Quality and Hearty Food in the Cotswolds
Here are some of the top recommended places to eat and drink for your future visit to the Cotswolds. The lovely and traditional feel of the Cotswolds is a wonderful experience to be had and shared with friends and family, even more so over some good quality and hearty food that’s been locally sourced. The restaurants and pubs in the Cotswolds serve just that.
So, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, require gluten-free food, are a cocktail fan, or looking to try some of the British favourites, you’ll find what you’re looking for here! Visiting the Cotswolds soon and yet to find some activities to do? Read our blog on fun activities to do when you visit Bourton-on-the-Water or Burford!
Eating and drinking in Bourton-on-the-Water
The Rose Tree Restaurant
Keeping in step with the traditional feel of the Cotswolds, in the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water, is the wholesome Rose Tree Restaurant. Setting the scene, it’s right by the River Windrush, housed in a Grade II listed cottage that stands visibly apart with its historic and external features displaying classic Cotswolds themes! As the sun sets, the three lights come on and cast a warm glow, inviting you into an intimate dining experience. Here, locally sourced ingredients are put together to form delicious British dishes. Husband and wife, David & Monika’s, goal is to provide flavourful food from the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Restaurant Details:
Address: Victoria Street, Bourton-On-The-Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BX
Dietary Options: Various options for vegetarians and gluten-free diets.
What to look out for: Their kids’ and seniors’ meal section of the menu, which is a pleasant addition to have should you want smaller portions on a family day out or prefer a petit meal as a senior.
Smiths of Bourton
If you’re looking for high-quality grub (food) and beer, especially if you’re a lover of cocktails, then 2025 Burger finalists, Smiths of Bourton, are your choice for boutique burger options with homemade sauces at your fingertips to drizzle over your patty! Owners Seb and Theo Smith not only offer their own created signature burgers but involve their staff in the process, with 9 different cocktails to pick from, designed by General Manager, Robin.
Restaurant Details:
Address: Victoria Street, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2BT
Dietary Options: Vegetarian and vegan options, including gluten-free buns.
Website: https://www.smithsofbourton.com/
What to look out for: If you’re looking to go in for lunch, you can decide to walk in, but you’ll need to book in advance for any other times during the day.
The Mousetrap Inn
Warm and homely is how people describe The Mousetrap Inn. If you’re looking for a welcoming pub that caters to all the famous British classics, here’s the place to be “Inn” for a treat. Pub, I mean, pun intended! Led by Michelle and her team, this traditional pub offers a thoughtful menu with options like fresh soups, salads, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes. It’s truly a brilliant choice for a relaxed atmosphere with surprisingly healthy selections.
The Mousetrap’s bar is a free house, so you’ll have a wide variety of options to select from. Whatever your alcoholic drink preferences, you can be sure you’ll be in good hands with their options purposely picked for quality. Quality indeed, as they were featured in CAMRA. Should you find yourself a full or part-time lover of beer, then be sure to try out their exclusive beer, the Northern Soul, a rich ale.
Restaurant Details:
Address: Lansdowne, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AR
Dietary: Vegetarian and vegan options, including gluten-free buns.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Sunday and Wine list Menu:https://www.themousetrapinn.co.uk/restaurant
Website: https://www.themousetrapinn.co.uk/
What to look out for: Be sure to book within a 90-minute booking window, as the maximum table time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. For dietary requirements, you’ll definitely need to inform the restaurant beforehand!
The Cotswolds Guided Day Tour from London
From £90
Visit the Cotswolds from London, and stroll through Bibury, stow on the wold and many more beautiful Cotswolds villages on our luxury coach. Explore the largest area of outstanding natural beauty in Britain.
Eating and drinking in Burford
Spice Lounge Burford
Spice Lounge Burford, an award-winning restaurant, offers up incredibly flavourful Indian cuisine, perfect for when you’re craving something with a kick. You’ll find a fantastic range of healthy and vegetable-rich dishes here, making it a great option if you enjoy aromatic spices and diverse, vibrant flavours. Customers speak of the quality of food as perfect, and Spice Lounge are great at making new customers feel at home! The restaurant is located right on Burford’s bustling High Street.
Restaurant Details:
Address: 81 High St, Burford OX18 4QA
Dietary: Expect a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, typical of Indian cuisine. Always best to check with the restaurant for specific gluten-free choices.
Menu:https://www.thespiceloungeburford.co.uk/menu/menu_restaurant.php
What to look out for: Spice Lounge currently has a special offer where you can receive poppadum and chutney, Bombay Aloo, and a beer or soft drink on any takeaway orders over £50.
Burford Garden Centre Café
Fancy a delightful bite amidst beautiful surroundings? The Burford Garden Centre Café is just the ticket! This isn’t just any garden centre café; it’s part of a stylish haven offering a lovely range of food options in a super pleasant setting. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal or a cosy coffee break when you’re exploring the garden centre (and maybe picking up a plant or two!).
Restaurant Details:
Address: Shilton Rd, Burford OX18 4PA
Dietary: Likely offers vegetarian and some vegan options, as is common with garden centre cafes. Check their daily specials!
Website: https://www.burford.co.uk/pages/cafe
What to look out for: If you’re looking for a relaxed lunchtime stop or a spot for afternoon tea, this café provides a charming backdrop. Plus, you get to browse the garden centre!
Eating and drinking in Burford
Eleven Bibury
Eleven Bibury, a spot that truly captures the spirit of the village, just opened on June 22, 2025! Right in the heart of Bibury, at 11 The Street, it breathes new life into centuries-old buildings. It’s more than just a café; it offers seasonal food, freshly brewed coffee, and amazing home-baked goodness daily, all crafted on the premises. Think healthy brunches, cakes baked fresh, and carefully sourced speciality coffees and teas. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so your four-legged pals are welcome! Beyond the food, you’ll find good views over the River Coln and Arlington Row from their terraced gardens.
It’s more than just a café; it’s a beautifully designed space that feels both timeless and welcoming. The interior style was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, so you will be struck by 19th-century design. Inspired by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Restaurant Details:
Address: 11 The St, Bibury, Cirencester GL7 5NP
The Catherine Wheel
A true Cotswolds classic, The Catherine Wheel! This traditional pub has a delightful modern menu, often featuring dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients. It’s a wonderfully cosy spot where you can find comforting yet wholesome meals – perfect after a stroll around beautiful Bibury. You’ll find the pub in Arlington.
Restaurant Details:
Address: Arlington, Bibury, Cirencester GL7 5ND
Dietary: Expect traditional pub fare with modern twists, likely including vegetarian options.
Eating and drinking in Stow-on-the-Wold
The Old Butchers
If you’re looking for an award-winning dining experience that’s all about quality, fresh, and local produce with a friendly buzz, then The Old Butchers in Stow-on-the-Wold is your next stop! Run by brothers Peter and James Creed, this fantastic spot brings together a passion for butchery and top-notch cooking. You’ll find it right in the heart of Stow, boasting a Michelin 2025 recognition, which just tells you they know their stuff!
From incredible shellfish and juicy steaks cooked over charcoal to delightful puddings, every dish here is crafted with the freshest ingredients, many of which are locally sourced, giving you a true taste of the Cotswolds. The atmosphere is vibrant yet welcoming, making it a perfect choice for everything from a special occasion to a relaxed meal with friends.
Restaurant Details:
Address: 18 Bell St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AF
Dietary: They have a fantastic range, including a good selection of raw and fritti options, plenty of shellfish, and meat dishes cooked over charcoal. While not explicitly listed with icons like some places, their menu is very detailed, allowing you to pick out options like their Twice Baked Soufflé or Oddington Asparagus for vegetarian choices.
Menu & Drinks: https://www.theoldbutchers.com/menu
Website: https://www.theoldbutchers.com/
The Sheep
The Sheep in Stow-on-the-Wold is everything you’d want in a pub inn. It has a warm and elegant interior that makes for a relaxing experience that’s as picturesque inside as the outside in Stow-on-the-Wold. Loved by many visiting tourists, it’s famed for its reasonable prices, its many options to pick from on the menu, and friendly staff. At The Sheep, you’ll be served all the British favourites with only locally sourced ingredients to be found on your plate, from fish and chips, burgers, pizza, and more. To top it all off, The Sheep’s commitment to sustainability in their operations makes them worthy of any environmentally conscious customer!
Note their “Thirsty Thursdays” where they have 25% off a lovely Italian bubbly and other favourite wines. If you’re here on holiday, then you may realise just how much the English love their Fridays as they enter the weekend after a week of work. The Sheep have “Feel Good Fridays” with a DJ and a full bar menu to help you unwind and feel that Friday feeling!
Restaurant Details:
Address: Sheep St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AU
Dietary: Gluten-free, non-gluten options, vegan, and vegetarian.
Website: Restaurant, Bar & Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold | The Sheep
What to look out for: The team at The Sheep have done a wonderful job with their menu page interface. Use their easy-to-filter interface for your menu type, which includes drinks, allergens, kids, and more. For dietary requirements, they also have their filter, which makes for an experience that’s full of assurance for anyone looking to dine at The Sheep.
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