Pubs
In recent years the gastro-pub phenomenon has arrived in the Cotswolds. There are still many pubs serving the usual Ploughman’s lunch, streak and kidney pie and vegetable lasagne. However if your taste is more for seared tuna and pak choi, then you will have no trouble funding such items on the menu in pubs, particularly in the south of the region.
Several establishments have changed hands in recent years with older tenants giving way to younger landlords with an eye on metropolitan tastes. Neutral contemporary décor, squashy sofas and innovative menus, not dissimilar to those that you would find in central London, are the order of the day. This is perhaps not surprising as many of the owner chefs have worked in City restaurants and are attracted to the Cotswolds by the opportunity to run their own place in beautiful surroundings.
The White Horse, at Frampton Mansell, has been awarded Gloucestershire Dining Pub of the Year 2007, by the Good Pub Guide. It won the same award in 2003. The wine list has also been recognised with Le Routier awarding it wine list of the year for south west England. Whilst the pub is nothing to look at from the outside and is located on a busy main road, the interior is light and airy with modern artwork on the walls. The genial hosts are married couple Shaun and Emma with Shaun in the kitchen and Emma at the bar. Click here for a sample menu (PDF file).
It is well worth turning off the busy Cirencester Road going towards Tetbury; to sample the fare at the Michelin starred Trouble House. The pub has traditional low ceilings and wooden tables and is not large so booking is recommended.
The Bell at Sapperton is a more formal dining experience. The food is usually good and there is a very attractive Mediterranean style outdoor eating area.
Whilst not at the same heights of catering excellence, The Wild Duck in Ewen is popular year round with both locals and visitors. The garlic bread, Wild Duck Burger and battered cod and chips are highly recommended. The giant chess set in the attractive garden is a magnet for young children. There are high chairs and a separate children’s menu. You can also stay at the pub in one of its 12 rooms. The Chinese suite in the old barn is particularly attractive.The Potting Shed in Crudwell, under the same ownership as the Rectory Hotel opposite, is attracting customers from far and wide for its adventurous mix of traditional and gastro fare. Vegetarians are well served. The menu includes fish and chips, beetroot and goats cheese tart and wild mushroom pancakes. Save room for puddings such as Grand Marnier mousse, passionfruit jelly and hazlenut shortbread. There is also a comprehensive coffee and tea menu. The pub is light and airy and features several dining areas including secluded alcoves.
The Old Boathouse in South Cerney, makes the most of its location with a decked terrace with tables overlooking Lake Six in the Cotwolds Water Park. The pub itself features lots of light wood and glass. The main dining room is light, airy and child-friendly. There are also informal sitting areas and the menu has something for everyone. Open seven days a week, last orders for food are taken around 9pm.
Other good pubs to try include The Swan at Southrop, supermodel Kate Moss’ local, the Falcon Inn at Poulton, Hare & Hounds at Fosse Cross near Chedworth, Kings Head at Bledington, New Inn at Coln Saint Aldwyns, Five Mile House in Duntisbourne Abbots, the halfway house at Box, and the Tunnel House at Coates which is popular with students from the Royal Agricultural College and Princes William and Harry.
All these pubs are good places to take friends visiting from the City so they can see that you have not gone into total exile!