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The best restaurants in the Cotswolds

The best restaurants in the Cotswolds

From traditional inns to Michelin-starred restaurants, the Cotswolds has so much to offer for anyone dining out. This is an area with a wealth of experienced farmers and the farm-to-table movement is going strong.

Written by

Sheila Frampton

All the restaurants listed in this blog use fresh ingredients sourced from local producers where possible. Many venues have lovely outdoor areas for summer dining and cosy interiors with roaring log fires in the winter months.

Whichever restaurant you choose, it’s advisable to book in advance. Please note that these are just our personal choices – and all details are correct at the time of writing. Of course, there are many more fine restaurants in the Cotswolds than we have space to include here. When dining out in this region, there really is something to suit everyone and the settings are superb.

Best pubs in The Cotswolds

The Wild Rabbit, Kingham

The Wild Rabbit is a modern, award-winning pub, set in the heart of the Cotswolds and providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere and high-quality local food.

This restaurant supports artisan producers and British farmers and seasonal British ingredients feature on the sophisticated menu. The kitchen is open so the chefs are always on view providing a shared experience. The Wild Rabbit provides a wonderful Sunday roast – with all the favourites on the menu – with organic, crispy roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables from Daylesford Organic Farm.

The Wild Rabbit is located on Church Street in Kingham, Oxfordshire OX7 6YA. Telephone 01608 658389.

Visit the Wild Rabbit website

Visit The Lamb Inn's website

The Lamb Inn, Burford

The Lamb Inn is located along a peaceful side street in the beautiful, historic market town of Burford.

The Lamb is a quaint restaurant with an open fire and a relaxing ambience. You can choose between the bar area or the restaurant; both serve delicious meals created with locally sourced ingredients.

A great place to stop when exploring the Cotswolds. The Lamb can be found on Sheep Street, Burford, OX18 4JR, just a stone's throw from our development Cotswold Gate. Telephone 01993 823155.

The Potting Shed, Crudwell Malmesbury

The menu at the Potting Shed is varied – with plenty of vegetarian options.

Nibbles include Lynwood sourdough bread with estate farm butter and green cortija olives. Starters range from twice baked Double Gloucester Souffle to Black Pudding Scoth Egg and Courgette Salad with feta, honey and pine nuts.

Mains include the Potting Shed Burger and a delicious Halloumi burger with lemon and chilli relish – and a whole range of meat and fish options – including the traditional beer battered fish and chips with minted peas. To finish, if you have space, there’s a fabulous selection of desserts and cheese.

You will find The Potting Shed Pub on The Street in Crudwell, SN16 9EW. Telephone 01666 577833.

Visit The Potting Shed's website

Visit the Wheatsheaf website

The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach

Nestled in the heart of the pretty town of Northleach, the Wheatsheaf is a historic inn, which is a delightful blend of period charm and contemporary style with original beams, exposed brickwork, stripped wooden flooring and industrial style lighting.

This inn is home to a beautiful beer garden, where outside dining is possible on warm days. In winter, you can relax in front of roaring fires whilst perusing a menu which showcases the best the British countryside can offer.

Whether you’re looking for a family meal, a romantic evening, a Sunday roast, private dining or a Christmas menu, you’ll find it at the Wheatsheaf Inn.

The Wheatsheaf Inn can be found on West End, Northleach, Gloucestershire GL54 3EZ. Telephone 01451 860244.

The best restaurants for a Sunday Roast or Carvery in The Cotswolds

The Halfway, Kineton

The Halfway, a 17th century inn set in the pretty, peaceful hamlet of Kineton is a charming gastropub with a fabulous atmosphere and delicious food.

If you’re looking for an excellent Sunday lunch after a morning’s stroll along the River Windrush – or dinner with friends, this is the perfect place.

The inn was previously owned by Corpus Christi College, Oxford before being purchased by Donnington Brewery in 1975. The menu is reasonably priced – start with a cocktail and nibbles.

Starters range smoked salmon and toasted rye bread, freshly made soups to salads and fresh shell-on Atlantic prawns. Sunday roasts are all served with crispy roast potatoes, fresh vegetables and Yorkshire puddings. There’s beef, chicken, lamb and vegetarian options and the deserts are mouthwatering.

The restaurant can be found in the heart of Kineton, Guiting Power, GL54 5UG. Telephone 07425 970507.

View The Halfway's website

Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter

Upper Slaughter is a favourite amongst visitors to the Cotswolds and Lords of the Manor offers fine dining and a very impressive Sunday lunch.

The manor is impressive, dating back to 1649, built of honey-coloured Cotswold stone and set in 8 acres of beautiful grounds. The food is equally impressive and the restaurant is a 4 Red Star AA ‘Inspector’s Choice’ listed, 3AA Rosette listed and Good Food Guide listed.

It has also appeared on the Sunday Times’ list of the Top 100 Restaurants in Britain and has been named by The Times as one of the Top 20 Most Romantic Dining Rooms.

There are two restaurants – the Atrium, offering fine-dining and, with just one sitting at 6.45pm, this is one of the most sought-after dining venues in Gloucestershire. The Dining Room, the second restaurant in this splendid hotel, is more informal but still a dining destination in its own right.

To locate Lords of the Manor, the postcode is GL54 2JD. Telephone 01451 820243.

View The Lords of the Manor website

The best Michelin-starred restaurants in the Cotswolds

The Dining Room at Whatley Manor, Malmesbury

The award-winning Dining Room, set within the beautiful Whatley Manor hotel and surrounded by 12 acres of peaceful gardens, has two Michelin stars.

It has recently been awarded the Michelin Green Star, a new award which recognises sustainable gastronomy.

If you’re living or visiting the Cotswolds and searching for a venue for a special event, this is the perfect place. The Dining Room menu is priced at £175 per person (as of the time of writing in November 2023).

There’s a 12-course tasting menu and an excellent selection of wine flights, chosen by the Sommelier to accompany The Dining Room experience – these range from £95 per person for the Journey Wine Pairing to £265 per person for Prestige Wine Pairing.

Your dining experience starts 30 minutes before you dine, giving you time to enjoy an aperitif in the Drawing Room. The Dining Room can be booked for dinner, Thursday to Sunday from 6 pm to 8.30 pm and pre-booking is essential.

You can find the Dining Room at Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa in Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN15 0RB. Telephone 01666 822888.

Visit the Whatley Manor website

Visit the Restaurant Hywel Jones website

Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park, Chippenham

Lucknam Park is a fabulous 500-acre estate in Chippenham, just six miles from Bath.

The Brasserie located in the hotel’s spa building offers informal dining whilst fine dining is available in the Michelin-starred Restaurant Hywel Jones.

The restaurant website gives an indication that you will be transported to ‘a bygone era of elegance and sophistication’ and the mile-long drive through beech trees, certainly reinforces this impression as does the magnificent drawing room and charming library.

Executive Chef, Hywel Jones, has held a Michelin star at this restaurant since 2006 and offers an unforgettable dining experience, with ingredients sourced, where possible, from local suppliers.

Children under the age of 5 are not admitted and dogs are not allowed in the restaurant. The seasonal tasting menu and the seasonal vegetarian tasting menu are both priced from around £140 (at the time of writing) with gluten-free options.

The informal Brasserie offers excellent food at a reasonable price – midweek set two and three-course lunches are available Monday to Friday and there’s a bar menu served throughout the day and a children’s menu available from noon to 9pm.

Lucknam Park is located in Colerne, Chippenham SN14 8AZ. Telephone 01225 742777.

Lumiere, Cheltenham

Set on Cheltenham’s Clarence Parade, this elegant restaurant, led by a husband-and-wife team – chef Jon and general manager, Helen is Cheltenham’s latest recipient of a Michelin star.

With a restaurant focused on the best British produce, Lumiere opened in January 2009 and has already received the accolade of the AA Restaurant of the Year and 2AA rosettes and is regularly listed amongst the Top 20 Restaurants of the UK by Hardens and Trip Advisor.

Four, six and eight-course meals are available for Friday or Saturday lunch. Telephone 01242 222200.

Visit the Lumiere website

A unique and historic restaurant in the Cotswolds

The Ox Barn at Thyme, Lechlade

The Ox Barn offers ‘grown up’ dining in the beautiful surroundings of a restored, converted 19th century Oxen House and the impressive menu features flavoursome dishes created with the best seasonal ingredients.

The Thyme welcomes children over 12 for breakfast and dinner in the Ox Barn Restaurant. Families are welcome for lunch but children must remain seated throughout the meal.

This restaurant has a fascinating history, dating back to Roman times. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book, became a monastery, a private home owned by Sir Robert Cecil, Elizabeth I’s Secretary of State and Nicholas Wadham whose widow founded an Oxford college in his name. The modern-day family who own the manor – Southrop Manor – acquired the outbuildings and began restoration and conversion in 2002.

Today, Thyme is a ‘village within a village’ with 31 bedrooms dispersed across houses and cottages, the Ox Barn Restaurant, the Baa Bar, the Swan pub, Cookery School, Meadow spa, boutiques and event/exhibition space.

You will find Thyme at Southrop Manor Estate, Gloucestershire, GL7 3NX. Telephone 01367 8501174.

View The Ox Barn's website

Where can I find the best fish and chips in The Cotswolds?

Russell’s Fish & Chips, Broadway

Located just off the High Street in the heart of Broadway, Russell’s Fish & Chips prides itself on serving only the finest fish.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and doesn’t take table bookings – you can choose to eat in the restaurant or to take away.

There is a good selection of non-fish options including battered halloumi cheese and home-made pies, including vegetarian options.

Everything gets fried in the region’s award-winning Cotswold Gold rapeseed oil, made from local crops – which is healthier than most traditional oils.

Visit the Russell's website

Best place for breakfast or brunch in The Cotswolds

Visit the Lynwood and Co website

Lynwood & Co, Burford, Lechlade, Carterton, Cirencester, Bampton and Fairford.

Originating in Australia, Lynwood & Co has been serving independent coffee and delicious food in the Cotswolds since 2015 – and, over the years, has earned a place at the heart of local communities – contributing to school fundraisers and charity events.

Working with local and independent producers, Lynwood was voted Best Coffee Shop of the Year 2016 and achieved a place on the 2017 Guardian List of the UK’s 50 best breakfast places.

You’ll find branches in Bridge Street in Bampton, High Street in Burford, Alverscot Road in Carterton, Market Place in Cirencester, High Street in Fairford and Market Square in Lechlade.

There’s a full menu with eat-in and takeaway options and amongst the breakfast favourites are sourdough bacon and sausage sandwiches, avocado, tomatoes and feta on toast, scrambled eggs and home-made granola.

Are you, or is someone you love looking for a beautiful retirement property in the Cotswolds?

Discover Cotswold Gate, an exclusive development of 67 elegant, energy-efficient, new homes and within a short drive of all of the fantastic restaurants listed above.

View Cotswold Gate

Written by

Sheila Frampton

Lifestyle

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