From local produce and traditional pub experiences to Michelin-starred restaurants, the Cotswolds has a full range of food experiences on offer.
Many talented farmers call the Cotswolds home, and with the farm-to-table movement going strong in the region, you can look forward to trying the local produce as close to the source as possible. Eating options are plentiful year-round, with picnics and beer gardens in the summer, and cozy fireplaces and country pubs in winter. Therefore, during peak seasons, it’s recommended to reserve a table no matter when you visit this popular region of England.
Here are our picks for the best dining experiences in the Cotswolds.
Tuck into the best (and healthiest!) fish-and-chips in the Cotswolds
Located in Broadway, Russell’s Fish and Chips batters its fish fresh to order. Each piece is fried in the region’s award-winning Cotswold Gold rapeseed oil, made from crops grown just two miles away. This cooking method is healthier than traditional oils, contributing to what makes Russell’s fish-and-chips legendary around the Cotswolds and beyond.
If you are not a fan of fish, you can opt for one of Lynne’s homemade vegetarian pies. We recommend the delicious spinach and goat cheese version.
Assemble a picnic at a farmers market
Every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, Stroud Farmers Market boasts over 50 stalls selling local produce. If you want to find out what food the Cotswolds is famous for, then this is the place. Eat your way around, or pick up some necessities for a “truly Cotswolds” afternoon picnic you can enjoy with a view, perhaps after a hike.
At the award-winning market, you can find fresh cookies, breads, honey, cupcakes, and cured meats. You will also discover a good range of the high-quality cheese the Cotswolds is known for, including single Gloucester cheese, which has been awarded Protected Designation of Origin status, as well as local favorite Stinking Bishop.
Other great farmers markets in the Cotswolds take place in Chipping Norton (on the third Saturday of the month) and Cirencester (the second and fourth Saturdays of the month).
An indulgent cream tea is a must
When in the Cotswolds, you must have a cream tea. Customarily served between meals, a cream tea includes traditional English or Earl Grey tea accompanied by a scone, jam, and (most importantly) a healthy dollop of clotted cream. Since relaxing with tea and scone fits the laid-back vibe of the Cotswolds well, you will find this specialty on the menu of nearly every cafe or restaurant in the area.
Stow on the Wold is home to two of the best spots for cream tea: The Old Bakery Tearoom and The Hive. Both serve golden, moist scones, warm and paired with clotted cream and jam. Choosing between these establishments may be a delightful dilemma.
Enjoy fine dining at modern restaurants
The Wild Rabbit in Chipping Norton is one of the best restaurants in the Cotswolds. This award-winning destination focuses on British cooking with a contemporary twist, offering dishes like steak, lamb, and fish, accented with unique ingredients such as wet garlic and chervil-glazed carrots. Furthermore, the six-course tasting menu is an absolute must; if you are going for a special experience, opt for the sommelier wine pairing as well.
If Asian food is more your style, try Yoku at the No 131 hotel in Cheltenham, which offers a glamorous dining experience with a dress code. The menu features modern Japanese cuisine made from the finest-quality fish from the UK. You can expect exquisite sashimi, temaki, donburi, and the restaurant’s signature rolls, particularly the tempura soft-shell crab, salad, avocado, and Korean sweet-chili sauce. To fully experience the culinary range Yoku has to offer, consider ordering a platter, complementing it with delightful options from the cocktail menu.
Eat at Michelin-starred restaurants
If you are looking to enjoy the best dining in the world, the Cotswolds has several Michelin-starred restaurants to explore.
The Dining Room at Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa in Malmesbury occupies a quintessentially English country house, featuring a menu focused on local produce. Ordering the charcuterie, all prepared on-site, is highly recommended.
In Cheltenham, Le Champignon Sauvage has thrived for three decades. Desserts here are a highlight; the chocolate-and-pistachio delice is particularly memorable. This venue is also a great option for experiencing haute cuisine in the Cotswolds at a reasonable price: a two-course set menu starts at £35 (US$43).
Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park in Chippenham may offer the most opulent experience within the Cotswolds. With a mile-long driveway leading to its charming entrance, this restaurant promises an extraordinary culinary journey ahead. The acclaimed specialties here are served via a tasting menu, and the seasonal option is the best choice for the freshest, most authentic Cotswolds fare. Expect delightful dishes such as Wiltshire lamb paired with local asparagus, and Wye Valley rhubarb served with buttermilk and sorrel.
Go for a proper pub lunch
The Potting Shed Pub in tiny Crudwell is an excellent choice for a proper pub lunch. As one of the best inns in the Cotswolds, it features a great beer garden, an extensive beer list, and a wonderfully English pub menu. Classic favorites get a stylish Cotswolds treatment here, so consider the twice-baked double Gloucester soufflé or the Kelmscott pork chop with braised fennel, all made with local produce. Consequently, you can sit back and enjoy that special Cotswolds hospitality.
