5 Cosy Cafés in Stow-on-the-Wold, The Cotswolds

Stow-on-the-Wold does afternoon tea better than almost anywhere else I’ve been in the Cotswolds, and it has the choice of tearooms and coffee houses to match. 

Whether you want a full cream tea or a quick, well-made flat white between antique shops, this town has you covered.

Here are my five favourite Stow-on-the-Wold cafés, each suited to a slightly different kind of visit.

Quick picks

Map of the best cafés in Stow-on-the-Wold

Use my map below to see exactly where each of these sits, all within easy walking distance of Market Square.

5 best cafés in Stow-on-the-Wold

1. The Old Bakery Tearoom

Undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in the whole of Stow, The Old Bakery has been run by the same family for two decades and it shows.

Everything, from the scones to the jams and dressings, is made on the premises rather than from a pre-mix, and gluten-free options are available too.

It’s a small space with a warm, personal welcome, so expect a short wait at peak times.

2. New England Coffee House

Spread across three individually decorated floors, New England Coffee House pairs some of the best coffee in the Cotswolds with a wonderfully characterful setting.

Real chocolate flakes go into the hot chocolate, and the beans are carefully sourced rather than an afterthought.

Dogs and children are welcome throughout, which makes it an easy stop whoever you’re travelling with.

3. Lucy’s Tearoom

Family-run and traditional, Lucy’s occupies one of the listed stone buildings around the main square and has a glorious little courtyard garden out the back.

The menu changes with the seasons and includes plant-based options alongside the more classic homemade dishes.

4. Stow Town Coffee

One of the smallest commercial coffee roasters in the country, Stow Town Coffee has been roasting its own beans since 2010 and supplies several other local businesses too.

It’s all about the coffee here, enjoyed either in the small Espresso Bar or the upstairs lounge.

If you only have time for one coffee stop in Stow, I’d make it this one.

5. Coach House Coffee

Tucked into an old coach house right on Market Square, this family-run café serves award-winning Ritual coffee alongside fresh bakes and heritage sourdough sandwiches.

The upstairs seating looks straight out over the square, making it one of the best people-watching spots in town.

Sandwiches aren’t always available at weekends, so it’s worth checking ahead if that’s what you’re after.

Good to know before you visit

A few of these cafés are set over multiple floors with narrow staircases and no lift, including New England Coffee House and Coach House Coffee, so it’s worth calling ahead if accessibility is a concern.

Stow gets busy with day trippers at weekends and in summer, and the smaller cafés here don’t take bookings, so arriving earlier in the day gives you the best chance of a table.

If you’re travelling with a dog, New England Coffee House welcomes them throughout, and several of the outdoor tables elsewhere in town are dog-friendly too.

FAQs

What is the best café in Stow-on-the-Wold?

The Old Bakery Tearoom currently holds the highest rating in town and is my top pick for a classic cream tea, though New England Coffee House is worth it for coffee alone.

Are there gluten-free options at cafés in Stow-on-the-Wold?

Yes – The Old Bakery Tearoom offers homemade gluten-free scones as part of its cream tea menu.

Do I need to book ahead for afternoon tea in Stow-on-the-Wold?

Most of these cafés don’t take bookings, so arriving earlier in the day, especially at weekends, gives you the best chance of a table.

Are the cafés in Stow-on-the-Wold dog-friendly?

New England Coffee House welcomes dogs inside, and outdoor seating at several other spots in town is dog-friendly too.

Continue planning your trip

Stow-on-the-Wold’s café scene is one of the best reasons to slow down and spend a full day here rather than just passing through.

For everything else worth knowing, read my complete guide to visiting Stow-on-the-Wold, including where to stay and where to eat.