Cotswolds villages and towns are famed for their traditional country pubs and inns, many of which are centuries old and rich with history and character.
The village inn has always been at the heart of a community, attracting locals and visitors alike, with many showcasing the finest locally sourced produce in their menus and serving local ales on tap.
Many Cotswolds pubs and inns have also converted additional space into beautiful guest accommodations for overnight stays and romantic weekends away. So, if you fancy taking time out and wish to discover the activities, scenic landscapes, towns and villages of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you can dine and stay at one of these award-winning Cotswolds Inns.
The King’s Head Inn – Bledington
Just a 10-minute drive from the pretty Cotswolds town of Stow-in-the-Wold is The King’s Head in Bledington. Winner of the Good Pub Guide’s ‘Inn of the Year’ in 2020, the charming 16th century inn overlooks a village green and tranquil duck pond.
The inn is atmospheric and intimate inside, with an extensive wine and real ale selection served in the bar. Menus are seasonal – dishes created with ingredients sourced from local farms and smokeries. From mid-September, the inn promotes their famous ‘Burger Nights’ – scrumptious meat patties made from pure British Bledington beef from nearby University Farm.
Guests can stay the evening too. Twelve elegant bedrooms, all en-suite, are located either above the main inn or just off the courtyard.
The Ebrington Arms – Ebrington
The Ebrington Arms lies a few miles from the market town of Chipping Campden in the northern reaches of the Cotswolds. The award-winning pub is committed to serving organic food and was named the UK’s ‘Best Village Pub’ by The Times.
The stone façade and windows are decorated with creeping vines and flowers, creating a picture-perfect vision from the outset. The welcoming interior doesn’t disappoint either, walls are decorated with quirky pictures, wood beams line the ceiling and shelves host a plethora of antiques and artefacts.
Menus are infused with a combination of Vegan and meat dishes – with curried beefburger, spinach gnocchi or Gloucestershire old spot baked ham to sample. Children also have their own menu offering tasty mains and delicious desserts.
Five luxurious en-suite bedrooms offer a relaxing escape from a day of Cotswolds exploring, each charmingly decorated, adorned with antique and hand-made furnishings and free Wi-Fi.
The Wild Rabbit – Kingham
A few miles southwest of Chipping Norton is The Wild Rabbit in Kingham. This charming 18th century inn is known as one of the finest farm-to-table restaurants in the Cotswolds and holds a prestigious Michelin star.
The inn, owned by Carole Bamford, a pioneer in organic farming, is inviting with original mullion windows and a wisteria-draped Cotswold limestone façade. The interior consists of a modern dining area, chestnut panelled bar and open kitchen where expert chefs create their magic as diners watch in awe.
Classic, gourmet pub food is recreated with freshly picked ingredients from their own market garden at Daylesford Farm – one of the most sustainable, organic farms in the UK. If you fancy staying the night, luxurious rooms are characterful and true to the heritage of the building, with exposed stone walls, aged oak beams and signature furnishings.
The Feathered Nest Inn – Nether Westcote
This award-winning 350-year-old former malt house has been converted into a light and spacious, traditional Cotswolds Inn. With spectacular views from the garden and terrace over Evenlode Valley, this inn is the ideal stop for a drink, bite to eat and if you wish to listen to live music with friendly locals.
The restaurant has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes, catering to all diners with delicious British fare made with locally sourced ingredients. Choose meals from the bar menu, à la carte, plant-based menu, six-course tasting menu or simply book a table and pop in for Sunday lunch whilst passing through! If you feel charmed enough to stay, guest rooms benefit from glorious views and are perfectly designed for a romantic Cotswolds stay.
These are just a few of the places in which you can dine and stay in the Cotswolds, so keep a look out on this blog for many more!
