From cosy courtyards to picturesque pub gardens, the Cotswolds has many beautiful places to take advantage of the sun and dine al fresco. Whether you’re craving an afternoon coffee and cake or want to enjoy a relaxing evening meal, we’ve picked 18 of the best eateries with exquisite outdoor dining.
1. Montpellier Lodge, Montpellier
Sitting adjacent to the lively buzz of Montepellier Gardens, the Montpellier Lodge can be found serving an extensive menu of cuisine hailing from the South West. From tasty brunch dishes to delicious evening meals, there's an extensive menu to choose from noon to night. Enjoy an intimate dining experience in the restaurant’s courtyard which overlooks the beautiful gardens.
2. The Olive Tree, Nailsworth
Based in the heart of the vibrant Cotswold town of Nailsworth, The Olive Tree is a lively spot offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Tucked away from the main street, an assorted mix of Mediterranean and Italian delicacies can be enjoyed in the pub’s courtyard space. Try the Olive Tree’s delicious antipasti – ideal to share with a friend – or a freshly baked pizza baked to order. If you find yourself in Nailsworth in the morning, try one of their tasty breakfasts available until 11.30am.
3. The Cotswold Food Store & Café, near Longborough, Moreton-in-Marsh
If you want a picturesque view with your meal, head to the Costwold Food Store and Café where afternoons can be whiled away gazing at the beautiful scenery. With a wide range of seasonal foodie treats all made with fresh local produce, this café’s terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious lunch or coffee and cake in the sun. Described as the heart of local food in the North Costwolds, make sure to visit the store where you’ll find a wide range of local and artisan fare.
4. The Horse and Groom, Bourton-on-the-Hill
For a great pub atmosphere, well stocked real ales and wines and tasty dishes, the award-winning Horse and Groom is certainly the place to visit. When the weather allows, the spacious garden to the rear of the pub is ideal for a spot of al fresco dining. The meals here are truly delicious and as well as growing its own produce, most ingredients are sourced locally, which is reflected on the pub's flexible blackboard menu.
5. The Royal Oak, Burford
Known for its sumptuous homemade pies and excellent selection of locally brewed ales, the garden of the Royal Oak in Burford is a lovely spot for those finding themselves particularly peckish. With a varied menu offered throughout the day, find yourself a table in the sun-trapped beer garden for a delicious meal and drinks whether you're dining at lunch or in the evening.
6. The Trouble House, Tetbury
Offering fantastic food, delicious desserts and cakes, and a great selection of wines and beers, visit The Trouble House in Tetbury for a satisfying al fresco lunch. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, the restaurant has a range of different menus throughout the week so make sure to check what’s on offer. Beautifully cooked English food infused with European flavours can be savoured in the spacious garden at the back.
7. Broadway Deli, Broadway
The Broadway Deli can provide a peaceful escape from the busy High Street of Broadway when you’re ready for a spot of breakfast or lunch. It tends to fill up quickly but we do recommend bagging yourself a table outside to enjoy the beautifully kept, quintessentially English, garden that stretches in front of the deli’s terrace. All the food is based around fresh, top quality ingredients and an extensive range of homemade treats are available to try.
8. The Falcon Inn, Painswick
Traditional, tasty pub dishes can be enjoyed in The Falcon Inn’s beautiful beer garden which also welcomes four-legged friends. There is something for everyone to enjoy; and the combination of welcoming staff, a relaxing atmosphere and delicious classic English dishes keeps customers returning again and again. There's also a huge list of wines, beers and well-kept ales to accompany your meal.
9. Old Badger Inn, Eastington
Hidden away from the main road into Eastington sits the Old Badger Inn, popular with its locals for the great choice of local cask ales. Not only can a perfect pint be enjoyed, visitors can sample an extensive food and drinks menu throughout the day, so pick a table outside for a delicious homemade meal in the sun. We recommend indulging in a selection of treats from the tapas menu.
10. Inn & Brasserie, Childswickham
You can soak up the sunny weather in the garden of the refurbished and beautifully presented Childswickham Inn, two miles from Broadway. Sitting under a gazebo or pagoda, you’ll feel a million miles away from the popular Cotswold villages. With a reputation for high quality, seasonal dishes sourced locally and a great selection of wine and beer, the Inn & Brasserie is a fantastic choice for a summer evening.
11. The Maytime Inn, Asthall
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful, Oxfordshire Costwold village of Asthall, The Maytime Inn is the ideal place to rest your weary feet after taking advantage of the scenic walking routes throughout the village. On a sunnier day, rest and refresh in the Inn’s charming pub garden. Whether you’re after a lunchtime sandwich or a blow-out dining experience with the a la carte menu there’s a wide variety of tasty dishes available.
12. Red Lion, Nr Norton
Views of the River Severn don’t get much prettier than from the pub garden of the Red Lion. Set on one of the most beautiful stretches of the river, this iconic riverside pub provides an ideal setting for al fresco dining, especially if you get the chance to enjoy an evening meal watching the sun set over the water. Local and seasonal dishes are served over lunch and dinner time; think classic pub dishes done really well.
13. White Horse, Dunstew
If dining with a difference is your cup of tea, head to the White Horse. This charming 17th century pub oozes character, offering the perfect setting for outside dining in the cosy pub garden. The menu changes daily, even hourly, between lunch and dinner as their ingredients are prepared on site, so you can be assured the most local of produce will find its way to your plate.
14. The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
Make the most of the sun at the Wild Rabbit at Kingham and bag yourself a table in their charming courtyard garden. This is the perfect place for delicious, locally sourced and seasonal dishes. For beer lovers, there is a wide range on tap and be sure to try out the artisan beers, you won’t be disappointed.
15. The Bell, Alderminster
Just a few miles outside Stratford-upon-Avon, sits The Bell, a lovely British gastro pub in the heart of Alderminster. For al fresco dining at its best, sample some of the mouthwatering dishes on offer in the delightful outside space. You won’t regret a delicious meal in this pretty garden as you take in the wonderful countryside views.
16. The Croft Restaurant, Bourton-on-the-Water
After exploring the gorgeous village of Bourton-on-the-Water, take a break at The Croft Restaurant where you can enjoy more beautiful views from the outside decking area. The menu is available throughout the day; so whether you’re after a full-English, a morning coffee, a light lunch or evening meal, there’s something for every occasion. We recommend one of the tasty cream teas, enjoyed in the picturesque setting.
17. The Fuzzy Duck, Armscote
For a warm and welcoming atmosphere head to The Fuzzy Duck in Armscote where staff will do all they can to make sure your visit is one to remember. Expect an inspired menu with contemporary Costwold dishes prepared using only local produce and flavour combinations. An evening dinner on the pub patio is a definite treat, and colour-matched blankets are even offered when the temperature drops.
18. Daylesford Organic Farm, Kingham
Organic fare is the name of the game at Daylesford Organic Farm as the award-winning cafe takes full advantage of its location; it’s situated right next to the dairy, market garden and free-to-graze organic animals. Embrace your beautiful surroundings on a table in the courtyard where a vast menu of dishes can be enjoyed including delicious home-baked pizzas and savoury pastries using only fresh organic produce.
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Riverside pubs to visit in the Cotswolds
