Dining Out near Wren House & The Granary
This particular area of the Cotswolds is wonderfully served by some very good quality gastro-pubs and restaurants. Some of the better ones within reasonable distance of Wren House (with websites, and postcodes for those with Sat Nav!) are detailed below with personal comments where they have been tested (*) by Kiloran. There are also some recommendations for pubs slightly further afield to enjoy on your travels around the area.
You are strongly advised to BOOK well ahead, particularly for Friday and Saturday nights, even in the winter months.
The Better ‘Local’ Pubs, Restaurants & Cafes
*The Fox Inn, Lower Oddington, GL56 OUR (3 miles) 01451-870555: This pretty pub has a very good atmosphere with a crackling fire in winter and an attractive eating out area in summer. The arrival of a new chef in August 2010 has turned a good food experience into an excellent one. Combined with its atmosphere this is now one of the most popular and delightful places to eat in the area. Consequently it is highly advised to book. For the full atmosphere and style, ask for a table in the bar area, or, for a more romantic touch, the old kitchen area. 7 days. Lunch 12-2, Dinner 6.30-10. Sunday lunch 12-3.30. Sunday eve 7-9. www.foxinn.net.
*The Horse and Groom, Bourton-on-the-Hill, GL56 9AQ (3 miles) 01386-700413: Great atmosphere with plain but stylish interior. Worth a drink at the bar – watching the comings and goings – while ordering. Will and Tom Greenstock’s parents used to run the Howard Arms in Ilmington and the guys have achieved one of the highest standards of food in the area; their game dishes are high on my list. Garden area for al-fresco dining in summer. Strongly recommended but don’t try if you have not booked in advance unless you go early in the evening and can get one of the unbookable tables by the bar. It is extremely popular. Lunch 12-2, Dinner Mon-Sat 7-9, closed Sun eve. www.horseandgroom.info
*The Old Butcher’s Restaurant, Park Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AB (2 miles) 01451-831700: Peter and Louise Robinson ran the King’s Arms in Stow for a long time getting rave reviews. They have transferred their skills to a more restaurant-style bistro, and the food is better than ever. Not the cheapest, but worth it. Occasionally a few disconcerting comments about service. Lunch: 12-2.15. Dinner: Mon-Thur 6-9.15, Fri & Sat 6-9.45, Sun (summer only) 7-9.15. www.theoldbutchers.com
*The Plough, Kingham, OX7 6YD (6 miles) 01608-658327: The food is good with some imaginative, well-presented combinations and is relatively reasonably priced. The atmosphere – there are a series of different rooms and a good long bar – is of rustic sophistication with lots of space between tables, and the service has not been faulted. Don’t be late, last orders are taken quite early. 7 days - Lunch 12-1.45, Dinner 7-8.45 www.thekinghamplough.co.uk
*The Grapevine, Sheep Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AU (2 miles) 01451-830344. There are three restaurants to choose from here! The bar area serves good, basic pub-style food, but can be a bit of a thoroughfare. The bistro – La Vigna – serves very tasty better-than-pub, largely Italian style food but the atmosphere in this room is lacking. The main Conservatory Restaurant is not yet tested (by me, though good reports) has a set price with white tablecloths and much fancier service, but its reputation is good. Lunch: 7 Days in all restaurants – 12-2.30, Dinner 7 days: Bar and La Vigna 6-9.30 (9 on Sun), Conservatory 7 days 7-9.30 (9 on Sun). www.vines.co.uk
*The King’s Head, Bledington, OX7 6XQ (5 miles) 01608-658365: The bar area is far and away the more atmospheric place to eat, the restaurant is more stark and definitely lacks atmosphere. The food, however, rates good to very good. Lunch: 12-2 (2.30 Sat and Sun), Dinner: Sun-Thu 7-9, Fri & Sat 7-9.30. www.kingsheadinn.net
*Daylesford Organic Farm Shop Café Restaurant, GL56 0YG (4 miles) 01608 731700: Opened in 2003 and expanding in various venues in London, this is the brainchild of Carole Bamford, wife of the head of the JCB excavators, who is bringing organics-with-style to the market. Beautifully housed and laid out in a series of traditional Cotswold stone barns, it is more reminiscent of a London store Food Hall than a Farm Shop. The restaurant is delightful place for an excellent mid morning coffee or delectable “good-for-you” – or not! – lunch, all al-fresco when the weather permits. It expands by the day and now includes a butcher, fishmonger, flower shop, clothes shop (expensive!) and an excellent spa. www.daylesfordorganic.com
* The White Hart, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AF (2 miles) 01451-830674: The bar area is attractive for an early evening drink and the restaurant to the back is plain but pleasant, even if the lighting is a little unrestful. Excellent food though experience of the set menus has not been good for some guests and the service needed a bit of attention when I tried it. It is not the most popular, so if you haven’t booked ahead it might be where you could get a table: Lunch: M-F 12-2.30, 12-3.30 on Sat and Sun. Dinner: Mon-Sat (closed Sun eve) 6.30-9.30. www.whitehartstow.co.uk
*The Talbot, The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BQ (2 miles) 01451-870934: Recently refurbished and a stylish place for a snack style lunch or dinner. Good location in the centre of Stow but food not particularly exciting and some recent (July 2010) reports pretty bad, and then a better one (October 2010). Lunch: 7 days – 12-2, Dinner: 6.30-9 except Sun and Mon
The King’s Arms, Stow, GL54 1AF (2 miles) 01451-830364. Best to book a table upstairs for the atmosphere. Downstairs is fine but a bit noisier. 7 days. Lunch 12-2.30, Dinner 6-9.30. www.thekingsarmsstow.co.uk
The Churchill, Paxford, GL55 6XH (10 miles) 01386-594000. 7 days. Lunch 11-3, Dinner 6-11. Used to be the place to eat and, reportedly (Summer 2010) is good again under new management. Not yet re-tested. www.thechurchillarms.com
The Greedy Goose, Salford Hill (cross roads of A44 and A436 between Moreton and Chipping Norton), GL56 0SP (7 miles) 01608-641299. 7 days. Open 9 a.m. – Midnight (11 p.m. Sundays). Mon-Fri: Lunch 12-3, Dinner 6-10. Food served all day on Saturdays and Sundays. This is getting some good mentions but is yet to be tried. It has lots of space in stylish decor, so is a good alternative if other places are booked. There is a bar and a restaurant area and places to sit out with individually-operated outside heaters and lighting. Steak night Tuesdays is thought to be good value. www.thegreedygoosemoreton.co.uk.
*The Coffee House, Church Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, (2 miles) 01451-870802. 7 days. The perfect spot for a Coffee – or a bit more – while you potter round Stow. Croissant, cakes, soups and comfy leather sofas with newspapers to ponder AND great coffee. 9.30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday. www.thecoffeehousestow.co.uk. (Next door to the excellent Borzoi Bookshop – ask for Anthea in there and tell her you are staying at Wren House.)
Restaurants
Lords of the Manor, Lower Slaughter, GL54 2JD (6 miles) 01451-820243: The place for a special occasion with white table cloths and similar trappings. Glorious village and pretty approach. Modern European style. Lunch: 7 days 12-2 (2.30 Fri & Sat), Dinner: 7-9.30 (10 Fri & Sat). Closed Mon eve. www.lordsofthemanor.com
Mulberry Restaurant and The Brasserie, Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0LJ (3 miles) 01608-650501: Re-opened in May 2008 after the floods of July 2007, this has been tested by guests. Good, but could be anywhere, was their view. 7 days. Lunch: 12-2.30. Dinner: 7-9.30. www.cotswold-inns-hotel.co.uk/manor/
The Great Hall, Lygon Arms, Broadway, WR12 7DU (10 miles) 01386-852255. Chef: Chris Lelliot, ex Waterside, Bray – Lunch: 12-2. Dinner: 7-9.30 7 days but tricky on Fri and Sat evenings as preference is given to residents. www.thelygonarms.co.uk
Hick’s at The Cotswold House Hotel, Chipping Campden, GL55 6AN (10 miles) 01386-840330. Chef: Damian Clisby. 7 days Lunch: 12:30-2, Dinner: 7-9.30, Sun lunch: 12-2.30. www.cotswoldhouse.com
The Dormy House, above Broadway, WR12 7LF (10 miles) 01386-852711 7 days Lunch: 12-2, Dinner: 7-9.30 (9 on Sun). Sun lunch: 12-2:30, also Barn Owl Brasserie lunch & dinner & alfresco dining in summer. www.dormyhouse.co.uk
*Wild and Thyme, Chipping Norton, New Street, OX7 5LJ (9 miles) 01608-645060: The newest kid on the block – and delicious! Really fresh and local or beautifully sourced ingredients with a Mediterranean twist. The wine list is pricey but Nick Pullen and Sally Daniel have created a wonderful atmosphere and some quite excellent fare. Highly recommended. Lunch and Dinner: Tues – Sat. Closed Sun and Mon.
No 5 (North Street), Winchcombe, GL54 5LH (13 miles) 01242-604566: Because of the distance – almost to Cheltenham – and windy journey, this restaurant probably should be tied in with a taxi booking! Not yet tried, but everyone who has gurgles with its delights. Lunch: Wed-Sun 12-2.30, Dinner: Tues-Sat 7-9.30. Closed Sun eve, Mon and Tues lunch.
Russell’s, Broadway, WR12 7DT (10 miles) - 01386-853535: Looks interesting but yet to be tested. Lunch: 7 days 12-2.30. Dinner: Mon-Sat 6-9.30. Closed Sun eve. www.russellsofbroadway.com
And Some Good Pubs/Restaurants Further Afield on your Touring
White Hart, Winchcombe, GL54 5LJ (13 miles) 01242-602239: 7 days 8 a.m. – 9.30 p.m. (10 p.m. Friday and Saturdays). www.whitehartwinchcombe.com
The Swan, Southrop, near Lechlade, GL7 3NU (17 miles) 01367-850205: Lunch 12 Noon – 3 p.m. 7 days, Dinner 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, www.theswanatsouthrop.co.uk
Allium Restaurant, Fairford, GL7 4AH (21 miles) 01285-712200: Lunch Wednesday – Sunday 12 Noon – 2 p.m., Dinner Tuesday – Saturday 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., www.allium.uk.net
Falkland Arms, Great Tew, OX7 4DB (14 miles) 01608-683653: Lunch 12 Noon – 2.30 p.m. (3 p.m. Sat and Sun), Dinner 6 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. (8 pm. Sunday), www.falklandarms.co.uk
Bibury Court Hotel, Bibury, GL7 5NT (12 miles) 01285-740337: 7 days 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., www.biburycourt.co.uk
The Bell, Sapperton near Cirencester, GL7 6LE (20 miles) 01285-760298: Lunch 12 Noon – 2 p.m., Dinner 7 p.m. 9.30 pm. (9 p.m. Sunday), www.foodatthebell.co.uk
Tunnel House Inn, near Cirencester, GL7 6PW (20 miles) 01285-770280: 7 days 11 a.m. – late, www.tunnelhouse.com
The Puesdown Inn, near Burford, GL54 4DN (12 miles) 01451-860262: 7 days Lunch: 12 Noon – 3 pm., Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday 6.30 pm. – 10.30 p.m., www.puesdown.cotswoldinns.com
The Old Mill House, Shipston-on-Stour, CV36 4BN (11 miles) 01608-661421: 7 days Lunch 12 Noon – 2.30 p.m., Dinner 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., www.theoldmillshipston.com
Old Lodge, Minchinhampton Common near Stroud, GL6 9AQ (22 miles) 01453-832047: Weekdays 11 a.m. – 2.45 p.m., Weekends 11 a.m. – 10 p.m, www.food-club.com/old-lodge
Three Ways House Hotel and Pudding Club, Mickleton, near Chipping Campden (& Hidcote), GL55 6SB (12 miles) 01386-438429: 7 days 7-9.30, Sun lunch 12-2.30. www.puddingclub.com
Quod, Old Bank Hotel, Oxford, OX1 4BN (30 miles) 01865-2020505: 7 days 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., www.quod.co.uk
Jamie’s Italian (Jamie Oliver), George Street, Oxford, OX12 2AE (30 miles) 01865-838383: www.jamiesitalian.com
The Chequers, Churchill, OX7 6NJ (6 miles) 01608-659393 run by the infamous Assumpta who is a totally welcoming and delightful hostess: Mon-Sat 12-2 & 7-9.30, Sun 12-3 & 7-9.
The Fox and Hounds, Great Wolford, CV36 5NQ (6 miles) 01608-674220 – Tue-Sat 12-2 & 6.30-9, Sun lunch 12-2, Closed Sun eve & Mon, www.foxandhoundsinn.com
The Coach and Horses, Ganborough, GL56 0QZ (2 miles country walk) 01451-830208
The Coach and Horses, Longborough, GL56 0QU (2 miles country walk) No food. 01451-830325
The Farriers Arms, Todenham, GL56 9PF (6 miles) 01608-650901. Recently given a good review (Summer 2010) by a guest for home cooked food of a classic pub-style nature. 7 days, Lunch 12 Noon – 2 p.m. (2.30 p.m. Sun), Dinner 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. (9.30 p.m. Friday and Saturday) www.farriersarms.com
The Horse and Groom, Upper Oddington (5 miles) 01451-830584: Poor reports from guests at September 2010. Lunch: 12-2. Dinner: Mon-Sat 6.30-9, Sun 7-9 www.horseandgroom.uk.com
The Plough, Ford, GL54 5RU (7 miles) 01386-584215 – Food 7 days 12-9. www.theploughinnatford.co.uk
The Hollow Bottom, Guiting Power, GL54 5UX (8 miles) 01451-850392: Lunch: 12-2. Dinner: 6-9. www.hollowbottom.com
Halfway House, Kineton, nr. Guiting Power, GL54 5UG (7 miles) 01451-850344: Lunch: 12.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. (Sat and Sun 3 p.m.), Dinner 6.30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Closed Sunday evenings. www.thehalfwayhousekineton.co.uk
The Eagle and Child, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BN (2 miles) 01451-830670. Good basic pub food, sometimes better, but recently poor (July 2010). www.theroyalisthotel.com
Ask Pizza and Pasta, High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0AX (3 miles) 01608-651119. 7 days 12 Noon – 11 p.m.
Indian: Hassan Balti, High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh (3 miles) 01608-650798. This is good, basic Indian cooking. (Suggest avoid The Prince of India in Stow: It may have been unlucky, but one guest was very ill after a visit.) Take away available.
The Thai Restaurant, Oxford Street, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0LA (3 miles) 01608-654080 Dinner Tuesday – Saturday 6 p.m. – 10.30 pm., Sunday lunch 12 Noon – 4 p.m., Dinner 6 p.m. – 9.30. Closed Mondays. www.thethairestaurant.co.uk
Chinese: Beijing Gourmet, 3 Market Street, Chipping Norton, OX7 5NQ (9 miles) 01608-642613
Greedy’s Fish and Chips, Park Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AQ (2 miles) 01451-870821.