The Horse & Groom

This is a proper local pub that happens to welcome visitors just as warmly as it does the people who stop by regularly. The food goes well beyond what you'd expect from a village pub—it's genuinely well-made—and they stock a thoughtful selection of drinks including ales from nearby breweries.

The building has the authentic character you'd want from the Cotswolds, without feeling like it's trying too hard, and the atmosphere works equally well whether you're grabbing lunch or settling in for an evening. What really sets it apart is the genuine sense of community that runs through the place. The staff and locals chat freely, and you'll feel at home whether you're a regular or passing through for the first time.

Adlestrop itself is quiet enough that there's no feeling of being rushed. If you're travelling between larger towns like Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh, or Chipping Norton, it makes an excellent stop along the way. But it's also worth visiting in its own right if you want to eat somewhere that sits well away from the main tourist circuits. You'll get a real sense of how the Cotswolds actually feels to the people who live here, rather than a version that's been polished up for visitors.