5 cosy cafés in Stow-on-the-Wold, The Cotswolds

If you ask me, one of the best ways to spend a couple of hours while exploring pretty towns like Stow-on-the-Wold is to cosy up in a quaint tea room.

I love that there are so many options for a civilised afternoon tea in the Cotswolds. Stow-on-the-Wold is no different, offering a plethora of cute cafés to choose from.

In this guide, I share my pick of the best cafés in Stow-on-the-Wold so you can find the perfect spot for a cuppa, a coffee, or some baked goods.

1. Huffkins

Address: The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AB

Best for: Classic afternoon tea

This cosy Stow-on-the-Wold café and bakery is also located on Market Square.

Huffkins is an upmarket local venture offering handmade cakes, luxurious hampers and gifts with an afternoon tea theme, as well as the on site café.

As such, I consider it to be one of the top places in the Cotswolds for an afternoon tea. Options include classic, celebration and royal cream teas.

If it’s a lighter treat you crave, peruse the menu ranging from bacon, sausage and plant-based ‘huffkins’ to eclairs, scones and other appealing bakes.

2. Lucy’s Tearoom

Address: The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AB

Best for: Traditional tea room

Lucy’s also occupies one of the listed stone buildings huddled around Stow-on-the-Wold’s main square.

Traditional and family-run, it has a glorious little courtyard garden out the back and a warm, welcoming atmosphere within.

Open daily between 10am and 4pm, I think Lucy’s is perfect for a pitstop while exploring Stow or browsing the antique shops.

Or it’s equally suited to a longer, more lingering lunch break. The ever-changing menu features both plant-based and seasonal dishes. 

3. New England Coffee House

Address: 1 Digbeth St, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BN

Best for: A great cup of coffee

Attention to detail is the name of the game at the independently-owned New England Coffee House.

Flakes of real chocolate are used to make the hot chocolate, and only the best coffee beans have been carefully sourced.

With every kind of cake or coffee you could dream of sold here, believe me when I say that it’s paradise for those with a sweet tooth or a penchant for caffeine.

4. The Old Bakery

Address: Fountain Court, Digbeth Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BN

Best for: A friendly welcome

If you want to sample a traditional British afternoon tea while in Stow-on-the-Wold, The Old Bakery is one of the top places in which to do exactly that.

This welcoming café also offers homemade cakes and light meals. All food is freshly prepared to order, so I’d say it’s not the place to go if you’re in a rush.

Here it’s all about the genuine welcome, enjoyable conversation – and of course the delicious sweet and savoury morsels made here on site. 

5. Stow Town Coffee

Address: 2 Wells Barn, Sheep Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AA

Best for: Excellent coffee

This local venture began roasting beans in 2010 and is one of the UK’s smallest commercial coffee bean roasters.

Stow Town Coffee supplies bespoke blends to local businesses, mostly within a 20-mile radius. 

As such it’s all about the coffee here more than anything else. You can enjoy an incomparable cuppa either in the Espresso Bar or the upstairs lounge.

Do you have any favourite cafés in Stow-on-the-Wold? Let me know in the comments!

If you’re planning a trip to the area, read my guide to the best things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold. Alternatively, discover the best hotels and my favourite restaurants in Stow.