The Best Restaurants In The Cotswolds England

The Cotswolds area is synonymous with fine dining, with restaurants using the freshest local ingredients from the surrounding countryside to provide the tastiest dishes. With plenty of modern gastro-pubs and traditional restaurants, the area has a colourful restaurant offering for all tastes. Here’s our pick of the best dining locations the Cotswolds has to offer.

1. Le Champignon Sauvage, Cheltenham

Restaurant, British, French, European

Head chef and owner David Everitt-Matthias and his wife Helen have been running this quaint restaurant since 1987, and in that time have gained a prestigious reputation, including 4 AA rosettes and two Michelin stars. The restaurant is intimate with a very welcoming atmosphere, and no hint of pretentiousness.
The French-inspired menu changes seasonally and great care is taken to source the finest local ingredients. David’s passion for the art of cooking ensures creativity and unexpected but wonderful combinations that will excite your tastebuds.

2. Lords of the Manor, Cheltenham

Hotel Restaurant, European

Nestled in the prettiest area of Cheltenham and surrounded by beautiful gardens, this quaint countryside hotel boasts a superb restaurant. Offering just a select number of tables, this Michelin-star eatery prides itself on its impeccable service, with the dedicated staff ensuring that every customer has the best dining experience possible. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the local Cotswolds area, with the ingredients for many of the dishes coming from local producers, showcasing what the Cotswolds has to offer.

3. Wild Garlic, Nailsworth

Restaurant, British, Vegan, Vegetarian

This restaurant with rooms is a true labour of love for owner and Chef Patron, Matthew Beardshall, bringing with it his experience of working in fantastic restaurants in Barcelona, London, Sydney and Melbourne. Everything is made on site, including delicious fresh bread and pasta. Expect pancake-filled weekend brunches, mouth-watering Sunday lunches and an all-week-long bistro menu full of variety that will appeal to all tastes.

4. The Bell at Sapperton, Sapperton

Pub, Restaurant, British, Vegan, Vegetarian, Beer, Wine

The Bell is a charming pub and restaurant that sits between the towns of Stroud and Cirencester. The award-winning food offering ranges from roast goose and pan-fried pigeon to paella and Spanish suckling pig. With a delicious dessert menu boasting exquisitely made classic sweet treats (with dessert wine suggestions for each) to end your experience, you’ll be leaving the restaurant content.

5. Purslane, Cheltenham

Restaurant, British, Seafood

Purslane is a small family-run restaurant in the heart of the Cotswolds town of Cheltenham. It specialises in fresh, sustainably-caught seafood from Cornwall or Scotland paired with the best local and seasonal produce that the Cotswolds has to offer. Their a-la-carte menu changes monthly, but some of the past offerings include Megrim sole served with cauliflower cheese, garganelli, romanesco and perigord truffle butter, and heritage beetroot tart tati. Chef and Patron Gareth Fulford is passionate about sourcing fresh British produce, and only puts sustainable species on the menus to help preserve fish stocks for future generations.

6. Kings Head, Cirencester

Boutique Hotel

A bedroom with a sofa and large bed at the Kings Head Hotel in the Cotswolds

The Kings Head underwent an impressive renovation in 2014 and is now the place to be seen for locals and visitors alike. Elegant chandeliers, interesting wall art, fresh flowers and cosy furniture set the tone in this Cirencester restaurant and boutique hotel. Choose from a more relaxed Lounge menu or a set three-course dinner, with wine to accompany the delicious dishes, and the option of private dining available.