A Gastro-Pub Crawl in the Cotswolds

If you consider yourself to be somewhat of a gourmand and will be travelling to the Cotswolds this autumn, you are in luck. The Cotswolds is a region famous for its fresh local produce, meats, and cheeses, and it would seem that most restaurants are taking full advantage of the availability of these delicious ingredients. However, you do not have to stick only to Michelin-starred fine dining establishments if you want a quality meal out. Visitors to the Cotswold region soon learn upon arrival that they are actually smack in the midst of a gastro-pub revolution; the small country inns and local pubs that once were a stalwart of standard-issue steak pies and Friday night fish and chips are now creating seasonal meals with fresh ingredients that are fit for a king.

The Fox Inn
Lower Oddington, Gloucestershire

Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds just three miles outside of Stow on the Wold, this traditional Cotswold Stone building was originally built in the 16th century, and boasts an eclectic mix of antiquities, an open fireplace, and some consistently excellent food that is made from local, seasonal ingredients. Those that have the time may want to take the 10-minute walk to see the Norman paintings at the nearby 12th Century St. Nicholas church.

The Village Pub
Barnsley, Cirencester

The Village Pub is part of the group that includes the Barnsley House Hotel, which is situated right across the way. The food is classic British cuisine done to a very high standard, and the menu is dictated by what is seasonally available, as directed by executive head chef Graham Grafton.

The Horse and Groom
Bourton on the Hill, Gloucestershire

The Horse and Groom is owned and operated by brothers Tom and Will Greenstock. The traditional Cotswold stone building that houses the Horse and Groom is a listed Grade II building that enjoys spectacular views from its hilltop setting. Will, who is the executive chef for the Horse and Groom, utilises locally-sourced ingredients to create his minimalistic, yet flavoursome menu that includes some traditional favourites, as well as more innovative techniques.

The Kings Head Inn
Bledington, Oxfordshire

The bucolic appearance of the 16th century Kings Head Inn (originally built as a cider house) belies the sleek, updated country inn appearance of the interior, as well as the modern twists on classic dishes that is its menu. The restaurant has been awarded two AA rosettes under the direction of the current Head Chef Giles Lee, and locally sourced, seasonal ingredients are the mainstay of the menu. The Kings Head Inn has been recently featured in the Good Food Guide, the Michelin Pub Guide, and was on the front cover of the Good Pub Guide 2012.

The Kingham Plough
Kingham, Oxfordshire

The Kingham Plough boasts the presence of owner-chef Emily Watkins (formerly a sous chef to the renowned chef Heston Blumenthal) and her partner Head chef Ben Dulley. Their speciality is producing modern twists on traditional British classics, using only the finest of locally sourced fresh ingredients. The restaurant itself is something to see, housed in an old tithe barn that surrounds you with antiquities and charm.

If you haven’t already found somewhere to stay whilst visiting the Cotswolds you should have a look at our Cotswold Cottages page!