The Cotswolds, a picturesque region in south-central England, is a food lover’s paradise. With its rolling hills, charming villages, and bustling towns, the Cotswolds offers a diverse range of culinary delights. From traditional pub grub to fine dining experiences, the region’s restaurants, cafes, and tea rooms cater to all tastes and budgets.
Get ultimate traveler plannerWhere to Eat in the Cotswolds
This guide provides an overview of the best places to eat in the Cotswolds, covering a range of cuisines and dining styles. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a romantic dinner, we’ve got you covered.
Breakfast and Brunch
The Cotswolds is renowned for its delicious breakfasts, with many cafes and restaurants serving up freshly baked pastries, locally sourced eggs, and artisanal bread. Some of the best breakfast spots include:
- The Old Mill in Bourton-on-the-Water, which serves up a mean full English breakfast
- The Cotswold Café in Stow-on-the-Wold, which offers a range of breakfast options, including vegan and gluten-free
- The Village Bakery in Chipping Campden, which bakes fresh bread daily and serves up delicious breakfast sandwiches
Lunch and Dinner
For lunch and dinner, the Cotswolds offers a range of options, from traditional pubs to fine dining restaurants. Some of the best places to eat include:
- The King’s Arms in Cirencester, which serves up delicious pub grub and has a great selection of real ales
- The Old Swan in Bibury, which offers a range of seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients
- The Wild Rabbit in Kingham, which has a Michelin-starred restaurant and offers a range of creative, farm-to-table dishes
Tea Rooms and Cafes
The Cotswolds is also famous for its tea rooms and cafes, which offer a range of delicious treats and refreshments. Some of the best tea rooms include:
- The Fosse Gallery in Stow-on-the-Wold, which serves up delicious cakes and scones with a range of teas
- The Cotswold Tea Rooms in Bourton-on-the-Water, which offers a range of tea and coffee blends, as well as delicious cakes and sandwiches
- The Village Tea Rooms in Chipping Campden, which serves up delicious afternoon tea with a range of finger sandwiches and sweet treats
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the Cotswolds has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the region, highlighting the best places to eat and drink.
Where to Eat in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a picturesque region in south-central England known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and rich history. The area is also renowned for its excellent food scene, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and pubs serving up delicious local produce and traditional British cuisine. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in the Cotswolds, from fine dining establishments to cozy pubs and family-friendly eateries.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is a charming market town in the heart of the Cotswolds, and it’s a great place to start your culinary journey. Here are some of the top places to eat in Stow: (See Also: Where To Eat In Stresa)
* The Old Stocks Inn: This 17th-century coaching inn is a popular spot for lunch and dinner, with a menu that features local specialties like Cotswold lamb and Gloucestershire cheese.
* The Stow: This modern British restaurant is located in the heart of Stow and serves up creative dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
* The Village Pub: This cozy pub is a great place to grab a pint and a bite to eat, with a menu that includes classic pub fare like fish and chips and burgers.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is another popular town in the Cotswolds, known for its picturesque river and charming high street. Here are some of the top places to eat in Bourton:
* The Fish Hotel: This stylish hotel has a restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and local produce, with a focus on sustainability and seasonal ingredients.
* The Old Mill: This historic mill has been converted into a restaurant and bar, with a menu that features local specialties like Cotswold lamb and homemade pies.
* The Wheatsheaf: This family-friendly pub is a great place to grab a bite to eat, with a menu that includes classic pub fare like fish and chips and burgers.
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden is a charming town in the north of the Cotswolds, known for its historic high street and picturesque surroundings. Here are some of the top places to eat in Chipping Campden:
* The Kings Arms: This 16th-century coaching inn is a popular spot for lunch and dinner, with a menu that features local specialties like Cotswold lamb and Gloucestershire cheese.
* The Red Lion: This cozy pub is a great place to grab a pint and a bite to eat, with a menu that includes classic pub fare like fish and chips and burgers.
* The Cotswold Café: This family-friendly café is a great place to grab a coffee and a cake, with a menu that includes delicious homemade treats and light bites.
Other Recommendations
In addition to these top towns, there are plenty of other great places to eat in the Cotswolds. Here are a few more recommendations:
* The Masons Arms in Little Compton: This 17th-century coaching inn is a popular spot for lunch and dinner, with a menu that features local specialties like Cotswold lamb and Gloucestershire cheese.
* The Swan Hotel in Bibury: This historic hotel has a restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and local produce, with a focus on sustainability and seasonal ingredients.
* The Bell Inn in Slaughterford: This cozy pub is a great place to grab a pint and a bite to eat, with a menu that includes classic pub fare like fish and chips and burgers. (See Also: Where To Eat In Dasmarinas Cavite)
Foodie Favorites
The Cotswolds is known for its rich food heritage, and there are plenty of local specialties to try. Here are a few foodie favorites to look out for:
* Cotswold lamb: This is a staple of the Cotswolds, with many local farms producing high-quality lamb that’s perfect for grilling or roasting.
* Gloucestershire cheese: This is another local specialty, with many local cheesemakers producing delicious varieties like Double Gloucester and Single Gloucester.
* Strawberries: The Cotswolds is famous for its strawberries, with many local farms producing delicious berries that are perfect for eating fresh or using in desserts.
Special Dietary Requirements
If you have special dietary requirements, don’t worry – the Cotswolds has plenty of options to suit your needs. Here are a few recommendations:
* Vegan and vegetarian options: Many of the top restaurants in the Cotswolds offer vegan and vegetarian options, including The Old Stocks Inn and The Stow.
* Gluten-free options: Many of the top pubs and restaurants in the Cotswolds offer gluten-free options, including The Village Pub and The Wheatsheaf.
* Halal and kosher options: There are also several halal and kosher options in the Cotswolds, including The Masons Arms and The Bell Inn.
Recap
The Cotswolds is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of delicious local produce and traditional British cuisine. From fine dining establishments to cozy pubs and family-friendly eateries, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque region. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a family-friendly meal out, the Cotswolds has plenty of options to suit your needs.
Here are five FAQs related to “Where To Eat In The Cotswolds”:
FAQs: Where To Eat In The Cotswolds
What are some popular restaurants in the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is home to a wide range of excellent restaurants, from fine dining establishments to cozy pubs serving traditional British fare. Some popular options include The Old Swan in Southrop, The Swan in Bibury, and The King’s Arms in Cirencester. (See Also: Where To Eat In Enniskillen)
Are there any vegetarian or vegan options in the Cotswolds?
Yes, there are many vegetarian and vegan options in the Cotswolds. The Wild Rabbit in Kingham is a great spot for vegetarians, with a separate vegetarian menu available. For vegans, The Greenway in Bourton-on-the-Water offers a variety of plant-based dishes. Additionally, many of the local pubs and cafes offer vegan and gluten-free options.
Can I find any Michelin-starred restaurants in the Cotswolds?
Yes, the Cotswolds is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants. The Wild Rabbit in Kingham has been awarded one Michelin star, while The Old Swan in Southrop has been awarded two. The Greenway in Bourton-on-the-Water has also been awarded one Michelin star. These restaurants offer an exceptional dining experience, with innovative and delicious dishes.
Are there any budget-friendly options for eating out in the Cotswolds?
Yes, there are many budget-friendly options for eating out in the Cotswolds. Many of the local pubs and cafes offer affordable prices for meals and snacks. Additionally, there are several takeaways and food trucks in the area that offer delicious and affordable food. For a special treat, consider visiting the Cotswold Farmers’ Market in Cirencester, which offers a wide range of artisanal foods and drinks at reasonable prices.
Do I need to book a table in advance for dinner in the Cotswolds?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to book a table in advance for dinner in the Cotswolds, especially during peak season (June to September). Many of the popular restaurants and pubs can get quite busy, and booking a table in advance ensures that you have a spot. Additionally, some restaurants may have limited availability or special events, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time.
