After a long countryside walk in the Cotswolds there’s nothing better than refuelling with a pint and some pork scratchings in a quaint, rural pub. We pick 10 of the best (and most remote) places to go in the region.
1. The Seven Tuns, Chedworth
Renowned for its countryside charm and brilliant menu, the Seven Tuns is popular with loyal locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to curl up with a pint of real ale and a newspaper, or to enjoy the sunshine on the terrace with a glass of wine in hand and Fido at your feet, The Seven Tuns has got it covered.
2. The Green Dragon, Cockleford
Roaring log fires, flag stone floors, low beamed ceilings and a beautiful setting in the remote Cotswold countryside - what more could you ask for in a pub? The ever-changing menu is always full of locally sourced ingredients with something to suit all tastes and appetites, and the restaurant area is very snug, creating an intimate dining experience for hungry Cotswoldians. This is the perfect pub for unwinding after a long country walk.
3. Boat Inn, Ashleworth
This traditional waterside pub has a large local following - and it isn't difficult to see why. There's a fantastic range of local ales and ciders on tap, generous basket meals and suppers and a delightful view of the River Severn. We love the Boat Inn so much been a finalist in the Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards for the past three years.
4. Horse & Groom, Bourton-on-the-Hill
This honey-coloured countryside pub, in the bucolic village of Bourton-on-the-Hill, resides just down the road from Batsford Arboretum and Cotswold Falconry Centre, and not far from Moreton-in-Marsh. Inside, you'll find a traditional country décor with a welcoming bar surrounded by comfy stools and an open stone fire place. In the summer months, enjoy a pint of ale or glass of wine in the perfectly manicured garden, or try a new dish from the seasonally inspired menu.
5. The Plough Inn, Cold Aston
A firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, this Grade II listed pub is a top-notch place to recharge your batteries after a day spent exploring the North Cotswolds and beyond. There is a huge focus on food at the pub and all dishes are prepared and cooked in-house on an indoor charcoal oven. To accompany your meal, there is a wide selection of real ales and reasonably priced ales behind the bar. The Plough Inn's rural location makes it a great place to celebrate a successful day out in the field during the colder months.
6. The Butchers Arms, Sheepscombe
Nestled in a valley, in the midst of 'cider with Rosie' country, The Butchers Arms is a good old, traditional village pub. It has been the heart of the local community since 1670 and with its panoramic views and cosy interior, is it any wonder? The pub makes a great base for exploring the picturesque Cotswold countryside, or to refuel with beer and crisps after a long walk with the dog.
7. The Ebrington Arms, Ebrington
Only a stone's throw away from Chipping Campden, you'll find this picture-perfect pub located in the village of Ebrington - where thirst-quenching ciders, award-winning ales and tasty pub lunches are on the menu throughout the year. In the winter it is the foolproof pub to recline in a comfy armchair in front of the large open fire with a Yubby Bitter. In the summer, its stunning rural location and large grassy beer garden is one of the best places to enjoy a spot of lunch and the sunshine in the Cotswolds.
Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of town and city life? This peaceful pub in the remote hamlet of Lower Oddington is just the place to recuperate. With open fireplaces and plenty of nooks and crannies to while away the evening unnoticed, you can enjoy a glass of wine and a good read in peace. In the summer there is large beer garden perfect for alfresco dining with a menu encompassing a la carte, pub classics and light bites.
The multi-award winning Bell at Sapperton is a lovely pub and restaurant, made of Cotswold stone, in a sleepy village between Stroud and Cirencester. We've recommended them before for their delicious Sunday lunches but there's plenty more to this wonderfully charming pub.
10. The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
Expect stripped back Cotswold stone walls, roaring open fires and soft leather arm chairs at Kingham's Wild Rabbit Inn. There is plenty of tasty seasonal produce on the menu, with game featuring heavily during the colder months. Relax with a pint of Hooky and soak up the rustic surroundings, or unwind with an ice cold G&T in the beer garden when the weather is a little warmer.
