Best gastropubs and cycling cafes in the Cotswolds

One of the perks of riding in the Cotswolds is that almost every single village has its own cosy local pub, offering the perfect place to stop off and refuel. On top of that, many now boast independent cafes serving everything from German pastries to bottomless breakfasts. Truly, you’d be hard pressed to find a better-fed cyclist than one in the Cotswolds.

What’s more, the discerning visitor will find a huge range of highly acclaimed gastropubs, with choices ranging from upmarket bangers and mash by the fireplace to Michelin-starred fine dining in beautiful rural settings. We’ve picked some of the best options for cyclists to seek out, whether it’s for a quick mid-ride cuppa or the perfect place for a special treat.

Cafes

Veloton, Tetbury

Us cyclists aren’t hard to please. Just give us tasty homemade cakes, fresh juices produced locally, and excellent coffee. And if there are some lovely bikes to stare at longingly, plus a workshop for any urgent repairs, well that’s even better. Veloton Café has just that – it’s close to perfection.

veloton.co.uk 

Café de la Post, Chadlington

No nonsense sandwiches, breakfasts, cakes and pastries are the order of the day here. At the weekends keep an eye out for the David Cameron, who owns his constituency home in the village.

cafedelapost.com

Morris and Brown Café, Broadway Tower, Broadway

The stunning, mock-medieval castle standing guard in the Cotswold Edge is Broadway Tower, a former holiday retreat for members of the Arts and Crafts movement. Its cafe, with an extensive menu and some devilish climbs on the doorstep, is the perfect stop-off for riders.

broadwaytower.co.uk

Cacao Bean, Moreton-in-Marsh

This ‘konditorei’ or German pastry shop is full of delicious sweet treats including homemade chocolate truffles and the most moreish cakes. What better way to replenish your energy levels?

cacaobean.co.uk

Chedworth Farm Shop

Serving fresh food cooked up from the best ingredients sold at the farm shop, the Trough Café at the Chedworth Farm Shop, between Cheltenham and Cirencester, is perfect for healthy light lunches and mid-ride snacks. And if it’s more calorific refueling that you’re after, try one of their weekend ‘bottomless breakfasts’ or legendary ice cream milkshakes. There’s a kids’ menu too.

chedworthfarmshop.co.uk

Gastropubs

Falkland Arms, Great Tew

Walking into this authentic traditional pub just east of Chipping Norton is like stepping back in time. It’s full of top-notch pub grub with a beautiful front garden looking out over the picture postcard village of Great Tew.

falklandarms.co.uk

Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter

Time to treat yourself? This Michelin-starred hotel and restaurant regularly features in the top 100 restaurants in Britain. It’s right in the heart of the Cotswolds and surrounded by excellent roads for cycling.

lordsofthemanor.com

Swan Inn, Swinbrook

The Windrush Valley is one of the Cotswold’s prettiest corners and best kept secrets. Tucked away in the heart of it is the Swan at Swinbrook, perched alongside the bubbling river, a little stone bridge and a cricket pitch. It even featured in Downton Abbey.

theswanswinbrook.co.uk

Fuzzy Duck, Armscote

Nestled in the northern Cotswolds, a stone’s throw from Stratford-upon-Avon, this luxurious but affordable gastropub is the perfect spot for a rural retreat: dogs are welcome and there are Hunter wellies for guests to borrow to venture out into muddy fields. It’s also great for children, with a garden area, a dressing-up box and special food menus for little people.

fuzzyduckarmscote.com

The Potting Shed, Crudwell

With many ingredients grown in the pub’s vegetable patch, the Potting Shed is a great choice for the two-wheeled foodie. Highlights include creative takes on traditional dishes, like wild boar and smoked cheese burgers.

thepottingshedpub.com

Finding somewhere to eat or to stay has never been easier than with the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer’s Concierge Services, available as an option with Navigation Plus. It can send addresses to your BMW Navigation system and even book you a table… which leaves you free to concentrate on a day’s epic riding.

To win your own luxury family weekend away in the Cotswolds with the use of a BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer for the duration, click here.

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