Our Favourite Places to Eat

Finding new restaurants and enjoying good food is one of the best things about being on holiday (in our opinion). We are so lucky in The Cotswold to be surrounded by such an eclectic mix of fantastic pubs, cafes and restaurants but appreciate it can be a bit daunting as a visitor. To give you a helping hand, here’s some of the best places to eat (again in our opinion) locally and in Cirencester.

Situated on the banks of Walters Lake in The Cotswold Waterpark, The Waterside Kitchen and Bar is a perfect haven. Enjoy food from around with world in the easy-going restaurant with outside tables next to the lake. They offer an extensive cocktail list in addition to spirits from around the globe. With sustainability at the forefront of their minds, The Waterside create their own delicious cordials, depending on the season. The Waterside Kitchen and Bar also offer local delivery.

The Red Lion in Castle Eaton is truly a one-of-a-kind pub offering stunning views of the river Thames. Not to mention fantastic food and drink. Enjoy sweet or savoury homemade snacks, small plates, pubs classics or go all out with their impressive Tomahawk steak. As for drinks, they have an impressive gin bar, offer a delicious selection of wine and ales from Donnington Brewery. There’s an area for children to run around, with table tennis, lawn games and the opportunity to try paddle boarding! It’s the perfect place for everyone: foodies, drinkers and families.

Jicsaw is a family run Thai restaurant in Cricklade. They believe in serving customers the finest and freshest ingredients and as a result the food is delicious. The restaurant offers seating inside and outside with a fully licensed bar. Or you can pick up a takeaway and enjoy it from for the comfort of your holiday home!

The Gilbertine Kitchen is our go to Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch spot. The cheese toasties are amazing (make sure you have the chilli jam). We can guarantee it’ll be one of the best burritos you’ve eaten. If that’s not a hard enough decision, they also offer daily specials and it doesn’t stop there. The coffee is delicious and the cake selection is pretty epic. It is located in the stunning grounds of Priory Estate in Poulton where you can enjoy lots of lovely walks.

The Crown at Ampney Brook is a lovingly restored 16th century inn surrounded by stunning countryside and steeped in history. Always ready with a warm welcome, they take pride in serving quality, seasonal menus championing local producers. There’s great wines by the glass and proper cocktails. From casual drinks to private lunches and dinners, we’ve got you covered.

p.s. they have a wine vending machine where you can sample fine wines and discover a new favourite.

Located within walking distance, The Gateway Cafe is the ideal place for breakfast lunch and afternoon tea for the whole family. Enjoy delicious homemade food, proper coffee, lovely cakes all whilst watching the birds and wildlife over the lake. It’s the perfect place to stop mid-walk or cycle and meet friends and family.

Looking for things to do in The Cotswold Water Park? At weekends and during school holidays from Easter to October, the information point within the Gateway Centre is manned by Cotswold Lakes Trust volunteers between 10am and 3pm.

The Lakeside Brasserie is one the best located bars/restaurants in the Cotswold Water Park. You can sit right next to the lake and watch the water sports – it’s arguably one of the best spots in the summer. If that isn’t enough of a reason to visit; the food is fantastic, they offer a huge range of drinks and the atmosphere is unbeatable.

Sam & Jak is an owner-run restaurant, café and wine bar located in the heart of Cirencester offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. It has a simple but stylish menu that changes regularly, offering a delicious take on modern British food using seasonal ingredients and the finest local product. Whatever is on the menu you are guaranteed to have a fabulous meal but make sure you don’t leave without trying a cocktail (or two).

Henry’s  may be fairly new restaurant but it has certainly made an impact in Cirencester. They boast to be a seafood Bar & Grill with a social dining experience like no other and we would have to agree. All of their ingredients are sourced locally and their chefs bring new dishes to the menu every week so you can enjoy the fresh seafood picked that week. Both their inside and outside seating offers a social yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for eating and drinking.

If you’re looking for things to do in the Cotswolds,  Téatro is a hidden gem in Cirencester, located next to The Barn Theatre. Not only is it the ideal place for a pre-show meal, you can also enjoy live music or a cocktail (or two) in the heated courtyard. They are open for breakfast, dinner, Sunday lunch and have a carefully crafted drinks menu including creative and classic cocktails.

The Cotswolds is an incredible place to holiday with the family! It’s even better when you can retreat and feel at home in one of our Self-Catering properties after your day of exploring. Browse our Lakeside holiday homes and country properties and book here.