Where To Eat, Sleep & Explore In The Cotswolds
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Where To Eat, Sleep & Explore In The Cotswolds

From cosy pubs and beautiful country hotels to the villages, walks and independent shops worth seeking out, our marketing director Mia shares her favourite places to eat, sleep and explore in the Cotswolds. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or looking for a few new spots to add to your list, consider this your guide to doing the Cotswolds in style…
The Bell Inn, Langford

MIA’S PICKS

The Lamb Inn, Crawley

Because my husband and his friends co-own this pub, I might be biased – but there’s a reason The Lamb Inn has such a loyal following and plenty of five-star reviews. It serves elevated, hearty pub food made with fresh, seasonal produce, with highlights including the cheese soufflé, duck salad and, of course, the Sunday roast – one of the best in the Cotswolds. There are some great walking routes nearby and the coffee van is open daily from 7am-12pm.

Visit LAMBPUB.CO.UK

The Bell Inn, Langford

Another personal favourite, The Bell Inn is part of my brother-in-law’s pub group, which also includes London’s The Hawthorne. The Bell is the original Cotswolds pub – a traditional, characterful spot with really well-priced rooms if you want to stay overnight.

Visit THEBELLLANGFORD.COM

Pit Kitchen

You wouldn’t necessarily expect to find a Middle Eastern restaurant in the Cotswolds, which is exactly what makes Pit Kitchen so good. It’s a relaxed, outdoor spot serving delicious Middle Eastern small plates and fire-cooked meats. Perfect for a long lunch when the sun is shining.

Visit PITKITCHEN.CO.UK

Bar Foletta, Stow-on-the-Wold

For something a little more elevated, Bar Foletta is one of the best spots in Stow-on-the-Wold for drinks. Think great cocktails, a buzzy atmosphere and the kind of place that works equally well for date night or drinks with the girls.

Visit FOLETTA.CO.UK

The Lamb Inn; Bar Foletta

Martha’s Coffee & Kitchen

This is possibly one of the smallest breakfast and lunch spots in the Cotswolds but it’s well worth popping into. Martha’s does a great jerk sausage roll and excellent matchas – ideal for a quick breakfast or coffee stop.

Visit MARTHASCOFFEEANDKITCHEN.CO.UK

The Bull Inn, Charlbury

It wouldn’t be a Cotswolds guide without The Bull Inn. A proper country pub with plenty of character, it’s a great place to stop for food or a drink when you’re exploring Charlbury and the surrounding countryside.

Visit THEBULLCHARLBURY.COM

The Old Shed

If you’re planning a walk in the area, make a detour to The Old Shed. This hidden gem is a brilliant breakfast stop, with a particularly good selection of gluten-free options. 

Visit THEOLDSHEDCHARLBURY.CO.UK

The Swan at Southrop

Part of the Thyme group, The Swan at Southrop is a traditional country pub with a cosy, old-world feel. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal dishes, making it a great option for a relaxed lunch or dinner after a day exploring the surrounding villages and countryside.

Follow @SWANSOUTHROP

The Lakes by YOO: Supper Club With Sally Abé; The Swan at Southrop

Plus, what's new in Cotswolds this season...

THE SUPPER CLUB

The Lakes by YOO: Supper Club With Sally Abé

If a Cotswolds escape needs a good dinner to go with it, make it this one. On 12th September, The Lakes by YOO will welcome chef Sally Abé for the latest instalment of its Supper Club series. Expect a seasonal tasting menu of bold, modern British dishes from the chef behind Hackney’s Teal, served in a beautiful lakeside setting. You can book the supper club on its own or make a night of it with an overnight stay at the hotel. Supper Club tickets start from £140pp, including wine pairings, while overnight packages start from £609.

Visit THELAKESBYYOO.COM

THE RENO

The Redesdale, Moreton-in-Marsh

One of the Cotswolds’ most historic pubs has had a serious glow-up. The Redesdale, a former coaching inn dating back to 1661, has reopened following a stylish refurbishment, bringing together original oak beams, Georgian panelling and open fires with a more relaxed, contemporary feel. There’s a sunny terrace, generous bar and restaurant serving elevated pub classics, from stone-baked pizzas to seasonal pies and steaks, plus 33 rooms if you fancy staying over. It’s right in the middle of Moreton-in-Marsh, so you’re also perfectly placed for independent shops, galleries and antique stores. Rooms are now available, with further bedroom refurbishments planned from October.

Visit REDESDALECOTSWOLDS.CO.UK

THE NEW OPENING

EMBER At The Chandlers Arms, Epwell

The Cotswolds has a new destination for proper barbecue. Opening at The Chandlers Arms in Epwell, EMBER is a collaboration between chef Matty Cartwright and Harry Flockhart, bringing live-fire, low-and-slow American barbecue to the Michelin Guide-listed pub. It’s all smoky meats, big flavours and influences from the Carolinas, Texas and Asia, alongside craft beers, house cask ales and cocktails made with Cotswolds Distillery spirits. Opening 26th August.

Visit EMBERTAPROOM.COM

The Lamb Inn, Crawley; The Norman Knight, Whichford

THE POP-UP

Canteen At The Old Coal Yard, Chipping Norton

Canteen is taking its relaxed Italian cooking from London to the Cotswolds. The new pop-up at The Old Coal Yard in Chipping Norton serves up fresh pasta, pizza and seasonal dishes that change weekly, with an outdoor bar, fire-pit and all-day pizzas cooked in Gozney ovens. Expect the likes of mortadella, ricotta and lemon pizza, crab and chilli risotto and chicken with sage and milk, alongside Italian wines, cocktails and digestifs. Friday nights bring live music, while Saturdays are geared towards families. Dinner runs Thursday-Sunday, with weekend lunches too.

Visit THEOLDCOALYARD.UK

THE TREEHOUSE

Calcot & Spa Treehouses

For a Cotswolds stay that feels a little more special than your standard country hotel, Calcot’s new treehouses are worth knowing about. Set among the trees across the estate’s 220 acres of rewilded landscape, the two-bedroom spaces combine all the comforts of the main hotel with a little more privacy. Inside, there are cosy living spaces and a loft-style twin room, while outside you’ll find a private deck and sauna overlooking the woodland. There are binoculars for birdwatching, local produce in the pantry and plenty of space to switch off. 

Visit CALCOT.CO

THE BOUTIQUE PUB

The Norman Knight, Whichford

The latest opening from the team behind The Kingham Plough and The Crown Inn in Enstone is a very good reason to put Whichford on your Cotswolds hit list. Set overlooking the village green, The Norman Knight combines a characterful 17th-century pub with beautifully designed bedrooms and outdoor cabins. Think exposed Cotswold stone, open fires, vintage wallpaper and custom furniture, alongside a menu of comforting British dishes – from 12-hour beef cheek pie to rotisserie chicken and local venison. There’s also a horseshoe-shaped oak bar, two private dining rooms and cabins that welcome dogs. Rooms start from £225 per night, including breakfast.

Visit THENORMANKNIGHT.CO.UK

Calcot Spa & Treehouses; The Norman Knight, Whichford
Calcot Spa & Treehouses
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