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This working pub sits right in the heart of Stroud, one of the Cotswolds' liveliest market towns, and you'll notice straightaway that locals genuinely spend their time here—which tells you most of what you need to know.
The food is straightforward and unpretentious, and they keep a solid selection of local ales and ciders on tap, so whether you're after a full meal or just a drink, you're well looked after.
Stroud developed as a mill town, and this pub has been woven through its social fabric for generations. It works perfectly as a stopping point between activities, whether that's browsing the famous farmers' market or walking in the Five Valleys that surround the town. The welcome here feels genuine rather than manufactured, and you'll find it easy to fall into conversation with whoever's at the bar.
It's a good base if you're using Stroud as a jumping-off point for exploring further. From here you can easily reach nearby villages like Painswick or Nailsworth, or head towards Gloucester if you're planning something bigger. The Coach and Horses is unashamedly what it is: a proper local's pub where you can settle in and get a real sense of how people actually live in this part of the Cotswolds.
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