The Golden Ball Inn

This is genuine pub territory—the kind of place that's been looked after regulars and visitors for generations, with genuine character and the sort of comfort you'd want from a proper local.

The bar stocks a good selection of local ales, lagers, and spirits, and the food menu offers substantial pub fare designed to fill you up properly. When the weather's poor, you'll usually find a real fire burning, which adds to the welcoming atmosphere. It's the sort of place where you'll notice the same faces at the bar most nights, but visitors are made to feel genuinely welcome.

Location is one of its real strengths. You're just a few minutes from Stow's market square and the independent shops scattered throughout the town, so it works well as a break point if you're spending the day looking around. It's also conveniently placed if you want to venture further afield—Moreton-in-Marsh and Bourton-on-the-Water are both easily accessible from here. In short, it's an honest, dependable place for food and drink, exactly what you'd want from a local pub in a town like this.