The Village Pub

Updated: Sep 28

A quintessential Cotswolds pub where great food meets a charming, welcoming atmosphere.

For me, one of the greatest joys in life is experiencing all the ways we can enrich our lives, and food is undoubtedly one of the finest routes to that. Visiting different spots, each offering its unique charm, helps create these unforgettable moments.

Recently, amid the constant bustle of life, my wife Nana and I decided to escape to the Cotswolds for the day, seeking a break from our daily routine. By chance, we stumbled upon this lovely pub for a quick beer, and from the moment we arrived, we were captivated. The parking was convenient, and the pub itself is housed in a charming old cottage. Almost immediately, you’re greeted by a delightful terrace, part of which is shaded by large umbrellas.

The staff were exceptional—attentive, friendly, and, most importantly, knowledgeable about their offerings. We started with a couple of beers outside. I followed the waiter’s recommendation and tried a gravity-fed ale straight from the barrel (Wiltshire Gold from @arkellsbrewery), and as we watched plate after plate of tempting dishes pass us by, we were enticed to stay for lunch.

The Food

We began with the Jellied Ham Hock with Pickles. It was not Jamón ibérico but It was fantastic, bursting with hearty countryside flavours and a lovely variety of textures. The pickles were excellent, adding a freshness that complemented the richness of the dish. If I’m being picky, I would have appreciated another slice of toast. Even as I write this, my mouth waters at the memory.

For mains, Nana opted for a classic Chicken, Bacon & Leek Pie served with vegetables and gravy. A generous portion, perfectly cooked, with lovely, comforting flavours. She thoroughly enjoyed it, and the bite she offered me was truly delightful.

I went for the Bangers and Mash with onion gravy!!!. It was a large, satisfying portion, with the sausage—if I recall correctly—from a local producer. The mash was ample, and I made sure to ask for my plate to be drowned in gravy, just the way I like it. The presentation was unpretentious yet refined, reflecting a focus on high-quality ingredients carefully prepared. If you visit this pub, this should be "a must".

Despite being completely full by this point, I couldn’t resist trying the Eccles Cake and Cheese. I absolutely loved it! I nearly ordered a glass of wine to pair with the cheese but, alas, I had to drive, so I refrained this time.

Next time, it might be worth staying overnight in one of their six charming rooms to truly make the experience even more memorable.

My Point of View

Although I’m not sure if I have the right to “rate” it, based on the things I personally value, I’d give this pub a solid 9.1 out of 10.

This score reflects the factors that matter to me: excellent service with attentive staff, high-quality food that celebrates local ingredients and is prepared with care, a welcoming atmosphere combining locals and tourists enjoying the beauty of the Cotswolds, and finally, the surroundings. The building itself is beautiful, and we loved the tasteful décor. Everything was clean and well-maintained.

Without a doubt, this is a place worth returning to, and I’m sure we’ll be back to try more!

Gracias!!!