Tried & Tested:
7 Standout Drink Spots (in the Cotswolds)
At Your Leisure Volume 5
By Charlotte Ellis.
As the golden hour stretches across rolling hills and honey-hues, here are some of the loveliest spots to visit for drinks outside – listed in no particular order.
1. The Swan, Ascott-under-Wychwood
Tucked away in a picturesque village, this 16th-century timbered inn effortlessly pairs historic charm with modern luxury. From 1 April to the end of October, its wisteria-clad courtyard garden comes into its full glory, complete with a fully functioning outdoor kitchen, a charcoal-and-wood-fired grill, and a clay pizza oven.
- Vibe: Idyllic, relaxed village haven meets high-end garden party.
- Drink of Choice: A crisp, locally brewed craft cider or a chilled glass of organic French rosé.
2. Double Red Duke, Clanfield
www.countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke
A masterclass in reimagined 17th-century coaching inn style, this spot is an absolute must-visit for design lovers and foodies alike. Make the most of their expansive, buzzing beer garden, and keep an eye out for Steak Tuesdays and their immersive ‘Awaken the Maker’ events. (Tip: Pop next door to check out their sister pub, The Duck, while you are exploring the area.)
- Vibe: Effortlessly cool, bohemian luxury with a sprinkling of theatre.
- Drink of Choice: A blackberry and blood orange gimlet…or a classic Margarita
3. The King’s Head, Bledington
Gloriously positioned right on the edge of a quintessential village green, complete with a gentle babbling brook, a children’s play area and a must-visit historic church nearby, this award-winning 16th-century inn is the epitome of classic English charm.
- Vibe: Traditional, welcoming, and postcard-perfect country escapism.
- Drink of Choice: A pint of local real ale or a refreshing gin and botanical tonic.
4. The Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote
Perched high on a ridge, the real showstopper here is the view out back, offering sweeping panoramas across the breathtaking Evenlode Valley. Backed by an acclaimed modern British menu and exceptional hospitality, it is a true hedonistic haven for luxury seekers.
- Vibe: Elevated, sophisticated gastropub dining with a front-row seat to nature.
- Drink of Choice: A glass of fine white Burgundy, savoured slowly from the terrace at sunset.
5. The Royal Oak, Gretton
If you like your country drinks with a side of recreation and nostalgia, this is your spot. Featuring its own tennis and pickleball courts, the real magic happens when a heritage steam train can be heard chugging through the valley in the distance. There is also great children’s play area.
- Vibe: Lively, community-spirited, and delightfully eccentric.
- Drink of Choice: A refreshing spritz to cool down after a competitive match on the court.
6. The Mount Inn, Stanton
From its elevated hillside perch, The Mount Inn boasts some of the most jaw-dropping, far-reaching views in the entire region. It is widely considered the ultimate destination in the Cotswolds for a late-afternoon drink while watching the sky turn pink and gold over the Vale of Evesham.
- Vibe: Romantic, panoramic, and delightfully dramatic.
- Drink of Choice: A classic, impeccably chilled Aperol Spritz to match the golden hues of the evening sky.
7. The Frogmill, Cheltenham
A stylishly restored 18th-century coaching inn that blends rustic Cotswold stonework with chic, contemporary interiors and sprawling outdoor seating spaces by a running brook and mill.
- Vibe: Contemporary country-chic, effortlessly stylish, and built for leisurely weekend lounging.
- Drink of Choice: A signature artisanal cocktail: Hugo Spritz!