Perched atop Bourton on the Hill, the Horse and Groom is a lovely historic Grade II-listed inn with five charming bedrooms and stunning views over the Evenlode Valley. London Times food reviewer Giles Coren suggests it is “almost certainly England’s best pub”. Serving classic British dishes such as roast pollock or ham hock for two, their pies are well worth considering: perhaps celeriac and mushroom, or chorizo, leek and butterbean. Tuesday night is Pie Night. pubonthehill.com

This beautifully restored 16th Century building has stood on the corner of Sheep Street in delightful Charlbury since 1500. Its low-ceilings, leather booths, open fires and mostly lit by candles, it has fast become one of the Cotswold’s best foodie destinations since it reopened in 2023. Regulars go just for their Pie of the Day – the chicken and bacon is delicious, the local roast pheasant is a treat, and the hispi cabbage dish recommended. thebullcharlbury.com

This gracious pub dates back to 1606, when it was originally a bakehouse that satisfied the Southrop Manor Estate’s parched and hungry Cotswolds farm hands with basic bread and ale. With its open fires, low ceilings, beautiful banquettes and maze of intimate rooms, guests today can dine on a small menu of excellent dishes such as brill bouillabaisse and exemplary baked gnocchi, pumpkin and sage. It’s not open every day, so check first. thyme.co.uk

This popular 17th Century watering-hole has reached new heights with the added magic of culinary duo Baz & Fred’s refurbishment wand. Known for their great pizzas – perhaps with tuna belly and capers, chorizo, Nduja and honey or truffle mushrooms and burrata, they also offer interesting small plates – padron peppers, jamon croquettes and scallops, and mains such as beef shin ragu with pappardelle or butterflied bream with harissa. There’s an impressive selection of craft beers and cosy bedrooms should you wish to stay. thestump.co.uk

This family-run rustic pub pleases foodies and wine-lovers with its wonderful use of local ingredients and selection of fine wines. Patrons can choose their own from a dedicated Wine Wall to either drink here or take home. A classic pub meal might start with salt and pepper squid, followed by Cirencester honey and mustard pork sausages then perhaps plum frangipane tart with clotted cream for dessert. Tuesday night is Pie Night. Beautiful rooms for overnighting. bellsapperton.co.uk

This large historic pub in Northleach has joined the ever-growing stable of Peter Creed and Tom Noest country pubs whose similar menu at each seems to be a winner. Patrons can enjoy a quiet beer at the welcoming bar, sit by open fires in winter and dine outdoors on the courtyard in summer. Hearty dishes might include cock-a-leekie soup, venison lasagne, confit rabbit leg and their chicken, leek and bacon pie for two. Three lovey ensuite bedrooms for comfy country stays. thesherbornenorthleach.com

In recent years, local food team Baz & Fred (of The Stump), have injected new life into this 16th Century former coaching house and, by doing so, into the sleepy village, too. There’s a welcoming Locals’ Bar, chic Restaurant with eclectic furniture and fun artworks and a flower-filled terrace in summer. Small dishes are popular such as hot smoked salmon, braised pig cheeks and duck confit, mains of Flat Iron chicken, rib-eye steak, gnocchi squash, gorgonzola and sage, or your choice of five different hamburgers. thenewinncoln.co.uk

Under new ownership, with a rename and refit, this lovely Victorian pub has reopened its welcoming doors in the village of Barnsley, near Cirencester. Virtually opposite the former Barnsley House, now The Pig in the Cotswolds, the pub is the first for The Pig Hotel group. Appealing old-school dishes include fish pie and peas, bangers and mash with onion gravy and whole plaice with caper butter. Excellent wine list and cosy bedrooms upstairs should you decide to overnight. thevillagepub.co.uk

This 16th Century former coaching inn has morphed into a beautiful upmarket country inn and appeals with its gaily striped red and white market umbrellas in summer and warming open fires in winter. Bring your appetite for Aberdeen Angus T-bones, rump or ribs cooked over ash and beech charcoals, perhaps even a Wagyu tomahawk steak. Other hearty offerings might include braised fallow deer and duck and bacon cassoulet. Pub classics, great beer and good music are promised at the recently-acquired The Mason’s Arms, opposite. countrycreatures.com

Boasting “the most beautiful pub garden in the Cotswolds”, this chic country pub with comfy leather banquettes, exposed beams and winter log fires is open for breakfast lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Regulars come for their hand-stretched sourdough pizzas perhaps topped with BBQ chicken, Serrano ham or ‘Hot Pig’ with pepperoni, nduja and chilli. Popular pub dishes include their signature burger with toffee apple sauce and blue cheese, mussel chowder and steaks from the grill. lionhearth.co.uk