Crumbs Bitesized Cotswolds Guide

There is a strong argument to be had for February being one of the best times of year to enjoy the British countryside. Crisp air and glimpses of the spring sunshine, combined with the lingering cold that keeps your mind laser-focused on that warm countryside pub, something that there is definitely no shortage of here.  

In fact, when it comes to the Cotswolds the list of charming inns and hotels is slightly overwhelming and it can be near impossible to tell one fine-looking village from the next. So to help you use your precious time wisely, we’ve put together a few recommendations for a weekend away that will mean time well spent if the aim of the game is to eat, drink and sleep well.

Double Red Duke
Bourton Rd, Clanfield, Bampton, OX18 2RB

A pristine addition to a repertoire that includes some superb gastropubs in London. We are talking Thomas Cubbit, Coachmakers Arms and The Orange to name a few. The Double Red Duke is a perfectly presented country pub both inside and out. With a restaurant that serves up wood-fired grill specialities and a snug bar to settle into for the afternoon, complete with extensive cocktail list and local pints on tap. 

The kitchen has played host to some big-name chefs in the last couple of years too with their Chef Series. Which has featured, Thomasina Myers, Richard Corrigan, Phil Howard and Brad Carter for one-off evenings of culinary magic. Certainly worth planning a stay around if they bring it back this summer.

The attention to detail from reception to room means it’s difficult to leave once you’ve settled in but when you do, you’re well placed to do all the things one does in the Cotswolds. 

The Bell Inn
The Bell Inn, Langford, GL7 3LF

Worth travelling to from just about anywhere for lunch or dinner. The ultimate comfort menu, featuring flatbreads smothered in garlic and bone marrow, kidneys on toast, calves liver and venison pies. Think along the lines of a rural St John and you aren’t far off. In fact, you’ll find St John wine on The Bell’s succinct yet special wine list and they are given a regular mention as an inspiration for The Bell Inn. 

Unpretentious and charming with a faultless menu. Here you’ll find a spot that can be enjoyed seated next to a roaring winter fire or soaking in the summer sun outdoors and with a few cosy rooms attached that won’t cost you a lot more than your lunch.

The Swan
4 Shipton Rd, Chipping Norton OX7 6AY

The Swan are particularly proud of their Sunday roasts and rightly so. A Sunday Roast in the Cotswolds is a difficult sensation to describe generally. It’s a combination that’s already so perfect that when done well, there are few things that can better it. A pub is ultimately always going to be the destination of choice for a roast and The Swan is a standout option in what is an overwhelmingly crowded market. 

After you’ve eaten to your heart’s content, there’s the option to simply slide upstairs on a Sunday evening and sleep it all off too.