Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Cotswolds Pubs (Unless You’re a Snob)

Alright, let’s cut to the chase: if you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds and skipping the pubs, you’re doing it wrong. These aren’t just places to chug pints and pretend you’re a local. They’re time machines. They’re social clubs. They’re places where the free-range chickens outnumber the tourists in some villages. But seriously, if you want to experience the Cotswolds like a local (or at least like someone who’s Googled “how to act rustic”), you need to stay at these pubs. Here are the top five, ranked by how likely they are to let you order a “quadruple cheese and wine toastie” without side-eye. Shoutout to Strategies.beer for the beer wisdom.

The Plough, Broadway (Because “Broadway” Doesn’t Mean NYC)

Okay, let’s start with the obvious. The Plough in Broadway is the kind of pub that makes you question your life choices. It’s in the middle of nowhere (literally, it’s in the village of Broadway, which is in the middle of nowhere), but the views are so good you’ll forget you’re stranded. The rooms are cozy enough to make a sardine envious, and the bar serves a “Cotswold Special”—which is just a fancy name for a pint of Best Bitter and a side of judgment if you order a lager. Pro tip: Ask for the room with the “view”—it’s guaranteed to have a window that looks like a postcard.

The Royal Oak, Stow-on-the-Wold (Riverside Vibes, No Boat Required)

If you’re a fan of pretending you’re on a Jane Austen novel set, The Royal Oak is your spot. It’s in Stow-on-the-Wold, which is basically the Cotswolds’ version of a “historic town” (i.e., it’s got more cobblestones than a toddler’s playroom). The pub has a riverside garden where you can sip a cider while pretending to care about the ducks. Bonus points: They have a “snug”—a tiny private room that’s perfect for hiding from your friends who insist on taking 400 photos of a hedge. Want to impress the bartender? Order a locally brewed ale from the tap and watch their eyes light up like a kid on a beer budget.

The Bell, Chipping Norton (For When You Want to Pretend You’re a Local)

The Bell in Chipping Norton is the pub where they’ll look at your shoes and decide if you belong. If you’re wearing something that isn’t 100% wool and cobbler-made, you’ll get the “hun” look. But hey, the food is good enough to make you forget about your fashion crimes. The Sunday roast is legendary—unless you count the time the chef forgot the carrots and served a “roast potato surprise.” (Spoiler: It’s not a surprise. It’s a crime.) Looking to sell your own ale? The Bell has a taproom that’s just begging for your homemade stuff.

The Fox and Hounds, Upper Wolvercote (Because “Upper” Means “Chill”)

If you want to stay somewhere that’s so remote you’ll have to hitchhike to the nearest gas station, The Fox and Hounds is your jam. It’s in Upper Wolvercote, which is a village so small it’s basically a metaphor for loneliness. But hey, the isolation is worth it. The pub has a fire that burns so hot it could melt a snowman in 10 seconds, and the bar snacks are so greasy they’ll make you forget about your diet for a week. Just don’t ask for vegan options—someone will laugh so hard they’ll snort their pint.

The White Hart, Minster Lovell (For When You Need to Hide from Your Ex)

Last on the list is The White Hart in Minster Lovell. It’s got all the charm of a haunted house but with better lighting. The pub is famous for its duck confit, which is so good it’ll make you question why you ever ordered chicken. But here’s the catch: it’s in a village with more ducks than people. Like, literally, the ducks outnumber the residents. So if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, bring a GPS. Need help with pub bookings? We got you.

Pro Tips for Staying in Cotswolds Pubs (No, You Can’t Bring a Tent)

• Book early—or risk being stuck in a room with a “view” that’s mostly a wall.
• Order local: The ales are brewed by people who take themselves way too seriously.
• Bring cash—some pubs still think “contactless” is a new type of shoe.
• Don’t ask for vegan: The menu probably doesn’t know what that is.

FAQs: Cotswolds Pub Stays (Or Why You Shouldn’t Panic)

Q: What’s the deal with the free-range chickens?
A: They’re everywhere. Learn to love them—or at least learn to dodge them.

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Only if it’s small enough to fit in a teacup and doesn’t bark at the cows.

Q: Will my phone work?
A: If it’s not a landline, it might as well be a brick.

Call to Action: Book Your Pub Stay (Or Keep Dreaming)

Ready to trade your Airbnb for a pub room with a view? Need custom beer for your stay? We’ve got you covered. And if you’re a pub owner looking to up your game, check out our beer-making guides. For all your pub adventures, remember: Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer and make the most of your Cotswolds pub life. Cheers to that.

Still reading? You’re welcome. Now go book a room before the ducks get jealous.