7 of the finest restaurants in the Cotswolds

However, right on our doorstep is the Cotswolds – quite possibly the prettiest region England has to offer. Aside from the obvious walks you can take to experience the breath-taking views, the region is home to some fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs. So, make sure to try some of the best places to eat in the Cotswolds as you explore Bicester Village and beyond.

With just the right balance of opulence and restraint, panelled walls, parquet wooden flooring and the abundance of natural light make for a beautiful setting. Head chef, Jamie McCallum, has created a modern, un-fussy menu of vibrant dishes with deep flavours and finesse. The six-course Tasting Menu paired with a flight of wines is sublime, and we hear there’s a great Sunday roast too. For one of the best afternoon teas in the Cotswolds, head there between 12 pm and 3 pm – Wednesday through to Saturday. Booking is compulsory!

The menu, which changes daily, is prepared using humble ingredients to create well-balanced, ambitious combinations. Wines are hand-picked to complement each course, so you don’t have the task of deciding. And don’t worry, they can cater for any dietary requirements, be it gluten or lactose-free, nut allergies, vegan and vegetarian.

It doesn’t stop there – Wilder offer accommodation in beautiful rooms and well-appointed apartments under the name Wild Garlic. So, you’ll only have a short walk to retire to your room...

Whether it’s a cosy refuge on a cold winters’ day or a relaxing spot on the outdoor terrace during summer, farmshop restaurant & cafe is the perfect place to enjoy your favourite drink alongside classic hearty fare.

As part of the Soho House family, farmshop restaurant and cafe shares strong British roots and is a neighbour of nearby Soho Farmhouse. Set on 100 acres of serene Cotswolds countryside, Soho Farmhouse is a picturesque destination offering food, drink, wellness and outdoor activities – and could easily be mistaken as one of the most idyllic villages in the country.

Steak is the speciality here, where it’s expertly cooked on an open flame. You’ll find everything from feasting menus to traditional Sunday roasts, and haute cuisine mains to classic pub grub. Don’t skip on pudding either, where each dish has a specially selected wine to accompany it. We have our eye on the apple and blackberry crumble with a Sauvignon Beerenauslese.

A spot that we love is Bakery on the Water, a family-owned artisan bakery with its roots going back a hundred years. In the morning, expect the delicious smell of croissants and freshly brewed coffee. Classic brunch foods are served until 11 am, and if you visit during the afternoon, you can enjoy their delectable range of sandwiches, quiches and pasties. They also offer a splendid afternoon tea, complete with freshly baked scones. Don’t mind if we do!

We recommend trying one of their speciality pies, each baked to order and filled with the best quality ingredients (with a non-wheat-based pastry for those wishing to avoid gluten), accompanied by its own specially selected beer pairing.