Whether you’re looking forward to a traditional Sunday lunch, enjoying a round of drinks with friends or warming up by the fire after a bracing walk with the dog, SoGlos rounds up 20 cosy pubs in Gloucestershire.
The King's Arms at Prestbury
Entering the 500-year-old King's Arms in Prestbury, near Regency Cheltenham, will have you feeling warm and cosy from the first step inside, with its roaring Inglenook fireplaces and quirky dining nooks offering a special place to wine and dine with friends and family — with well-behaved dogs welcome to join, too.
Head-scratching trivia evenings, superb steak nights and hearty Sunday roasts also await — be sure to check out our hot list for more hot spots for a great Sunday lunch.
The Fox at Oddington
Undergoing an extensive refurbishment in 2022, The Fox at Oddington is owned by Daylesford Organic's Carole Bamford and boasts a laid-back menu that makes the most of seasonal, organic produce.
The stylish pub is decorated in rich earthy tones with plenty of exposed Cotswold stone and charming period features — it even used sheep's wool from the nearby Daylesford farm to insulate the roof!
The New Inn at Shortstanding
After a bracing walk on one of the many picturesque walking routes in the Forest of Dean, head to The New Inn at Shortstanding, near Coleford, for a freshly-poured pint and a bite to eat.
Sure to receive a warm welcome from the locals, grab a table by the log fire for a tasty meal from its menu served daily, or take in some music on one of its many live band nights.
The Lygon Arms in Broadway
Placed in Broadway, The Lygon Arms is a cosy hotel with an exquisite countryside feel — with honey-hued Cotswold stone and high beam ceilings adding to the comfort.
Book a table at Grill, the new restaurant showcasing dishes from celebrity chef James Martin, or relax by a roaring fireplace in one of its cosy lounges with some good company over a few drinks — for a real treat, extend your visit with a stay in one of the hotel's delightful guest suites.
The Suffolk Arms in Cheltenham
The Suffolk Arms is a Cheltenham staple serving up a warm welcome, traditional British pub grub and a cracking Sunday lunch.
Make a date at the Grade II listed building with its rustic fireplaces and homey interiors for an evening of live music; sampling its extensive list of local craft beers; or experiencing one if its gin-tasting nights!
The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold
A millennia in the making, The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold dates back to the 10th century and is a stunning example of how to blend Cotswold heritage with contemporary styling.
It has a menu of traditional meals with a modern twist, all made from local ingredients, served up in a quintessentially Cotswold setting brimming with characterful features such as its crooked staircases, low-slung ceilings and beams of ancient timber.
The Ship Inn at Stroud
A beloved pub situated in Brimscombe Hill in Stroud, The Ship Inn is always bustling with friendly locals and inquisitive tourists alike.
With its themed dinner evenings — from Spanish tapas to Greek gyros — and an excellent range of locally-brewed beers on tap, this pub is a true destination for affordable date nights, fun evenings with friends or special occasions with family.
The Potting Shed in Malmesbury
Classically Cotswolds with its flagstone floor, open fireplace, beautiful beams and contemporary but classic bar, The Potting Shed in Malmesbury is a gastropub championing great British grub — created with unique flair and seasonal ingredients.
With famous food critic Tom Parker-Bowles's seal of approval, a meal at The Potting Shed is not to be missed, all tucked inside the comforting interiors of the cottage-like inn.
The Black Bear in Tewkesbury
The Tudor-style exterior of this 700-year-old public house conceals the fully-restored, pleasant decor found inside — with SoGlos getting an exclusive first look when the six-year project was completed in June 2023.
The fresh and inviting new interiors at The Black Bear in Tewkesbury play host to live music in the bar, alongside pub quizzes, wine tasting evenings and special restaurant pop-up menus. Be sure to check the What's Going on at The Bear board for weekly announcements.
The Feathered Nest in Nether Westcote
An award-winning Cotswold pub in quaint Nether Westcote, The Feathered Nest welcomes guests into a cosy and comfortable setting, where a host of cask-conditioned ales and lovely log fire is sure to delight.
With its vibrant ambience and fine dining menu, pubgoers can tuck into award-winning food paired with a wine from its extensive list after an afternoon exploring the surrounding countryside.
The Fleece Inn at Twyning
A riverside pub dating back to the 1800s, The Fleet Inn at Twyning near Tewkesbury is perfect for both cosy evenings by the crackling fire, or warm summer days with a chilled pint in its beer garden.
With views over the River Avon, the pub features all the traditional characteristics of a classic tavern, including vaulted ceilings and rustic wooden furnishings — plus, its menu offers all the hearty classics alongside a wide range of craft beers, real ales and ciders from the award-winning Butcombe Brewery.
The Glasshouse Inn at Longhope
Charmingly placed on the slopes of May Hill in Longhope, The Glasshouse Inn features a covering of ivy and other flora and fauna — giving it the whimsy of a fairy cottage.
Its reputation for tasty food with real ales makes it an ideal spot for those exploring the Gloucestershire countryside, whether it be for a weekday evening meal or a cosy weekend afternoon sipping by the log fire.
The Bell at Sapperton
The Bell at Sapperton is an endearing pub in the heart of the Cotswolds which, aside from offering an enticing seasonal menu, provides a pleasant atmosphere thanks to the inviting fireplaces, cute corners to cuddle up in and rustic features.
Open seven days a week with a lovely Sunday lunch, the pub invites families, dogs, and even horses to pull up and spend some time relaxing and catching up throughout the changing seasons.
The Snowshill Arms
Head to the pretty Cotswold village of Snowshill and its traditional pub, The Snowshill Arms, for a truly olde-worlde experience.
Snuggle up by the fire and soak up the surroundings, which include high wooden beams, exposed brick and a well-stocked bar that's sure to feature your favourite drink.
The Green Dragon Inn at Cowley
Located in Cowley on the outskirts of Cheltenham, The Green Dragon Inn promises delicious food and drink options, and a tranquil setting in the Cotswolds.
The pub sets an atmospheric scene, with its 17th-century upgraded decor and hand-crafted bar and furniture from the Mouse Man of Kilburn, Robert Thompson — there's even a brand-new adjoining shop, stocking local and homemade products from homeware items and gifts to the daily essentials of bread and butter.
The Crown Inn at Minchinhampton
Dating back to 1715, The Crown Inn Minchinhampton has been lovingly modernised while still retaining its distinctive period features. The food menu changes seasonally and champions local produce, and gin fans will love the extensive cocktail menu.
After a friendly welcome from the experienced bar team, select a table within the cosy Barn restaurant area, which is lined with an array of beautiful, dried flowers along its painted stone walls.
The Falcon at Painswick
Georgian features and elegant furnishings await inside the honey-hued inn of The Falcon in Painswick — as well as award-winning rooms to stay in if one evening is just not enough!
Celebrating local produce, its ever-evolving menus showcase the best of the south west, as guests can wine and dine in the comfort of this extra cosy and peaceful pub.
The Saracens Head Inn at Symonds Yat
Overlooked by the iconic Chalet featured in Netflix's Sex Education, this part pub, part B&B is an absolute hot spot for visiting tourists, while also being a tried and tested favourite with the local community.
The Saracens Head in Symonds Yat, near the Forest of Dean, sits right by the River Wye, offering stellar views from wherever you choose to sit — providing a warm sanctuary with great food and drink options after a hike in the surrounding woodland or a canoe ride down the river.
The Gardeners Arms in Alderton
Offering homemade cakes such as rich coffee and walnut and indulgent Biscoff from 10am until 3pm every day — alongside the rest of its delicious menu — The Gardeners Arms in Alderton has lots to offer eager pubgoers across Gloucestershire.
With a happy hour from Monday until Thursday; a ladies night offer every Thursday; and a free kid's meal with every adult meal purchased on a Saturday, there are plenty of deals to make going out to eat an affordable treat.
The Woolpack in Stroud
If you want breathtaking views to accompany your pint, The Woolpack near Stroud sits in prime hiker's country and is renowned for its famous links to one of Gloucestershire's most beloved authors, Laurie Lee.
Nestled in the Slad Valley, it has been hailed for its unique charm for decades and has become a hub of the surrounding community, with thanks to its hosting of the Stroud Songwriters Circle sessions each month — you may catch the dulcet tones of the next big hit on your next visit.
