Discover the Cotswolds: The Epitome of a Luxury Countryside Escape

The Cotswolds has always been known for its rustic charm, but hiding within this quintessentially British region of the countryside are some of the finest luxury restaurants, pubs and hotels anyone could wish to find. The dining options are a blend of heritage and world class hospitality. The hotels and country pubs offer guests a cosy home away from home whilst adding in refinement that would make anyone want to return. At Encore Lifestyle we aim to collate the very best that each region has to offer, we believe that this is the ‘Ultimate Cotswold Guide’, for anyone looking at a few days or a few weeks away in the Cotswolds.

Dining In The Cotswolds

The Chequers Inn, Churchill

A notoriously famous haunt of the Clarkson’s Farm team is Chequers, nestled within the village of Churchill. Sitting within the heart of the village, nestled alongside the honey-coloured house, Chequers offers a welcoming open fire in the winter months and elegant outside dining during the summer months, making this a pub for all seasons in the Cotswolds. There is nothing quite as British as a dimly lit pub and a roaring fire, making anyone forget about the stresses of modern day life. The food at Chequers is fantastic, catering to all tastes, but will always focus on fresh seasonal ingredients and traditional British pub dishes.

The Wild Rabbit, Kingham

Lady Bamford is a name synonymous with the Cotswolds, due to Daylesford Farm being one of the must visit destinations… but more on that later! Just a few minutes drive from Daylesford farm, is the Wild Rabbit, situated in the quaint village of Kingham, this is quite simply, one of the finest pubs in the United Kingdom. In the summer, the front of the pub is the perfect retreat, with summer cocktails and plenty of beaming sunshine! In the winter, the open fires roar at either end of the pub with the bar welcoming guests as the door opens. The dining at the rear of the pub, is some of the finest cooking within a 'pub'… anywhere. The focus is heavily pointed towards sustainable farm to table dining, only using fresh, organic ingredients. If you are looking for your next must visit pub in the Cotswolds, be sure to add The Wild Rabbit to your list.

The Bull, Charlbury

The Bull has had some notoriety now for a few years and has gained quite the cult following. The Bull has done this by focusing on what really matters and what people want; a cosy, inviting, guest focused experience that offers only what the guest deserve, which is the team’s 100% attention. The team at The Bull really make the experience exceptional. On to the food.. considering the owners also run the wildly popular Pelican pub in London’s Notting Hill, it nothing short of superb. If you are looking for a haven of rural-chic, look no further than The Bull.

The Fox, Oddington

A proud member of the Daylesford Group and a little brother to The Wild Rabbit, is the The Fox. Sitting in the beautiful Cotswold village of Oddington, rather like The Bull, The Fox is a pub at the heart of the community, with cracking fires and a welcoming bar. After the pub reopened in 2022, guests have raved about the menu that celebrates seasonal, local ingredients and British growers and producers. We would whole heartedly recommend The Fox to any traveller to The Cotswolds, it offers everything you could wish for and is the perfect escape.

The Double Red Duke, Bampton

Quite frankly, a must add to the ultimate guide to the Cotswolds. The Double Red Duke is one of the most famous and popular high-end gastro pubs in the Cotswolds, integrating both rustic charm with contemporary sophistication. Offering 19 exquisite bedrooms, this gastro pub feels more like a visit to a country manor with its dark and moody colour schemes. A reason to visit The Double Red Duke could just be to see the venue itself, but standing with pride is the food. Diners across the world who visit The Double Red Duke rave about the food, so the hype is well deserved. The next time you are looking for one of the best Sunday Roast’s in the Cotswolds, look no further than The Double Red Duke.

The Bell Inn, Langford

The Bell Inn… will never pretend to be something it’s not, it is a charming, cosy, quintessentially English pub that offers, quite frankly, exceptionally delicious food, with no skimping on the portions. Sitting in the heart of Langford, the pub sits sideways onto the road, which is frequented with horse riders and tractors, giving you a traditional English countryside feel. If you are looking for a traditional pub, with flagstone floors, a fireplace, exposed beams and wooden tables, The Bell Inn is truly a must visit for you. The Bell Inn is run by a power duo, in Peter Creed and Tom Noest, who have been making waves across the region for their superb hospitality. The next time you’re in the Cotswolds, take a drive to Langford to see what all the fuss is about, you will not regret it!

Fine Dining in the Cotswolds

The Trough at Daylesford Farm

Daylesford Farm Shop is probably one of the most famous farm shops in the United Kingdom. Offering visitors a luxury side to the traditional farm shop; this is not just honey and flour… this is luxury farm shopping! From throws to furniture and a host everything in between. The Trough, with its Michelin Green Star, located past the butchers counter and either side of the garden, is a light and airy space, best enjoyed in the Spring! The food is made with local Daylesford Farm ingredients as well as local producers and suppliers, this dictates the quality of the food. It is delicious. Unlike other restaurants, The Trough allows the experience to be more of a day out, allowing you to take in the sites of the farm shop before stepping into the restaurant. A must visit for your next trip to the Cotswolds!

The Brasserie at Estelle Manor

Estelle Manor is a country club and hotel within the Cotswolds that is nestled within an 85-acre estate, an extraordinary countryside escape. A fine-dining experience set in an opulent country estate; The Brasserie specialises in inventive British cuisine crafted from premium seasonal produce. Located within the heart of the hotel and serving seasonal favourites with an all-day menu, from local Mayfield Eggs for a delicious breakfast, to a the signature beef wellington in the evening. Estelle Manor needs very little explaining, it is near enough to perfection in the countryside.

Pen Yen at Soho Farmhouse

A famous escape for the creative thinkers among us, is Soho Farmhouse, offering a sense of exclusivity within the English countryside. Located just by the Boathouse is Pen Yen, specialising in Japanese Izakaya style dishes from the robata grill, alongside buns and sashimi. Pen Yen opened its doors in 2015 and has been a firm favourite among guests ever since. If you are a member of Soho Farmhouse, or know someone who is, it is a great Japanese dining option within the Cotswolds.

The Ox Barn at Thyme Hotel

A beautifully decorated hotel, not far from the Bell Inn and Double Red Duke is Thyme, an English country destination, nestled in the heart of the village of Southrop. Known as a village within a village, Thyme offers guests a few different dining options; for now we will stick with Ox Barn, a beautiful barn conversion sitting on the grounds of this idyllic location. No expense has been spared with this barn conversion and the food does well to compliment, with beautifully wine paired flavour filled dishes that follow a farm to table philosophy. The team at Ox Barn take pride in showcasing ingredients from their kitchen gardens and farm in what can only be described as Mediterranean-inspired recipes.

Juliet in Stroud

Juliet is a contemporary European dining destination in Stroud, known for its cutting-edge approach to seasonal, locally sourced cuisine. It is a firm favourite with locals, who seem to be setting up for the year, with reservations in the local eatery. Located in the former Stroud Music Centre, the restaurant is stylish and has an inviting atmosphere for each and every guest. The quality of the food and service is second to none and the restaurant provides surroundings that allow you to have not just a quick lunch, but what some would call a long lunch, where the day slips into night. A fantastic must visit restaurant in the Cotswolds.

Luxury Accommodation: Where to Stay in the Cotswolds

The Wild Rabbit, Kingham

A part of Lady Bamford’s offerings within the Cotswolds, The Wild Rabbit is an exclusive blend of traditional charm and modern luxury, The Wild Rabbit provides exquisitely designed rooms and a world-class dining experience in the heart of the Cotswolds. The up market pub, is within close walking distance to Daylesford Farm where guests can enjoy visiting one of the Cotswolds most exclusive farm shops, whether you are looking for fresh seasonal ingredients or some interior inspiration, it has something for everyone. Located in the heart of the small village of Kingham, visitors can combine country walks with a truly luxurious stay.

Thyme, Southrop

As we mentioned, Thyme is a village within a village, Thyme represents everything that is right with the Cotswolds. An elegant countryside estate, Thyme seamlessly integrates luxurious accommodations, a high-end spa, and gourmet dining into a tranquil retreat. Guests can also enjoy seasonal classes such as floristry and chocolate making whilst exploring the Cotswolds. Thyme also has a local gastropub near by, which exemplifies the estates hospitality.

Estelle Manor, Eynsham

A sophisticated hideaway offering refined cottages, gourmet dining, and breathtaking views of the Cotswold countryside, ensuring an elite travel experience. Guests can enjoy the four on site restaurants or take a short walk to the spa. Estelle Manor offers one of the finest countryside escapes anywhere in the United Kingdom. If you are also looking for a variety of room options, Estelle Manor has plenty to choose from, whether it be a tranquil suite or a woodland cabin, it is an estate for all tastes and requirements.

Lucknam Park, Chippenham

Set within 500 acres of lush parkland, Lucknam Park is a quintessentially English countryside estate, offering an unrivalled blend of historic charm and modern luxury. This grand 18th-century manor house is breathtaking, with its stately architecture, sweeping tree-lined drive alongside the manicured gardens. Guests can dine in the Michelin-starred Restaurant Hywel Jones, where locally sourced ingredients are blended to create a memorable dining experience for all guests. The award-winning spa provides the perfect retreat for relaxation with the stunning indoor pool and thermal cabins. For those looking for the outdoors, Lucknam Park offers an equestrian center with over 30 horses, as well as activities like falconry, archery, cycling, and tennis. Lucknam park is one of our top choices for a Cotswolds escape.

Soho Farmhouse, Great Tew

The infamous Soho Farmhouse, is a fantastic option for those seeking that bit of exclusivity in the Cotswolds. Spread across 100 acres, this members club provides guests with rustic charm whilst combining it with laid back luxury. Soho Farmhouse also provides plenty of different accommodation options for guests, from a private farmhouse to stylish cabins, designed with comfort and luxury at the forefront, with log burners, vintage furnishings and freestanding bathtubs playing a vital role within each room. Guests can also relax with many on site facilities, from the Cowshed Spa to the estate cycling routes, there is something to offer everyone. The dining at Soho Farmhouse is also a highlight, with the main barn serving farm to table food, but if you are looking for something slightly different; Soho Farmhouse provides an exquisite Japanese dining experience on site. The atmosphere at Soho Farmhouse is not to be missed, it is a country estate that combines exclusivity and pure relaxation at its core.

The Cotswolds is the quintessential destination for luxury travel, offering a harmonious blend of historical grandeur, gourmet dining, and elite hospitality. Whether indulging in fine cuisine, unwinding in a luxury retreat, or exploring its picturesque villages, the Cotswolds presents an unrivaled escape into refined countryside elegance. For those searching for an exclusive luxury holiday in the Cotswolds, this guide ensures an unforgettable experience at the region’s finest establishments.