Best Restaurants in the Cotswolds

One of the UK’s most beautiful regions, the Cotswolds is rural bliss. Rolling hills lead to sleepy villages with ancient traditions and beautiful architecture. With a strong rural culture, the local farms produce some of the freshest and most delicious goods in the country. Farmers’ markets are one way of sampling these, but visiting the best restaurants in the Cotswolds is our favourite. From traditional meat pies to light and fluffy cakes, there are so many dishes to experience when cycling here. With the modern revolution in British dining, you’ll also find a multitude of restaurants showcasing delicious cuisines from around the world. The Cotswolds has it all, from curries and ramen to steaks and roasts!

Thanks to the strong farming culture, there is a wealth of produce for the chefs of the Cotswolds to work with. Theories suggest the name of the region stems from the Old Saxon word for ‘livestock hills’, denoting the many farms that have thrived here. Delicious dishes of lamb and pork can be found in almost every restaurant, sourced from local farmers. Of course, no meal in the Cotswolds is complete without a pint of beer, usually crafted in breweries just down the road from where you’ll eat. After the meal, tuck into cheese boards filled to the brim with rich and delicious cheeses, the most famous being wheels of Gloucester. Read on to discover the very best restaurants on the Cotswolds cycling routes.

The Close Restaurant, Tetbury

Whether you’re searching for a full English breakfast, a Sunday roast, or some afternoon tea, the Close Restaurant in Tetbury should be your first choice. The warm and cosy furniture of their Garden Room is wonderful in the summer when the warm rays filter in. Boasting a seasonal menu, this restaurant is sure to keep you on your toes. You’ll have the chance to visit here on day 5 of our Grand Tour of the Cotswolds.

For lunch, feast on Cotswolds chicken breast with fresh summer vegetables and a Madeira sauce. Or perhaps a juicy beef burger from the farm down the road is more to your liking, made as brisket and served with crunchy thrice-cooked chips. At the Close Restaurant, you can also find a dish the region is famous for: Gloucestershire Old Spot. This delicious pork dish is served with rhubarb, asparagus, baby leeks and jus for a mouth-watering experience. For a sophisticated dining experience, at dinner, the confit rabbit and the roasted aubergine are just a taste of the starters on offer. For the main course, local, aged beef fillet or caramelised artichokes are particular favourites.

Toro Lounge, Cirencester

If you’re looking for a fun and quirky place to eat in Cirencester, then look no further than the Toro Lounge. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, the warm and friendly atmosphere is sure to put a smile on your face. Decorated in a kaleidoscope of colours, Toro Lounge is eccentric and fun. Dog friendly, expect many a furry customer here as well; something to note for animal lovers. The wonderful patio space is a fantastic treat in the summer when afternoon tea is best enjoyed.

The menu is just as eclectic as the décor. Showcasing the international eye of British cuisine, travel the world here as you enjoy everything from Mexican super-bowls to miso salmon noodles. There is also a selection of tapas to enjoy with your group, for more of a sharing experience. What Toro Lounge lacks in a traditional menu, it more than makes up for in inventiveness and fun. Be sure to visit here on day 3 of our Cotswolds Single Centre tour.

The Edgemoor Inn, Painswick

The definition of food with a view, this beautiful Inn houses a wonderful restaurant. Gaze out over the rolling hills that cradle Painswick and tuck into some delicious food. This valley is believed to be one of the most beautiful in the Cotswolds, with the town of Painswick sitting idly at the heart of it. Traditional and charming, The Edgemoor Inn reflects this. You can visit here on day 3 of our Cotswolds in Comfort tour.

To not have a traditional roast here would be sacrosanct. Some have described a roast here as one of the best in the region. Crispy potatoes cooked in goose fat, rich gravy, and succulent slices of local meat make these roasts spectacular. After a morning of cycling, a meal like this is not just an energy booster, it’s a well-earned reward. And with a view like The Edgemoor Inn’s, this is truly the perfect meal.

Clayton’s Kitchen, Bath

Bath is perhaps the most beautiful city in the country, and houses hundreds of the best restaurants in the Cotswolds. The stunning Georgian architecture and picturesque river make wandering along its streets a dream. However, if you’re searching for somewhere to eat, then head over to Clayton’s Kitchen. The head chef believes in showcasing the freshness of his ingredients, bringing out their true flavours and using what the Cotswolds provides. From freshly caught fish and locally foraged mushrooms to meat and vegetables farmed just outside of the city. Serving as the finale to our Grand tour of the Cotswolds, you can visit here on day 7 which is the last evening of the holiday.

Inspired by the recipes of the Mediterranean and utilising the bounties of the region, the menu here is wonderful. For starters, tuck into delicious marinated salmon, or perhaps slow-cooked pork shoulder bon bons. And for the main course, you’ll find grilled, freshly caught fish from the market, pan-roasted fillets of local beef, their signature fish and chips, as well as many more. When you live in a region as lush and abundant as the Cotswolds, you’re never short of delicious ingredients to enjoy.

For more recommendations on the best restaurants in the Cotswolds, give us a call on 020 7471 7760.