Our Top 7 Favourite Cotswolds Country Pubs

What better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than nestling in for a couple of hours or three in a cosy, charming, British pub. Better still if said pub is in the beautiful idyllic setting of the Cotswolds. Think winding lanes, stone-coloured cottages and rolling countryside. We don’t think anyone will deny the jaw-dropping beauty of this part of Britain, add to that some delicious food, and need we say more. Here’s a list of 7 of our favourite Cotswolds gems.

1. The Potting Shed, Crudwell 

This lovely old hostelry located in the heart of the Cotswolds golden triangle, is equally known for its fantastic atmosphere, as its perfectly cooked food. With its relaxed easy style, The Potting Shed serves up dishes put together from the finest locally sourced ingredients and produce. House specialities include a divine Monkfish, a seriously succulent Crab and sterling Roast Beef. Tom Parker Bowles called it one of the best pub lunches he’s had in years - high praise indeed.

2. The Wheatsheaf, Northleach

This 17^th Century Coaching Inn is everything you imagine and more when you think of a traditional Cotswolds country pub. Roaring fire, original beams, exposed brickwork, summer beer garden, cask ale beer, delicious seasonal Fayre and don’t forget the scrumptious Sunday roast. Oh, add to that the ivy that changes colours with the season and it’s walked straight out of the charming pub playbook.  In case you do fall in love with the place and really don’t want to leave, there are 14 beautiful bedrooms, perfect for an evening stayover - who’d blame you.

3. The Crown Inn, Frampton Mansell

Steeped in history, this one-time Cider House dates all the way back to 1633 and, quite simply put, is the perfect Village Pub. The heart of the village, this down to earth pub is frequented by visitors and locals alike, who wile away the hours in front of its roaring log fires. Well known for its selection of real cask ales, its array of local brews team perfectly with its home cooked dishes. One of our favourites is the Cotswold game stew with potato and horseradish dumplings - delicious. We should mention that the wine list is pretty good, too.  The Crown is also a 4-star hotel, and all its 12 bedrooms have magnificent views across the Golden Valley. What’s not to love!

4. The Wild Rabbit, Kingham

Located in the heart of the Cotswolds in the beautiful village of Kingham, The Wild Rabbit is the place to eat, drink and sleep. You can feel the love from the outside and the most exquisite wisteria, leading you through to an effortless décor and light-filled interior - that’s before we even get to the food. Delicious creations from the Sam Bowser, the well know executive chef include ravioli of confit of rabbit served with mustard cream and the herb crusted lamb saddle with wet garlic and jersey royals is simply mouth-watering. Gorgeous bedrooms? Yes, all individually styled and quirkily named after countryside wildlife. It’s a firm favourite with us.

5. The Plough Inn, Ford