Stow on the Wold is one of my favourite spots in the north Cotswolds – so much so that I’m getting married close by this year! And you best believe that I’ve spent plenty of time sampling the many pubs in Stow on the Wold.
So, if you’ve found yourself in this beautiful Cotswold spot hankering after a cosy pub and some delicious food, then look no further! Here’s a round up of the best pubs in Stow on the Wold.
3 Best Pubs in Stow on the Wold
Looking for the best of the best? Here are my top 3 favourite pubs in Stow on the Wold. These would be my immediate go-to options if I was in the area.
The Porch House
First up we have the oldest pub in Stow on the Wold. The Porch House is a grade II listed building and has been serving customers for over 900 years. The interiors are a modern twist on the traditional country pub with leather seats, beamed ceilings, and antler chandeliers.
The Porch House offers a range of traditional ales and has a fantastic selection of pub grub, from fish and chips to steak and ale pie.
You’ll also find a large beer garden, which is the perfect place to enjoy a summer’s afternoon in the Cotswolds.
The Bell at Stow
The Bell at Stow is one of my favourite pubs in Stow on the Wold for Sunday Lunch. Their potatoes are fantastic and they do a great vegan roast alongside their meat options. On their main menu, you’ll find traditional pub fare including steak and ale pie, and fish and chips.
The team here are really attentive and you’ll always get great customer service.
The Bell is located a short walk from Stow’s market square. Top tip: pop into Jaffe & Neale bookshop on your way there!
Old Stocks Inn
The Old Stocks Inn is a 17th century coaching inn in the centre of Stow on the Wold that prides themselves on being ‘luxurious, but not stuffy’.
Their kitchen is headed up by Ian Percival, who has had an illustrious career throughout both the Cotswolds and Cornwall. All of their ingredients are locally sourced where possible and menus change seasonally. The food here is really delicious and makes this lovely pub well worth a visit!
Other Great Pubs in Stow on the Wold
Queen’s Head Inn
The Queen’s Head is a traditional pub in the centre of Stow on the Wold. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a good Cotswolds pub – a cosy old place with beamed ceilings and plenty of locals. There’s a friendly, busy atmosphere here and the pub grub is delicious.
The Queen’s Head also have a courtyard with outdoor seating, making them a good option for a sunny day in Stow on the Wold.
The Sheep on Sheep Street
The Sheep on Sheep Street is a more modern take on the traditional Cotswolds pub. If you’re looking for a pub in Stow on the Wold that’s a little more sophisticated and up-market, The Sheep is a good bet!
They’re known for their great food, particularly their sourdough pizzas, which use toppings such as garlic and truffle butter, nduja sausage, and buffalo mozzarella.
They also have a lovely outdoor space at the back of the building with cute little beach huts to keep you shaded from the sunshine. This is a lovely spot for warmer summer days in Stow on the Wold.
The Stag
The Stag at Stow is probably more of an inn/hotel than a pub, however the restaurant offers the same cosy pub vibes. Having eaten here before (and loved the food!), I wanted to add it to the list anyway.
Alongside pub classics such as their pie of the day, you’ll also find things like wild mushroom risotto, pan seared pollock, and cauliflower steak.
The majority of their menu is also gluten-free, making it a good find for people with a gluten intolerance.
The King’s Arms
The King’s Arms is yet another pub in Stow on the Wold that can be found in the main square. It’s the perfect mix of tradition and modernism with its honey-coloured stone and contemporary style.
They pride themselves on their use of local produce to create their dishes and source all their meat from a local Cotswold butcher just down the road in Moreton on the Marsh. All of their ingredients are sourced from the UK, and as much as possible within the Cotswolds.
The Talbot
The Talbot is another pub in the main square of Stow on the Wold. If I’m being completely honest, this wouldn’t be my first choice as the prices tend to be a little higher than elsewhere in the village when it comes to both food and drinks.
However, it’s been running since the 1700s so it’s definitely a place with plenty of history!
Pubs in Stow on the Wold FAQs
The only pub in Stow on the Wold on this list that has parking is The Bell at Stow. There is a small car park here. For most of these pubs, you will need to get on street parking, which is widely available throughout the place.
The following pubs in Stow on the Wold are dog friendly: The Porch House, the Queen’s Head Inn, and the King’s Arms. The Old Stocks Inn welcomes dogs in the bar, garden, and library.
Explore Stow on the Wold
Visiting Stow on the Wold? Check out these other blog posts to help plan your trip:
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