Cozy, Bougie, Iconic: The Coolest Pubs in the Cotswolds

Pints, Fireplaces & Country Vibes: The Best Pubs to Visit in the Cotswolds (That Aren't Just for Boomers)

There’s something about a British pub that just hits. Maybe it’s the cozy wood-burning fire, maybe it’s the low-key buzz of locals chatting, or maybe it's the fact that even your most introverted friend suddenly becomes a beer sommelier. Now picture that vibe, but dropped into rolling hills, honey-colored stone villages, and scenes straight out of a cottagecore TikTok. You’re in the Cotswolds.

I spent a long weekend hopping from pub to pub (for research, obviously), chasing that perfect combo of aesthetic, vibes, and a dangerously good steak and ale pie. Whether you're road-tripping with friends or crashing at a countryside Airbnb for your countryside reset, these are the best Cotswolds pubs Gen Z will actually love. It’s not just for retired Londoners in Barbour jackets.

1. The Wild Rabbit – Kingham

Vibe check: Rustic chic with subtle Soho House energy
Best for: Bougie nights out and cute countryside dates

If Anthropologie designed a pub, it would look like this. Think candlelit tables, exposed beams, and staff who explain wine pairings without making it weird. This place is fancy, no doubt. It’s part of the Daylesford crew (aka organic rich people heaven). But the food? Unreal. Their venison pie changed my whole outlook on countryside food. My bank account cried, but my taste buds were in full celebration mode.

🌟 Personal moment: Tried to take a “just-one-glass” wine pic and ended up in a deep life chat with a local who used to be a punk bassist. Wildly wholesome.

2. The Bell Inn – Langford

Vibe check: Trendy but still traditional
Best for: Group hangouts and chill Sunday afternoons

This one’s got serious cool points. It’s run by the people behind Hawksmoor, so you already know the food slaps. Think craft beers, sharing plates (get the nduja scotch egg), and a beer garden that looks straight out of a soft-filter reel. It’s less pub roast and more oysters-with-your-IPA kinda place.

🧡 Pro tip: Book ahead. This place fills up fast, especially with all the weekend escapees from London.

3. The Ebrington Arms – Ebrington

Vibe check: Straight-up cottagecore dream
Best for: Cozy nights, main character energy

This place looks like a movie set from an English countryside rom-com. It’s proper old-school (been around since the 1600s), but it still feels fresh and welcoming. The ale is award-winning, the menu hits every comfort food craving, and the garden is chef’s kiss in summer.

🍃 Stayed upstairs and woke up to birdsong. Legit birdsong. Felt like a Disney princess until I tripped over my suitcase trying to find the bathroom.

4. The Woolpack – Slad

Vibe check: Indie and a little wild
Best for: Quiet thinkers, poetry lovers, sunset ciders

This was once poet Laurie Lee’s hangout, and it fully makes sense. It’s perched above a stunning valley and gives serious reflective journal vibes. No Wi-Fi, just views, cider, and conversations that go from mushroom foraging to “what even is reality?”

🌄 Real talk: I got teary-eyed over my cider during golden hour. It was that peaceful. No shame.

5. The New Inn – Coln St. Aldwyns

Vibe check: Historic, stylish, soft life vibes
Best for: Pub roasts that deliver and dreamy staycations

This spot is effortlessly charming. It's got that roll-top-bath, low-lighting, luxe countryside feel. The lamb shoulder is unreal, and the staff actually know their gin game. Bonus points for being dog-friendly and having quiet rooms upstairs that feel like mini-retreats.

🛏️ Ended up in the beer garden chatting with a couple on their "micro-honeymoon" and now we follow each other on Instagram. Friendship unlocked.

6. The Swan – Swinbrook

Vibe check: Storybook charm
Best for: Rainy day retreats and slow living

This riverside pub is quiet magic. Picture ducks floating by while you sip mulled cider in a corner seat with a blanket on your lap. It’s peaceful in a way that makes you forget you ever had notifications on your phone.

☔ I read a whole book here in one sitting and not one person interrupted me. Peak main character moment.

7. The Five Alls – Filkins

Vibe check: Social, fun, welcoming
Best for: Group hangs, post-hike rewards, low-key flirting

There’s an energy at this pub that’s hard to explain but easy to feel. It’s warm, loud in a good way, and full of friendly faces. The food hits that comfort sweet spot and the cocktail list isn’t messing around. Plus, the staff are the kind of cool where you actually want to ask what they’re drinking.

🍸 Ended up playing cards with strangers for hours. My phone died and I didn't even care. Bliss.

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Stay connected with more under-the-radar travel finds and unforgettable Gen Z getaways at Woke Waves Magazine — where the road leads to stories that stick.

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