With Gloucestershire boasting rolling hills, serene rivers, stunning Regency architecture and charming chocolate box towns and villages, there are breath-taking views all around — and what better way to soak up the sights than with a superb meal and a drink in hand?
Ranging from fine dining feasts and hearty pub grub to casual cafes and laidback alfresco lunches, SoGlos has curated the best places to dine in Gloucestershire with incredible views.
The Painswick
Snag yourself a table on the balcony at The Painswick for simply stunning views across the valley while you indulge in afternoon tea, an a la carte dinner or its six-course tasting menu.
If you can bear to take your eyes off the view long enough to eat, you'll be treated to dishes like twice-baked cheddar soufflé; warm truffle pudding with smoked onion and Tunworth cheese; glazed ox cheek with wild mushrooms; Atlantic cod and St Austell Bay mussels in Woodchester Valley Vineyard wine velouté; Cotswold venison loin with beetroot, fig and port; and Cotswold lamb with smoked aubergine and sheep's cheese.
The Nook On Five in Cheltenham
Cheltenham's only rooftop restaurant offers panoramic views over the Regency town, with its sunny terrace being ideal for alfresco dining on warm days — and the perfect spot to watch the sun go down with a cocktail.
It offers a sophisticated a la carte menu full of seasonal dishes like pan-roasted scallops; dry-aged sirloin; stuffed saddle of venison; spiced cauliflower curry; and artichoke and celeriac risotto, as well as breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and stylish Sunday roasts.
The Hop Kettle at Gloucester Food Dock
The Hop Kettle's showstopping taproom provides glorious views over Gloucester Docks, as well as a regularly changing selection of street food for diners to get their teeth into.
Previous pop-ups have included dirty burgers from MooBaa, loaded mac and cheese from BBQ Street Box, stuffed wraps from Le Coq and even gyoza and bao buns from Stockers Street Food.
The Carpenters Arms in Westrip
As well as being crowned Gloucestershire CAMRA's Cider Pub of the Year 2023, The Carpenters Arms boasts spectacular views over the Cotswolds countryside from its large beer garden, which is also a fabulous spot to watch the sunset on warm summer evenings.
For those who've worked up an appetite while they’ve been out exploring nearby, the menu offers plenty to choose from — with hearty dishes like a ploughman's board; Gloucester old spot ham, egg and chips; The Carpenters' club sandwich; wholetail scampi and chips; and a selection of burgers, paired with a pint of its award-winning cider. The Carps is also open for brunch, Tuesday to Saturday, and hosts a variety of special nights throughout the month such as live music nights and fish and fizz Fridays.
Burleigh Court in Stroud
Tucked away on the edge of town, Burleigh Court's two AA Rosette restaurant, The Burleigh, offers views across the Stroud Valley from it's charming oak-panelled dining room, with an outdoor terrace offering uninterrupted views of the rolling hills — not to mention spectacular sunsets.
Its menu of 'elevated Cotswold cuisine' offers everything from grazing boards and afternoon tea during the day, to an a la carte menu in the evening and a seven-course tasing menu at the weekend, with a farm to fork ethos that showcases the very best local produce, from rare breed, foraged-fed meat to ingredients from its very own kitchen garden.
Egypt Mill in Nailsworth
With its picturesque riverside location, Egypt Mill near Nailsworth lets diners bask in the sunshine right next to the water in its expansive outdoor seating area.
The menu spans breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday roasts, as well as a selection of sourdough pizzas — and if you'd rather dine indoors, it's just as picturesque, as the 16th-century mill boasts a bevy of charming original features including a working water wheel.
Cleeve Hill Golf Club
Offering spectacular views of the Cotswolds from the highest point in Gloucestershire, Flynns on the Hill at Cleeve Hill Golf Club offers diners impressive views of Winchcombe, Bishop's Cleeve, Cheltenham and even as far as the Black Mountains in Wales on a clear day — with all welcome at the restaurant, including non-members.
It prides itself on using fresh, seasonal ingredients in its menu of classic, traditional dishes, offering everything from breakfast baps and toasted paninis, to burgers, fish and chips and omelettes served from morning until late afternoon.
The Royal Oak in Gretton
A lovely village pub, The Royal Oak is a firm favourite for its views across the rolling Cotswold countryside, with the Vale of Evesham and the Malvern Hills in the distance.
Its stylish conservatory and beer garden provides the ideal spot for taking in the sights, with its menu spanning pub classics like steak and chips; gammon and eggs; beer battered haddock; and beef or bean burgers, alongside lighter options like grilled pork chops; sweet potato cakes; herb-crusted fish; mussels in white wine and cream sauce; plus a selection of flatbreads and baguettes. It also serves afternoon tea and hearty Sunday roasts.
The Black Horse in Amberley
A country pub located on the edge of Minchinhampton Common, The Black Horse in Amberley offers a regularly changing menu of pub classics, gourmet burgers and hot dogs, as well as tasty tacos with options including pulled pork with barbecue sauce and ranch dressing; beetroot falafel, houmous and sriracha; and crispy chicken with buffalo sauce — with traditional roasts served up every Sunday.
Fabulous food isn't the only thing on offer, either. Its beautiful beer garden offers incredible views of the surrounding valleys and the perfect spot to catch the sun setting on clear evenings; while there's also a conservatory to shelter in on rainy days.
The Edgemoor Inn in Painswick
Overlooking the pretty Painswick Valley from the quiet village of Edge, The Edgemoor Inn is famous for its panoramic views across the countryside.
Diners can also tuck into traditional, home-cooked food made from local produce while enjoying the view, with starters like fresh veg soup, deep-fried whitebait, beetroot falafel with carrot jam or duck spring rolls with hoi sin dip; and mains like hunter's chicken, lamb's liver and bacon, rib eye steak and chips, herb-crusted pork tenderloin or beer-battered haddock and chips — with a dedicated vegetarian menu featuring dishes like cheese and walnut burger with tomato chutney, beetroot arancini with goat's cheese, or sweet potato, lentil and almond katsu curry.
The Mount Inn in Stanton
Situated just on the Gloucestershire border in the village of Stanton, The Mount Inn’s far-reaching views stretch out to the Vale of Evesham and the Malvern Hills.
With an incredible backdrop for diners, its menu features starters like mezze boards, cured meats and baked camembert; classic pub grub mains like fish, scampi or gammon and chips, sausage and mash or burgers — plus a selection of specials, pizzas and desserts, too.
The Vine Tree Inn in Randwick
The Vine Tree Inn is a popular spot with locals and ramblers, being just a 10-minute walk from Haresfield Beacon and Standish Wood. Its tiered beer garden offers splendid views across the Five Valleys, taking in Rodborough, Stroud and Selsley Common.
As well as lush views, its home-cooked food uses locally sourced meat and seasonal ingredients, with dishes like foccacia and olives; prosciutto wrapped brie; wild mushroom arancini; Greek lamb burger; butternut squash and goat's cheese gnocchi; aubergine katsu; and chicken ballotine on the menu, while the great selection of ales and welcoming atmosphere make for an enjoyable Cotswold pub experience.
Todenham Manor Farm near Moreton-in-Marsh
With a small but perfectly-formed menu that shows off the meat reared on the farm and sprawling views over the Cotswold countryside, Moo's Cafe at Todenham Manor Farm offers one of the most scenic spots to enjoy breakfast, burgers, coffee and homemade cake in the Cotswolds.
It also hosts a variety of pop-up events throughout the year, too, like its monthly Steak Night where diners can tuck into Todenham Manor's own 28 day-aged tomahawk, rib eye and bavette steaks cooked on the barbecue. Be sure to pop into the farm shop for delicious produce to take home, too.
The Fleet at Twyning
Located on the banks of the River Avon near Tewkesbury, The Fleet at Twyning is a glorious riverside pub that's ideal for alfresco dining next to the water.
Pull up a table in its sunny garden and order from its great selection of pub snacks, brunch dishes, Mediterranean-inspired small plates or heartier main dishes — with wood-fired sourdough pizzas available throughout the summer months.
Ellenborough Park near Cheltenham
Overlooking 90 acres of verdant countryside, including the famous Cheltenham Racecourse, Ellenborough Park offers luxury dining in an unforgettable location. The Restaurant and Horse Box Brasserie both offer lovely views if you can bag a table next to the window, but opt for alfresco dining in one of its quirky carriages to really make the most of the surroundings.
The stylish alfresco menu includes satay-glazed beef brisket; Cornish crab; Wye Valley asparagus; confit leg of Creedy Carver duck; roasted sea trout; baked celeriac; and pea, cucumber and mint risotto. There's also a grill menu, an impressive selection of British cheeses and even a doggie menu for pampered pooches, too!
The Butcher's Arms in Sheepscombe
A homely village pub nestled in the picturesque Sheepscombe Valley, The Butcher's Arms offers more than just delicious dining, with the surrounding panoramic scenery providing a stunning backdrop.
Its garden terrace is in an ideal position for appreciating the views, while its classic menu serves up the best of traditional British cuisine, including a Ploughman's platter, Wiltshire ham and the 'butchers best' beef burger, alongside cask-conditioned ales.
The Feathered Nest in Nether Westcote
An award-winning inn situated in the chocolate box village of Nether Westcote, The Feathered Nest is an upmarket country pub renowned for its splendid views, with a modern British menu that champions local producers.
It offers a six-course tasting menu as well as an a la carte menu, alongside afternoon tea, a Josper grill menu and every Sunday throughout summer, it serves up gourmet wood-fired pizzas, barbecue food and cocktails on its sunny terrace overlooking the Evenlode Valley.
The Trout Inn in Lechlade
A traditional English pub in the pretty Cotswold town of Lechlade, The Trout Inn boasts an idyllic riverside garden which overlooks the tranquil Thames.
True to its name, the menu features a selection of fresh seafood including a fish platter of smoked mackerel, prawns and smoked salmon with horseradish sauce; deep fried whitebait; grilled Bibury trout fillets; and cod or salmon supreme; with a good selection of meaty and vegetarian options, too, plus a selection of daily specials.
The Woolpack Inn in Slad
Famous for being Laurie Lee's local, The Woolpack Inn offers a bucolic setting for dining and drinking on the outskirts of Stroud. With its breath-taking views across the Slad Valley, it's not hard to see where Lee got his inspiration!
Aside from its location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the community pub also has a welcoming atmosphere, delicious dishes and refreshing real ales on offer. Bar snacks are served all day and there's a weekly changing menu that makes the most of seasonal, local produce in the dining room, while outside during the summer months it offers a selection of specials cooked over coals, from lobsters to local beef.
The Saracens Head in Symonds Yat
Perched on the riverside at Symonds Yat on the edge of the Forest of Dean, The Saracens Head Inn is an AA Rosette Award-winning restaurant with stupendous views.
Soak in the rich greens of the forest all around while watching boats, kayaks and paddleboards float past on the River Wye as you enjoy dishes like seafood linguine, dry-aged Herefordshire smashed burgers, Welsh black ribeye steak, fried gnocchi with wild mushrooms, venison faggots with potato rosti, or pan-fried trout fillet with asparagus and pea risotto.
Tewkesbury Park
With expansive views that stretch as far as the Malvern Hills, Tewkesbury Park's wraparound outdoor terrace is a real suntrap during the summer, but the views are spectacular all year round.
Indulge in a luxurious seasonal afternoon tea; languish in a lazy Sunday brunch; or go all out and experience chef Anuj Thakur's six-course Taste of Tewkesbury menu, featuring Bibury trout, Cotswold white chicken, heritage beetroot, Welsh lamb and English strawberries, all while soaking in the spectacular sights.
