Rufus

They do good pastries and light lunches in a comfortable space that lets you sit and watch village life happening around you. The welcome here is genuine and straightforward, so whether you're grabbing breakfast before a walk or taking an afternoon break, it feels like a natural place to land rather than a tourist trap.

Donnington itself has kept a quieter character compared to the busier Cotswold towns, which means you'll actually see how people live here rather than moving through crowds. It's worth spending an hour or two wandering around the village after you've had your coffee. If you want to do some proper shopping or explore galleries, Stow-on-the-Wold is just a short drive away, and Moreton-in-Marsh, which has regular markets, is equally close. Rufus works well as a refreshment stop while you're getting to know this corner of Gloucestershire, with the kind of warm hospitality that doesn't feel performed.