Declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the picturesque Cotswold’s is a favourite destination for Brits and overseas visitors eager to experience the English countryside. Of course, no trip would be complete without tucking into a local Sunday roast. However, with excellent local produce and a rise in gastro-pubs, choosing the perfect spot in the Cotswolds’ can be an overwhelming task. Luckily, we’ve narrowed down the top 5 places to go, so you can enjoy a first class, stress free roast in one of the country’s most idyllic locations.
The Bell at Sapperton
Image credit @thecotswoldsconnection
After a walk along Sapperton’s famous canal tunnel, unwind and refuel with a cracking Sunday lunch at The Bell. With drinking bowls for dogs, and a post to tether your horse to (this is the English countryside after all), the charming rural inn is a favourite among both locals and visitors. Serving up hearty roast lunches, complete with all the traditional trimmings and seasonal vegetables grown in the pub’s garden, it comes as no surprise that The Bell was listed as a finalist in the Cotswold Life Food and Drinks Awards 2016.
The Bell can be found at Sapperton, Nr Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6LE
The Kings Head Inn, Bledington
Image credit: cotswoldlife.co.uk
Surrounded by rolling Cotswold greenery, dog-friendly The Kings Head Inn is the ideal spot for a social Sunday. Bring a group of friends and try one of their superb ‘Roasts to Share,†where a joint of beef, lamb or pork will be carved at the table and served with all the trimmings. Just make sure you book the sharing roasts in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Kings Head Inn can be found at The Green, Bledington, Oxon OX7 6XQ
The Porch House
Image credit: houseandgarden.co.uk
Reputed to be England’s oldest inn, The Porch House is every bit the cosy English pub you hope to stumble across. Situated in the historic, and incredibly scenic honey-coloured market town of Stow on the Wold, the Porch’s relaxed atmosphere and generous portions of their delicious Sunday roast are guaranteed to leave even the fussiest of dining companions satisfied. After all, it did win The Good Pub Guide’s ‘New Pub of the Year 2016’ award.
The Porch House can be found at Digbeth St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1BN
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach
Image credit: Jackson Stops
Wowing food critics and locals, The Wheatsheaf Inn has certainly made an impression in the Cotswolds. Using locally sourced ingredients, the rustic and reasonably priced Sunday lunch menu offers a delicious range of choices, from roast beef to a slow cooked pork loin with the always necessary crackling. The excellent service and extensive wine list only add to why a visit to The Wheatsheaf Inn is a brilliant way to end your weekend on a high.
The Wheatsheaf Inn can be found at West Rd, Northleach, Cheltenham GL54 3EZ
The Wild Duck Inn
Image credit: The Wild Duck
Another stellar venue from the acclaimed Lucky Onion group, The Wild Duck is serious about food, and their Sunday roasts are no exception. The classic British meal is executed beautifully, with offerings such as the Cotswold chicken paired perfectly with one of the pub’s own selection of traditional ale. Roasts aside, no visit is complete without sampling their sticky toffee pudding - trust us. The top-notch food, cosy interiors and a roaring fireplace? The Wild Duck is the perfect spot to while away a Sunday and escape everyday life come rain, hail or shine.
The Wild Duck Inn can be found at Drakes Island, Cirencester GL7 6BY