9 Best Restaurants in Bath and the Cotswolds, England

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Good restaurants dot the region, thanks to a steady flow of fine chefs seeking to cater to wealthy locals and waves of demanding visitors. The country's food revolution is in full evidence here. Restaurants have never had a problem with a fresh food supply: excellent regional produce, salmon from the rivers Severn and Wye, local lamb and pork, venison from the Forest of Dean, and pheasant, partridge, quail, and grouse in season. Also look for Gloucestershire Old Spot pork, bacon (try a delicious Old Spot bacon sandwich), and sausage on area menus.

The Find

$ Fodor's Choice

An artisan kitchen and coffeehouse that serves breakfast and lunch, the Find is one of the best places in Cheltenham for afternoon tea (best to prebook; £32). The drawing room is a serene spot, and the tea menu perfectly balances savory and sweet treats, incorporating British favorites, such as sausage rolls and coronation chicken sandwiches, with a contemporary twist. The fruit scones are fluffy, and you can add a glass or two of Champagne for the ultimate indulgence. 

20 Regents St., Cheltenham, GL50 1HE, England
01242-575228
Known For
  • Wonderfully crumbly homemade scones
  • Some elegant spaces in Regency building
  • Excellent, carefully sourced coffee
Restaurant Details
No dinner

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Boston Tea Party Bath Kingsmead Square

$

Sit in this casual, bustling café, part of a chain, and watch the comings and goings of the Bath square outside as you choose from the all-day menu. Impressive choices include everything from a full English breakfast to toasted sandwiches, and there's a wide range of teas, coffees, and smoothies. Another café is on Alfred Street. 

Broadway Deli

$

A bustling small café, the delicatessen serves breakfasts, coffee, and light lunches. You can browse local cheeses, honey, fresh fruit, and vegetables in the shop amid a constant stream of locals and visitors. Take a seat and enjoy your meal, or stock up for a picnic.

29 High St., Broadway, WR12 7DP, England
01386-853040
Known For
  • Friendly store with a community spirit
  • Local specialties
  • Great coffee
Restaurant Details
No dinner

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Café Huxleys

$$

At this buzzing little café in an ancient building with wooden beams, locals drop in to discuss horses and dogs over a glass of wine, families gather around the big round table for lunch, and tired shoppers sink into armchairs for a reviving coffee. The Italian-inspired menu is filled with light dishes like antipasti, bruschetta, soups, baked potatoes, and salads. An English baker makes the cake specials on-site daily. There's also a terrace for warm days.

High St., Chipping Campden, GL55 6AL, England
01386-840537
Known For
  • Italian light bites and pastas
  • Superb coffee and cakes
  • Terrace for outdoor dining
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. No dinner Mon.–Thurs.

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The Circus Restaurant

$$$

This sophisticated and popular restaurant on the corner of the Circus has an enticing, seasonally changing menu that covers everything from morning coffee to late-night dinners. The husband-and-wife team prioritize locally sourced ingredients, and wines come from old-world small growers. The colorful modern art on the walls always makes for a great conversation topic.

The Coffee Dispensary

$

Located in a former pharmacy, this small independent café sources its beans from single estates, aiming to bring the best flavors to the people of Cheltenham. It also serves cakes and snacks from local suppliers. If you're not sure which coffee to purchase, the staff will "prescribe" something for you.

18 Regent St., Cheltenham, GL50 1HE, England
01242-260597
Known For
  • The best coffee in Cheltenham
  • Friendly vibe
  • Becomes a cocktail bar Friday and Saturday nights

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Eight Bells

$$

Close to St. James' Church, this traditional tavern known for its food has low beams, a flagstone floor, and a small courtyard. The long menu includes daily specials, local ales, and dishes like steak-and-ale pie and deep-fried fish-and-chips. Freshly baked ciabatta sandwiches served at lunchtime are easy on the wallet. The service is swift and ideal for those in a rush. There are also six rooms where you can stay.

The Swan

$$

In the center of Broadway, this pub-restaurant makes a handy stop for a snack, lunch, drink, or something more substantial. Among the hot dishes, you're likely to find wonders such as slow-cooked pork belly with vegetables or king prawn, crab, and chorizo linguine. There's a good wine cellar and plenty of cask ales available. The imaginative decor blends the traditional and trendy with large mirrors, log-studded walls, and eye-catching knickknacks. The pub can be crowded on the weekends, but on a weekday it's cozy and convivial, with an open fire in winter and comfortable seating. 

Snooty Fox

$$

Just steps from Market House and at the heart of village life, the Snooty Fox is a bustling inn and restaurant that makes the most of quality ingredients from local producers in the Cotswolds. Real ales and local ciders are served at the bar, and teas, coffees, and hot and cold meals are available all day. During winter the roaring fire adds to the ambience in the restaurant, and there's a patio to use in summer.

Market Pl., Tetbury, GL8 8DD, England
01666-502436
Known For
  • Food all day
  • The heart of the local community
  • Locally sourced ingredients

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