a seasonal menu with carefully sourced ingredients. There’s pub classics such as fish and chips, burgers and ale pie, as well as more modern dishes like truffle tagliatelle and curried red lentil dahl.

If you’re visiting for lunch, they also do a great selection of sandwiches and toasties. On Sunday’s, choose from a beef, chicken, pork or nut roast.

And wash it all down with Wadworth ale – the award-winning drink from nearby Wiltshire. This is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds.

14. The Fuzzy Duck

Dog-friendly | Outdoor area | Rated 4.6*
Ilmington Rd, Armscote, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 8DD

The Fuzzy Duck in Armscote is one of the best gastro pubs in the Cotswolds, located just a short drive away from Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s one of the more modern pubs on this list, but it’s gained huge popularity in a short space of time – with 2 AA rosettes and a Michelin Guide mention.

There’s a huge focus on good food here, and the team work hard to source their ingredients as locally as possible. They only work with suppliers who share their values and passion for high quality food and looking after the environment.

The menu changes monthly, so you can be sure you’re eating fresh, seasonal produce. They want their menu to be as inclusive as possible – so pub classics are paired with more innovative dishes.

Try the signature Fuzzy Duck scotch egg with tomato & chorizo ketchup, or the potato gnocchi with rocket pesto. And make sure you leave room for dessert – the chocolate orange melt in the middle pudding is too good to leave!

If you’re bringing little ones, there’s a brilliant children’s menu at a reasonable price. Choose 2 courses for £10 which includes chicken breast, macaroni and cheese or sausage and mash, alongside a dessert. On Sunday’s, children can enjoy a roast dinner as part of the deal too.

15. Seven Tuns Inns

Dog-friendly | Brilliant beer garden | Rated 4.7*
Queen St, Chedworth, Cheltenham GL54 4AE

If you’re after a really good meal, Seven Tuns is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. Thomas Conway, former chef at Nobu and The Potting Shed (also on this list), and Simon Willson-White, who was previously involved with The Ritz and The Ivy, came together with the aim to “bring something incredible to the Cotswolds”. And that’s exactly what they’ve done.

Their focus is on exceptional food and brilliant wine, and the menu is curated to offer only the very best dishes. This isn’t a standard pub menu. It’s innovative, and bound to be a meal you remember.

Start with Atlantic prawns with saffron aioli, or the padron peppers with miso and sesame. Mains include wild mushroom and truffle mac and cheese, Cotswold wagyu cheese burger with fries and black garlic ketchup, and sweet potato and coconut curry with pak choi.

To drink, there’s locally brewed beers on tap, as well as an enviable wine selection. Their impressive wine cellar means there’s something for every budget, so this is the pub for you if you’re a wine connoisseur.

Outside, there’s a brilliant beer garden with plenty of tables for soaking up the sun.

16. The Old New Inn

Dog-friendly | Beer garden | Rated 4.5*
Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54

The Old New Inn is one of the best pubs in Bourton-on-the-Water, a picturesque village sitting on the River Windrush. The 18th-century, Grade II listed building has recently undergone an extensive renovation, mixing its orignal features with a modern touch.

The dog-friendly restaurant serves a brilliant all-day menu, consisting of local, high-quality ingredients. At lunchtime, choose from dishes like tempura prawns, artisan cotswolds sausage roll and a four cheese toastie. In the evening, there’s a great selection, including braised lamb shank, handmade pies and vegetable risotto.

If you’re in the mood for sharing, there’s nothing better than their selection of grazing boards. They’ve got plenty of options for vegetarians and meat eaters, and they feature pub classics like houmous, sourdough, chutney, cheese and scotch egg.

17. The Sheep on Sheep Street

Dog-friendly | Large terrace | Rated 4.4*
Sheep St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AU

The Sheep on Sheep Street is one of the best pubs in Stow-on-the-Wold, a beautiful Cotswolds market town. Originally 3 buildings that date back to the 17th century, it’s been completely modernised, and feels a lot more contemporary than most pubs on this list.

As well as classic pub dishes like bbq ribs and fish and chips, The Sheep also has a great selection of pizzas, freshly cooked in their wood-fired oven. Choose from a classic margherita, or try something a bit different like the garlic and truffle butter pizza with portobello mushrooms and spinach.

Those with a sweet tooth will be in their element here. There’s an extensive dessert menu including a baked triple chocolate brownie, sticky toffee pudding and lemon meringue pie.

And if you’re just popping in for a drink, there’s something for everyone. The Sheep does a great selection of craft lagers, cocktails, wines and mocktails.

18. The Victoria Inn

Dog-friendly | Relaxed atmosphere | Rated 4.6*
Eastleach, Cirencester GL7 3NQ

Just a few minutes from the stunning town of Burford, you’ll find The Victoria Inn, one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. This traditional village inn has been serving the village of Eastleach since 1856, and has a homely, cosy feel.

The Victoria Inn is a building that demands attention, with plants covering the Cotswolds stone facade, and white parasols lining the front garden. It’s south facing position means you can sit out on the terrace and make the most of the sun.

They describe themselves as a “good old fashioned boozer with good food to boot”. It’s a family friendly pub (dogs included), and there’s no need to dress up, or clean your shoes for that matter. They’re not bothered about a bit of mud here – so it’s the perfect destination for the end of your country walk.

Expect a classic pub menu, with dishes such as cheese burgers, fish and chips and rib-eye steak. On Sunday’s they serve a delicious roast with all the trimmings. If you’re visiting at lunch time, there’s a small but delicious sandwich selection. And there’s a great variety of draught and bottled beers, as well as wines, cider and soft drinks.

19. The Highway Inn

Dog-friendly | Courtyard garden | Rated 4.6*
117 High St, Burford OX18 4RG

In the heart of Burford, The Highway Inn is a Cotswold pub full of history. Dating back to 1480, the timber and stone building has bundles of character, and plenty of stories to tell.

In the winter months, the original fireplaces are lit daily, so it’s the perfect place to cosy up with a red wine. And in the summer, the courtyard garden offers a peaceful retreat from the busy high street.

The majority of ciders and lagers are supplied by Cotswold Brewing Co, made within a 15 mile radius of the pub. And there’s also a great selection of boutique gins, vodkas and malts.

The food menu’s curated by head chef Amanda Edwards, and changes regularly to reflect the changing seasons. The Highway Inn is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, and works closely with local suppliers to provide the best quality dishes, and the result is a menu that makes it difficult to choose just one dish.

20. The Feathered Nest

Dog-friendly | Fine-dining | 4.5* Rating
Nether Westcote OX7 6SD, United Kingdom

If you’re a foodie, look no further than The Feathered Nest. It’s one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds for fine dining – with a 3 AA Rosette restaurant. There’s a brilliant a la carte menu that feels worlds away from a typical pub menu. Dishes include yellowfin tuna tartare, Cotswolds venison, and an English wagyu burger.

But for the full experience, opt for the 6-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing. The menu changes regularly but always uses the highest quality ingredients, sourced from suppliers across the country.

Located in the charming village of Nether Westcote, The Feathered Nest is the heart of the community. And there’s always something going on, whether’s it’s wine tasting, live music or a themed tasting evening.

The well stocked bar is the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink, with a handpicked wine list from their very own Sommelier. There’s a great choice of ales, ciders and bottled beers, cocktails, and an extensive list of soft drinks and mocktails.

21. The Five Alls

Dog-friendly | Beer garden | 4.5* Rating
Filkins, Lechlade GL7 3JQ

The Five Alls is a charming 18th century traditional inn in the small village of Filkins, just a short drive from idyllic Burford. It’s the ultimate cosy pub – with exposed beams, plenty of wood, comfy sofas and a log fire.

One of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, there’s a more formal dining room, with chandeliers, portraits, and bright wallpaper. And when the sun’s shining, head outside to the brilliant beer garden.

Lunch menu highlights include mac and cheese, beer battered fish and chips, and steak frites. But if you’re just in the mood for a light bite, they offer a dedicated sandwich menu, with a variety of great fillings on locally baked bread.

Their dinner menu is extensive, with plenty of choice for both meat eaters and vegetarians. Try the falafel burger, the pork fillet, or the local Bibury trout fillet.

They also stock plenty of local ales, alongside craft beers, lagers, wine and seasonal cocktails they create themselves.

22. The Hollow Bottom

Dog-friendly | Terrace | 4.5* Rating
Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5UX

Just a few miles away from the popular villages of Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water, The Hollow Bottom is a 17th century Cotswold stone pub.

With its close proximity to Cheltenham race course, it’s especially popular during race weeks, and it’s the place to be during Cheltenham festival.

The historic building is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, packed full of original features, with low ceilings, exposed stone walls and log-burning fires. Outside, there’s a large terrace and outdoor bar area.

Menu highlights include the Dingley pork belly, roasted monkfish, Hollow Bottom beef burger and the roasted squash gnocchi.

On Sunday’s, choose from a sirloin, pork belly, chicken or root vegetable roast dinner. They’re all served with beef dripping roast potatoes, creamed savoy & peas, honey roast parsnips, carrot & swede mash, winter greens & double yolk Yorkshire puddings, so you’re definitely getting your moneys worth!

And if you’re still hungry for more, the selection of sides is one of the best on this list. There’s truffled cauliflower cheese, pigs in blankets, purple sprouting brocolli, and even extra roast potatoes.

23. The Fox at Oddington

Dog-friendly | Beer garden | 4.5* Rating
High St, Lower Oddington, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0UR

The Fox at Oddington is a beautiful village pub with rooms, just a 5-minute drive from Stow-on-the-Wold. The owner is Carole Bamford, who’s behind The Wild Rabbit & Daylesford Farm. And most of the ingredients are sourced from there. So you can expect a fresh, seasonal menu using the highest quality produce.

One of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, it’s perfect for cosying up by the fire with a craft beer and a light bite. There’s plenty to choose from the bar snacks menu, including spicy corn, pork crackling, pork pie and cheese & crackers.

On the main menu, choose from dishes like buttermilk fried-chicken wings, organic venison, beetroot orzo and Hereford rib eye steak. They also do a selection of wood-fired sourdough pizzas, sides and plenty of delicious desserts.

On Sunday’s, there’s a choice of 4 roasts – Aberdeen Angus sirloin, Roast Tamworth pork belly, Wootton estate venison and butternut squash. They’re all served with yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. And there’s a separate menu for children too.

Outside, there’s a large terrace overlooking immaculately kept gardens, perfect for those long summer days.

24. The Swan Inn Swinbrook

Dog-friendly | Large beer garden | 4.5* Rating
The Swan Inn, A40, Swinbrook, Burford OX18 4DY

A short distance from beautiful Burford, The Swan Inn Swinbrook is an idyllic Cotswolds inn on the banks of the River Windrush.

They use the best local ingredients to create beautiful seasonal dishes, including Swinbrook beef and local Cotswold cheese. Dishes include buttermilk chicken schnitzel with asian slaw, pan-fried calves liver and salmon & cod fishcake.

At lunchtime, they do delicious open sandwiches – choose from streaky bacon with tomato, lettuce and egg, chestnut mushroom welsh rarebit and smoked salmon with pickled fennel. All sandwiches are served with skinny chips.

There’s also an excellent dessert menu, including sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce, treacle tart with crème fraiche sorbet and pear & almond puff pastry tart.

The cosy bar has a great selection of local beers, ales and wines, perfect for sipping by the log fire. It’s one of the best pubs in The Cotswolds.

25. The Bell at Sapperton

Dog-friendly | Idyllic country pub | 4.6* Rating
Sapperton, Cirencester GL7 6LE

The Bell at Sapperton is an independent, family-owned pub with roaring fires and cosy corners. Situated between Stroud and Cirencester in the sleepy village of Sapperton, The Bell is the ultimate country pub.

It’s surrounded by plenty of country walks, horse rides and biking trails. Dogs are welcome, and they even have dedicated horse parking!

They take great pride in making the most of the local ingredients, and get their lamb and venison from just a few fields away. The menu changes monthly to reflect the changing seasons, but you can expect dishes like sausages and mash, soft herb crusted Atlantic cod and roast pheasant breast.

On Sunday’s they do a choice of 3 roasts, beef sirloin, roast pork loin and a nut roast. Each one is served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, kale and honey roasted carrots. Plus, you can add cauliflower cheese, honey & mustard parsnips, braised red cabbage and pigs in blankets for an extra cost.

If you’re a wine lover, you’ll love this place. They have a self serve ‘wine wall’ in the bar – simply choose the perfect wine to drink in or take away.

26. The Milton Hare

Dog-friendly | Idyllic country pub | 4.7* Rating
3 High St, Milton-under-Wychwood, Chipping Norton OX7 6LA

The Milton Hare is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds for seafood fans. Their famous seafood specials boards feature the freshest fish and seafood from the shores of Devon and Cornwall. Expect dishes like potted morecambe bay shrimps, grilled mackerel fillet and tandoori roasted monkfish tail.

Not into fish? They also have a brilliant all-day menu featuring dishes like slow cooked ham hock, crispy beef with shredded vegetable salad and caramelised shallot tarte tatin.

Head chef Matt Dare is passionate about cooking and sources ingredients from quality suppliers. This theme extends to the drinks, with hand-crafted wines and locally-brewed beers.

On Sunday’s they do a brilliant sharing roast – get a whole roast Shropshire chicken, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, vegetables and gravy.

And there’s plenty of choice for dessert too- options include ice cream, dark chocolate tart, and rhubarb & apple crumble.

27. The Masons Arms at Meysey Hampton

Dog-friendly | Homely dishes | 4.7* Rating
28 High St, Meysey Hampton, Cirencester GL7 5JT

The Masons Arms is set in the quaint village of Meysey Hampton, just a 10-minute drive from Cirencester. It’s a traditional Cotswolds inn with a pretty stone exterior and a cosy interior. One of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, there’s plenty of original features, including beams, exposed brickwork and a roaring fire.

The menu changes regularly but you can expect dishes like homemade steak ale and mushroom pie, thai chicken curry and slow cooked pork shoulder.

There’s an excellent choice of sides too, including truffle parmesan fries, halloumi fries with sweet chilli sauce and onion rings.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat, as there’s plenty of dessert options to choose from, including homemade malteser cheesecake, lemon tartlet and homemade chocolate torte.

Owners Vicki and Greg (who’s also the head chef) have a real passion for good quality, homely food. Whether you’re looking for a light bite or a hearty meal, you’ll find something delicious here.

28. The Wheatsheaf Inn

Dog-friendly | Beer garden | 4.4* Rating
The Wheatsheaf Inn, W End, Northleach, Cheltenham GL54 3EZ

Located in the market town of Northleach, The Wheatsheaf Inn is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds.

This 17th century inn has a restaurant, cosy bar, and a stunning beer garden with heaters. And it’s just a short drive from picturesque Bibury, and the popular villages of Burford and Lower Slaughter.

They offer a seasonal British menu using the best of the local produce, with dishes like dill cured salmon, garlic & parsley hake kiev and spiced cauliflower.

On Sundays, there’s 4 roasts on offer – half Cotswolds chicken, sirloin of Hereford beef, slow roast Kelmscott pork belly & smoked almond and root vegetable nut roast.

29. The Lion Inn

Dog-friendly | Beer garden | 4.3* Rating
37 North St, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5PS

The Lion Inn is a lovingly restored 15th century coaching inn, found in the charming town of Winchcombe in Gloucestershire. It’s one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds.

Their focus is on traditional pub food using the best seasonal & local ingredients. If you’re popping in for lunch, there’s a great selection of sandwiches, including roast vegetables, feta & pesto, chicken and bacon caesar, and smoked salmon & creme fraiche.

For dinner, expect dishes like brisket beef burger, hanger steak with garlic butter, and Walter Rose venison sausages. The sides are tempting too, there’s truffle mac and cheese, horseradish mash, and greens with garlic butter.

Plus, there’s a brilliant variety of cask ale and craft beer behind the bar, along with local cider and a selection of wines.

Out the back there’s also a large beer garden with cosy huts, perfect for the long summer days in the countryside.

30. The Swan at Southrop

Dog-friendly | Gastro pub | 4.3* Rating
Southrop, Lechlade GL7 3NU

This ivy-clad 17th century inn is one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. The Swan at Southrop is part of Thyme, the iconic hotel owned by Caryn & Jerry Hibbert, who have lovingly restored both the hotel and the pub since they purchased the estate in 2002.

I started this list with my favourite pub in the Cotswolds, and I’m ending with a very close runner up. The Swan is easily one of the prettiest pubs in the area – with cosy low ceilings, roaring fires , and immaculate interiors.

But there’s substance behind the style – the chef’s pick the produce daily from the farm at Thyme, to create beautiful dishes of the highest quality.

The menu is curated beautifully, without an overwhelming amount of choice. Expect dishes like braised chickpeas and macaroni, pork chop & colcannon and chicken, leek and bacon pie.

If you’re just popping in for a drink, that’s fine too, there’s lots of cosy areas to discover, including the old pub, the snug, the carousal and the garden. The bar serves craft ales, ciders, and wines from independent producers.

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Hopefully you found this guide to the best pubs in the Cotswolds helpful. Let me know if you end up visiting anywhere on this list!