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When next you want to toast a win at the Cheltenham Festival or indulge in a well-deserved evening of fine dining, consider the standout dining destinations in Cheltenham and the wider Cotswolds region. This corner of England is home to a remarkable collection of restaurants recognised by the Michelin Guide and the AA, offering some of the most rewarding culinary experiences in the country.
With rolling countryside, charming villages, and a deep respect for seasonal produce, the region has cultivated a dining scene that balances refinement with a strong sense of place. From Michelin-starred restaurants to exceptional countryside inns and gastropubs, here is where to experience the best of Cotswolds cuisine.
1. Le Champignon Sauvage
Located in Cheltenham, Le Champignon Sauvage is a shining example of fine French cuisine. Holding a Michelin star, the restaurant has long been celebrated for its refined yet inventive cooking. Chef David Everitt-Matthias showcases impeccable technique while drawing on exceptional local ingredients to create dishes that are elegant, precise, and full of flavour.
Location: 24-26 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham GL50 2AQ
2. Lumière
A jewel of Cheltenham’s dining scene, Lumière is known for its thoughtful take on contemporary British cuisine. Chef-patron Jon Howe focuses on seasonal ingredients and carefully balanced flavours, presenting tasting menus that evolve throughout the year. The result is an intimate and polished dining experience that continues to earn its Michelin star.
Location: Clarence Parade, Cheltenham GL50 3PA
3. The Wild Rabbit
In the idyllic village of Kingham, The Wild Rabbit blends rustic charm with confident modern cooking. Listed in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant embraces a farm-to-table philosophy closely tied to the nearby Daylesford organic estate. Seasonal ingredients shape a menu of contemporary British dishes served in a relaxed yet stylish countryside setting.
Location: Church Street, Kingham, Oxfordshire OX7 6YA
4. The Dining Room at Whatley Manor
Set within the elegant Whatley Manor Hotel near Malmesbury, The Dining Room delivers a Michelin-starred experience defined by finesse and precision. Executive Chef Ricki Weston leads a kitchen that focuses on modern British cuisine, presenting carefully composed dishes that celebrate the best seasonal produce. Attentive service and the tranquillity of the manor’s surroundings add to the sense of occasion.
Location: Malmesbury SN16 0RB
5. 5 North Street
In the heart of Winchcombe, 5 North Street proves that exceptional dining can thrive in an intimate setting. Listed in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and thoughtful menus built around outstanding British ingredients. The regularly changing menu keeps the experience fresh while maintaining a reassuring sense of craft and care.
Location: 5 North St, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5LH
6. Bybrook at The Manor House
Nestled within the historic Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe, Bybrook combines classical technique with contemporary creativity. Holding a Michelin star, the restaurant under Executive Chef Robert Potter focuses on refined modern British cooking, drawing heavily on seasonal produce from the surrounding countryside. The 14th-century manor setting adds a layer of quiet grandeur to the experience.
Location: Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 7HX
7. The Feathered Nest Inn
Perched high above the Cotswolds countryside, The Feathered Nest Inn offers sweeping views alongside ambitious modern British cooking. Awarded three AA Rosettes, the restaurant pairs the warmth of a country inn with a menu that shows real culinary ambition. It is an ideal place to enjoy carefully prepared dishes while taking in some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes.
Location: Nether Westcote OX7 6SD
8. The Nut Tree Inn
A Michelin-starred treasure in Murcott, The Nut Tree Inn delivers an elevated take on classic British cuisine within the relaxed setting of a historic pub. The kitchen balances tradition with modern technique, presenting dishes that feel both comforting and refined. Its reputation for consistent quality continues to draw diners from across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.
Location: Main Street, Murcott, Oxfordshire, OX5 2RE
9. The Old Butchers
Don’t let the unassuming name fool you. The Old Butchers in Stow-on-the-Wold has built a strong following for its assured cooking and seafood-focused menu. Listed in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant specialises in impeccably sourced fish and shellfish alongside contemporary British dishes, all served in a stylish yet welcoming setting.
Location: 7 Park St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AQ
A Culinary Journey Worth Savouring
Dining in Cheltenham and the Cotswolds is about more than simply enjoying a good meal. It reflects a region where exceptional produce, thoughtful cooking, and genuine hospitality come together with ease.
Whether you are seeking Michelin-starred finesse or a refined countryside inn with character, these restaurants showcase the depth and quality of the area’s dining scene. Each offers its own interpretation of modern British gastronomy while celebrating the flavours and traditions that define this remarkable part of England.
