12 Best Brunch Spots in The Cotswolds

Tucking into a delicious brunch amidst the glorious rolling countryside is one of the real pleasures of a visit to the Cotswolds.

I’ve tried out numerous brunch spots across the region over the years, and I’ve compiled my favourites into this list.

From bottomless brunches to breakfast in town, at the pub or down on the farm, I know you’ll find the perfect Cotswolds brunch spot for you somewhere below.

So if you’re planning to stay in the Cotswolds for an English getaway (and I really recommend that you do), make sure you note down my pick of the best Cotswolds brunch places.

At a glance: brunch spots by vibe

Map of the best brunch spots in the Cotswolds

Use the map below to see where the best brunch spots in the Cotswolds are located.

Woodkraft is an independent, artisan spot serving great cakes and coffee in central Cheltenham.

This cafe also does an excellent breakfast, lunch or brunch, and offers a dedicated gluten-free menu.

Some of the more unusual options include ‘nduja sausage, blood orange, sardines or wild mushrooms on toast, alongside pear pancakes, breakfast baps or full English breakfasts in vegan, meaty or vegetarian variants.

2. The Old Bakery Tearoom, Stow-on-the-Wold

Anyone staying in Stow-on-the-Wold is spoiled for choice between The Old Bakery and The Hive. The Old Bakery is just off Digbeth Street and also occupies a honey-toned stone building.

It’s a traditional, family-run tearoom with exposed beams, checked tablecloths and pretty vintage china.

Although it’s a popular spot for afternoon tea in the Cotswolds, both light bites and more substantial fare are available all day, whether that’s simple eggs, beans on toast, or topped savoury crumpets. I’d recommend the ham and eggs, served with mushrooms, tomatoes and a pair of potato waffles.

Looking for somewhere to stay in this Cotswolds village? Discover this charming self-catering cottage in Stow-on-the-Wold.

3. Abbey Tea Rooms and Restaurant, Tewkesbury

As with the Old Bakery in Stow, Abbey Tea Rooms is a traditional, family-run venture, and the oldest teahouse in Tewkesbury, sitting directly opposite the entrance to Tewkesbury Abbey.

All breakfasts and brunches are cooked to order, and the menu includes three-egg omelettes and toasted sandwiches.

If you’re a fan of simple, substantial eats like cheese, beans or eggs on toast, or a full works English breakfast, I’d recommend this place. It’ll set you up well for a day of sightseeing or rambling among the Cotswolds countryside.

4. Daylesford Organic, Kingham

Daylesford Organic has made a name for itself even beyond the Cotswolds foodie scene.

There’s an on-site farm shop and deli as well as the cafe, so you can stock up once you’ve filled up on a delicious brunch. It’s quite a dangerous place to be if you don’t like parting with your hard-earned cash.

Though there are now several London branches too, I think the original Daylesford is still best for the full farm experience, and one of the reasons the Kingham area is a firm foodie favourite. I’d recommend grabbing your table early, as it’s first come, first served.

5. Cotswold Barn, Moreton-in-Marsh

Cotswold Barn is an all-in-one venue for eating, drinking and shopping. The cafe and gift shop are set among acres of sprawling, lush green countryside, and the full English Cotswold breakfast is a classic.

Smaller and vegetarian options are offered, and the breakfast menu is available until 11.30am daily. Thick, packed brunch sandwiches come in both meaty and meat-free variations.

With a good kids’ menu and plenty of space to run around, I’d recommend this as a great choice for families, as well as for gift shopping.

If you’re planning a big family trip to the Cotswolds, consider staying at Park Farm Cottage, a spacious self-catering cottage in Malmesbury.

6. The Yurt at Nicholsons, North Aston

Tucked inside a 23-acre garden centre on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds, The Yurt at Nicholsons is the sort of place you’d never stumble across by accident, which is exactly the appeal.

It holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand for affordable, ingredient-led seasonal cooking, and brunch is served from 9am to 11:45am, Tuesday to Saturday, with sweet and savoury options built around what’s good that week.

Booking ahead is well worth it here, since word has understandably got round.

7. Lynwood & Co, various locations

With cafes spread right across the Cotswolds and more opening, Lynwood & Co are clearly doing something right.

Though the locations are quintessentially English, Lynwood & Co was established to bring Sydney’s community-focused coffee culture from the other side of the world

 The extensive coffee menu is based on blends from Extract of Bristol, bread comes from the company’s own Carterton bakery, and meat, seafood, eggs, dairy and vegetables are sourced from suppliers dotted around the region.

Also trust me when I say they do the best cheese toasties around.

8. Huffkins, various locations

Huffkins has done well enough that there are now branches beyond the Cotswolds too.

Catering for everyone helps: there are children’s, vegan and gluten-free menus available, and if you can’t decide on the day, Huffkins also offers foodie hampers for delivery.

For breakfast or brunch, choose from the morning goods, pancakes or main sections of the menu. Typical dishes include a warm chocolate swirl, maple buttermilk pancakes, the rambler’s roll or the plant-based Huffkin.

9. The Hive, Stow-on-the-Wold

The Hive is positively buzzing when it comes to brunch-time.

Open on Mondays and between Thursday and Sunday, the all-day brunch menu runs from 9am (9:30am on Sundays) to 4:30pm (4pm on Sundays).

Homemade granola and porridge provide bowlfuls of oaty goodness, or pick a full meaty or vegan breakfast. Other options include smashed avocado on sourdough with eggs and chilli jam (my personal favourite), or a sashimi smoked salmon platter.

10. Caffe e Vino & Garden, Tewkesbury

This Tewkesbury brunch venue is a cafe and wine bar with a garden, and there’s plenty to love about that combination.

As the name suggests, Caffe e Vino & Garden is an Italian-style eatery serving good food, wine and coffee. There are scrambled or poached egg dishes with five options apiece, plus baked egg dishes with Italian flair.

Lighter options include savoury croissants or toasted sweet treats, with fillings ranging from jam or Nutella to avocado, salmon, pancetta and various Italian cheeses.

11. The Broadway Deli, Broadway

Beautiful Broadway is one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest villages, and you’ll find The Broadway Deli right in the centre, opposite the Lygon Arms.

It’s a local delicatessen with an attached cafe, and the brunch menu runs daily until 4pm (3pm on Sundays and bank holidays).

In summer, I’d recommend picking a spot in the outdoor garden, a glorious, colourful place to enjoy the sunshine and top-notch food. With a historic building, a resident artist and plenty of delicious local produce, a visit here is a must when you’re in the area.

12. The Angel, Burford

The Angel in Burford is a little different from the other spots on this list, since it’s primarily a pub rather than a cafe or restaurant.

A proud gastropub, though, so expect a jolly good feed. It focuses firmly on seasonal, local ingredients, with options ranging from a traditional full English with black pudding to boiled eggs and soldiers, a herb omelette with parmesan, or scrambled egg and smoked salmon on toast.

FAQs

Do I need to book ahead for Cotswolds brunch spots?

For the smaller tearooms and cafes, walk-ins are usually fine outside peak weekend hours. For popular spots like The Angel and The Yurt at Nicholsons, I’d book in advance, especially at weekends.

Which brunch spot is best for a special occasion?

The Angel at Burford suits a dressier, sit-down brunch. For something more low-key but still memorable, The Yurt at Nicholsons is hard to beat.

Are there good gluten-free or vegan brunch options in the Cotswolds?

Yes. Huffkins and Woodkraft both have dedicated gluten-free menus, and most spots on this list, including The Hive and Cotswold Barn, offer vegan options.

Plan your Cotswolds brunch trail

However you like to spend your morning, from a slow tearoom breakfast to a hearty gastropub feed, the Cotswolds does brunch brilliantly.

Pick a spot near where you’re staying rather than trying to cover the whole list in one trip, and leave room for a wander afterwards. Most of these spots are as much about the setting as what’s on the plate.

Looking for more inspiration? Start with my guide to visiting the Cotswolds or discover my Cotswolds articles:

• 15 luxury hotels in the Cotswolds
• 23 fun things to do in the Cotswolds
• 15 lovely spots for afternoon tea in the Cotswolds
• 21 amazing restaurants in the Cotswolds
• 14 dreamy spa breaks in the Cotswolds

Or check out more of my Cotswolds villages guides:

• Castle Combe
• Bibury
• Burford
• Cirencester
• Lower Slaughter
• Stow-on-the-Wold
• Bourton-on-the-Water