Gloucestershire pub and bar guide
Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Gloucestershire - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.
The Lamb Inn, Iron Acton
Address: Wotton Road, Iron Acton, Bristol, Gloucestershire, BS37 9UZ [map]
Phone: 01454 228265
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Nearest train station: Yate (1.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
The Old Spot, Dursley
Address: 2 Hill Road, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 4JQ [map]
Phone: 01453 542870
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Nearest train station: Cam & Dursley (2.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Although this pub oozes character, you may wonder what exactly makes it the current CAMRA National Pub of the Year. This charming place has everything that you might expect, with its old fireplaces, multi rooms, bric-a-brac but apparently it wasn’t always this way. Local character Ric Sainty, of whom a beer is named, transformed a rundown establishment into an award winner. The character and love he instilled is the reason behind all its many awards and you only have to sit for half an hour to see why. Loads of local real ales and friendly people add to the pleasure and are the reason why the pub is buzzing even in mid-afternoon. If you are in the Gloucester area or are walking the Cotswold Way, this place is an absolute must.
service just a little under-whelming on a not too busy night, but friendly enough.
good value pub-type grub eg venison & stout pie wi roasted veg and dauphinoise pots £8.
I must admit I'm not so happy about the recent-ish policy on guest beers being loacal due to the carbon footprint situation but I do understand Steve's decision to go down this route even if it does mean you can't get to try beers from far a field anymore apart from at the regular beer festivals here. Other than this nothing much changes at the Old Spot just the same old simple things being done to perfection leading to a packed pub on a daily basis (Are not ALL the "great" pubs this way though?). Just wish it was nearer to home that's all.
18 May 2008 22:00
excellent ales...great selection. Old Ric 4.5% from Uley very nice, shame no Old Spot on offer tho. Guests from full Batemans range, that's hardly a local low carbon footprint delivery......excellent XXXB as one would expect.service just a little under-whelming on a not too busy night, but friendly enough.
good value pub-type grub eg venison & stout pie wi roasted veg and dauphinoise pots £8.
13 Mar 2008 08:52
Yes well done Steve, Belinda and of course Ric on National Pub of the Year!!! I must admit I'm not so happy about the recent-ish policy on guest beers being loacal due to the carbon footprint situation but I do understand Steve's decision to go down this route even if it does mean you can't get to try beers from far a field anymore apart from at the regular beer festivals here. Other than this nothing much changes at the Old Spot just the same old simple things being done to perfection leading to a packed pub on a daily basis (Are not ALL the "great" pubs this way though?). Just wish it was nearer to home that's all.
29 Feb 2008 18:29
The Plough Inn at Ford, Ford
Address: Ford, Temple Guiting, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5RU [map]
Phone: 01386 584215
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Reviews by BITE users:
Were going to eat here but was full. Quick pint of Donnington SBA which was very nice. Will visit and try to eat again but I recommend booking!
24 Jun 2008 08:43
The customers in this place are a little highley strung but the beer and food is excellant.19 Jun 2008 21:31
Agree a bit spoilt. Lovely views. Excellant food. The Donnington Ales are superb. Worth it for the beer. As long as you can see through the staff this place is a close to perfection as you can find. A worthy bet for a spell in the top 40.29 May 2008 10:28
The Plough, Pilning
Address: Pilning Street, Pilning, Bristol, Gloucestershire, BS35 4JJ [map]
Phone: 01454 632556
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Nearest train stations: Pilning (0.2 miles), Severn Beach (2 miles), Patchway (3.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
What a fantastic pub, I went in last night and was served quickly with a smile everyone was very friendly what a Great atmosphere. I will be going again in the very near future.
As soon as my head feel better
Just had a fab evening at this pub, had a party night in their marquee, for was superb, ale was outstanding (drank Old Timer), not sure if the previous comment went to the right pub as I was welcomed like I had used the pub as my local (I live 20 miles away) the person that wrote the review obviously doesn't know what the hell he is talking about? Who cares about personal problems, we all have them!!?? Or are you not in a normal relationship?? The Cross Hands (just down the road) is a good drinking pub, should you be in the clan and use the same tattoo artist!!! (they tattoo men as well as women)
As soon as my head feel better
12 Apr 2008 10:31
I have visited this pub on many occasions over the last couple of months and I can honestly say that it is a fantastic place to eat. The menu is on chalkboards and is always changing, the staff are welcoming and friendly. Real ale on tap is from a small brewery called Wadworth, the ale is second to none. Lots of different events happening there over next few weeks. Very well organised and spotlessly clean inside, not sure if the outside really does it justice. We found this place one day when we got lost, it is now the only pub that we go to for food. (They even allow children!!) many pubs in the area do not and they have a great beer garden and kiddies play area. I think it has recently been taken over and all I can say is the very best of luck to the owners as it's a pub that has everything for everybody. Well done! A*****18 Jan 2008 23:43
HiJust had a fab evening at this pub, had a party night in their marquee, for was superb, ale was outstanding (drank Old Timer), not sure if the previous comment went to the right pub as I was welcomed like I had used the pub as my local (I live 20 miles away) the person that wrote the review obviously doesn't know what the hell he is talking about? Who cares about personal problems, we all have them!!?? Or are you not in a normal relationship?? The Cross Hands (just down the road) is a good drinking pub, should you be in the clan and use the same tattoo artist!!! (they tattoo men as well as women)
13 Dec 2007 00:43
Redesdale Arms, Moreton-In-Marsh
Address: High Street, Moreton-In-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0AX [map]
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Nearest train station: Moreton-in-marsh (0.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
When in Moreton I would choose the Redesdale. Good food good Beer good service
11 May 2008 14:51
I visited this smart bar on 31.12.07 while spending New Year in Moreton in Marsh, and enjoyed an excellent Courage Best. 6 Feb 2008 09:40
Really enjoyed this place yesterday. Two fireplaces on the go, various boardgames available, 2 Hook Norton's available (ordinary and Old Hooky), decent burgers. Basically wiled away the day in here, as there's so little else to do in Moreton on a Sunday. We stopped in 3 pubs (The Black Bear and the Old Bell) and this was easily the best one.21 Jan 2008 10:03
Bell Inn, Moreton in Marsh
Address: High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL56 0AF [map]
Phone: 01608 651 688
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Nearest train station: Moreton-in-marsh (0.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
An OK pub, could do with a little decorating, Beer was good. Went in on Tuesday market day though when "all tables are for diners only" according to the menu. I didn't eat and sat down on principle as there was plenty of tables free. The outside area was in need of cleaning however.
I was hoping for a cider, but it was off, so I went for some CAMRA endorsed Vanilla Bumble Beer in bottle that was flat and awful. Couldn't get out of the place quick enough.
Lacking atmos, the staff are all miserable with long faces and not even a thank you as you leave. (and that when the pub is empty). The decor is in desperate need of updating or at least painting. The seats look tired and grubby. Beer selection can be good with Local and Cornish ale on tap along with a couple of Ciders.
The outside court yard area and rear garden seating are failing apart. which i suppose matches the pub itself.
To sum up, It needs to keep traditional but have a more friendly/warm welcome.
19 Feb 2008 14:28
I agree with Chrismouse - this place has seen much better days. A bland pub made worse by the barman having soap-dodger Newton Falkner on repeat on the stereo. Not even the whole album, just the 2 or 3 songs (you know, the Massive Attack cover, the Jack Johnson style paint-by-numbers effort, and "the hit"). I suspect the barman (who looked like he'd been up all night playing Dungeons and Dragons) kept skipping back and playing them over and over because he like them, with total disregard to the cringing customers (we were the only ones there). I was hoping for a cider, but it was off, so I went for some CAMRA endorsed Vanilla Bumble Beer in bottle that was flat and awful. Couldn't get out of the place quick enough.
22 Jan 2008 09:33
In a word its Tired looking.Lacking atmos, the staff are all miserable with long faces and not even a thank you as you leave. (and that when the pub is empty). The decor is in desperate need of updating or at least painting. The seats look tired and grubby. Beer selection can be good with Local and Cornish ale on tap along with a couple of Ciders.
The outside court yard area and rear garden seating are failing apart. which i suppose matches the pub itself.
To sum up, It needs to keep traditional but have a more friendly/warm welcome.
21 Jan 2008 13:04
The Black Bear, Moreton in Marsh
Address: High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0AX [map]
Phone: 01608 652992
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Nearest train station: Moreton-in-marsh (0.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Nice pub split into 2 halves. Friendly bar staff but i couldn't really rate the Donnington Ales. Nothing wrong with the way they were kept, just not to my taste. Good value for money compared to some of the other pubs in the village though.
If you want to watch sport on TV, this is probably your best bet in town. Otherwise, there's little to like about it.
19 Feb 2008 14:30
Bit of a rough football pub. They've got about 5 TVs showing the footy and various nations' flags adorning the ceiling. Not the kind of place you'd expect to find in central Moreton-in-Marsh. I wasn't overly impressed with the Donnington ale either, but I think that's more to do with the style rather than the upkeep.If you want to watch sport on TV, this is probably your best bet in town. Otherwise, there's little to like about it.
21 Jan 2008 10:07
Called in a couple of times while in Moreton for New Year, and decided to see New Year in at this pub. Great choice as we had a super time. Closed to newcomers from 10pm, then we had a bit of Karaoke and screens showing festivities from other places. Lovely friendly atmosphere and good buffet laid on at no cover charge. Staff brilliant, and we were reluctant to leave near 2am. By the way, enjoyed the Donnington Ales and the malt whisky too.3 Jan 2008 13:55
The Boars Head, Aust
Address: Main Road, Aust, Bristol, Gloucestershire, BS35 4AX [map]
Phone: 01454 632278
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Nearest train stations: Pilning (3.1 miles), Severn Beach (3.8 miles), Chepstow (4.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
We visited on a busy Saturday lunch time as a party of 6.Service excellent, friendly atmosphere, good food and excellent beer. Not sure whether some of the other reviews here relate to another pub!
Prices shouldn't be an issue - just look at the menu! If the prices don't agree with you then you don't have to buy.
Will be reurning soon
Prices shouldn't be an issue - just look at the menu! If the prices don't agree with you then you don't have to buy.
Will be reurning soon
30 Nov 2007 18:26
Nice pub,although damp peeling ceilings & mouldy painting where we sat. Charmless service. Overpriced food. Laughably small portions of chips with our meals. The micro portion of Chocolate Stack was a complete overpriced disappointment - don't expect to see any of the described "Devon double cream". We had mains & puds and left still hungry (normal appetites). A disappointing waste of money - we won't be going back.21 Oct 2007 20:35
Rubbish beer, pricey food that is what I class as a complete and utter waste of money. won't be returning6 Sep 2007 20:27
The White Horse Inn, Pilning
Address: Northwick Road, Pilning, Bristol, Gloucestershire, BS35 4HA [map]
Phone: 01454 633800
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Nearest train stations: Pilning (1.1 miles), Severn Beach (1.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Tried it again after a long gap and it was not the same .... it was even worse!!!
The landlady served myself and the wife and did not crack a hint of a smile, it was more a case of "What do ya wan't, why are you here?" Charming! Despite my drink tasting OKish I ended up on the loo all night and most of the next day feeling like I wanted to die. I wlike Nippah will not be returning, ever, until these clowns have left. And yes, the awful chip fat stench still remains! Have they not heard of new filters? Not fit to run a bath, never mind a pub!
Seem to alow a right, rough mob in the bar too to do/speak as they please which shows total lack of management and a total lack of respect for their other customers .... what little remain. Avoid!
The landlady served myself and the wife and did not crack a hint of a smile, it was more a case of "What do ya wan't, why are you here?" Charming! Despite my drink tasting OKish I ended up on the loo all night and most of the next day feeling like I wanted to die. I wlike Nippah will not be returning, ever, until these clowns have left. And yes, the awful chip fat stench still remains! Have they not heard of new filters? Not fit to run a bath, never mind a pub!
26 May 2008 08:44
Awful painfully slow service, awful crowd, awful stale chip fat pong & awful food (if you're lucky, you'll get the 3rd choice you ask for, as most of the menu is generally off). "Garlic Bread" - that's a slice of buttered toast! Had a lasagne that was cold in the centre - no apologies! Will NEVER fo back.28 Apr 2008 21:49
Gone right downhill over the past few years since Gary & Sara left sadly. Beer, if you can call it that!, agreed is dire and food even worse! My friend left half of his and took it back to claim a refund it was that bad. One night I was glad I'd eaten before I came out that's for sure. :-)Seem to alow a right, rough mob in the bar too to do/speak as they please which shows total lack of management and a total lack of respect for their other customers .... what little remain. Avoid!
7 Sep 2007 13:59
The Malt Shovel Inn, Ruardean
Address: Ruardean, Gloucestershire, GL17 9TW [map]
Phone: 01594 543028
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Reviews by BITE users:
Was over in the forest and passed through Ruardean early evening. My turn to drive unfortunatly! Warm atmosphere. Were made to feel really welcome. The food was beautiful. The half pint of beer (one from the butcombe stable if I remember was perfect in all respects. The stuff displayed around the pub is worth a visited on its own. 8/10. would of been 9 if I wasn't driving!
24 Jun 2008 08:51
What a place. This is one of the best village pubs I have every been in. The Beer was superb, Butcombe Bitter and Nethercote IPA. Both were clear when served and with plenty of life. The menu is excellant and atmosphere in bar and restaurant. The is magnificent table in the restaurant that is a over 400 years old and seats about 20 people. The is a lovely garden and all around the inside and out are all types of enamel signs from the london Underground as well as early coach trips advertising. The place is full of tresures. A must for anyone to visit who is in the Forest of Dean. The is also a Hotel with this place. It is a total free house and also has a pool table and Dart Board.15 Jun 2008 21:33
Great, full of atmosphere, friendly people. Beer well kept and some good guest ales. (Could be enhanced by some of the better Cornish Ales - Betty Stoggs, for instance). Excellent food, both in bar and dining room. Magnificent collection of enammled signs, especially from Underground - men will enjoy the collection on the walls of the Gents, too!5 Jun 2008 10:01
The Beaufort Arms, Hawkesbury Upton
Address: High Street, Hawkesbury Upton, Gloucestershire, GL9 1AU [map]
Phone: 01454 238217
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Reviews by BITE users:
Couldn't agree more with the previous reviews. There are some interesting signs on the walls inside and an old-fashioned AA sign outside. Yes, it looks a bit shabby on the outside but don't be put off. The beer was excellent and, although the barmaid who served us was a bit sullen, the landlord was a very cheerful soul.
Food looked enticing (good honest grub), but alas no more than crisps were sampled on the day. Maybe another time.
Unusually, this place retains the old-fashioned charms of a 2-bar arrangement, which one rarely finds nowadays but misses all the more when experienced.
29 Jul 2008 12:47
Popped in whilst en route to the award-winning Old Spot. Whilst said competitor has taken all the plaudits from CamRA, nearby more ruralised options should not be overshadowed, and deserve some positive attention too. One such example in this area is the Beaufort, which is a fairly typical village country local pub, but with a friendly licensee, pleasant clientele, and above all, a superb cask ale range, which included the excellent Donkey Bitter and Moumentale amongst others - all in stupendous nick! Food looked enticing (good honest grub), but alas no more than crisps were sampled on the day. Maybe another time.
Unusually, this place retains the old-fashioned charms of a 2-bar arrangement, which one rarely finds nowadays but misses all the more when experienced.
19 Mar 2008 18:08
Top, top pub! Landlord & locals very friendly indeed. A great range of ever changing real ales served in supreme condition and the wonderful Wickwar Screech real cider on draught too. This pub hits the mark on every count. 3 Feb 2008 12:51
The Royal Oak, Winchcombe
Address: Main Road, Gretton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5EP [map]
Phone: 01242 604999
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Reviews by BITE users:
A lovely place. I only found by chance but had a lovely meal wash down with a couple of pints of Goffs Jester. 9/10
24 Jun 2008 08:40
Good selection of micro brewery real ales and an excellent menu of locally sourced and prepared food. Very busy; bohemian in atmosphere. Loud live music but it can be avoided. Great place. Worth a visit.16 Jun 2008 22:10
I love this pub. Being able to set my camera up at the bottom of the garden to photograph the trains. The staff bought me lunch to where I was, Even delivered me beer. This is service that is above and behond the call of duty.12 Jun 2008 10:45
Badminton Arms, Coalpit Heath
Address: Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, BS36 2QJ [map]
Phone: 01454 772132
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Nearest train stations: Yate (1.9 miles), Bristol Parkway (3.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Fantastic.
Had a carvery with my family, and although busy was still served with smiles all around.
Great pint of Wadworth's Horizon.
Well worth a visit.
the badminton is now as it should be,welcoming,great food and very well organised,we go there 4-5 times a week and its by far the best in the area.
Had a carvery with my family, and although busy was still served with smiles all around.
Great pint of Wadworth's Horizon.
Well worth a visit.
29 Mar 2008 13:15
Haven't been to the Badminton arms for at least 6 months but a friend told me that its under new management, Wow what a great improvement, Good menu and great food, The management team were very friendly will be going back! 17 Dec 2007 18:53
Thank you whoever for ridding this place of the drunken witch and the puppy dog.the badminton is now as it should be,welcoming,great food and very well organised,we go there 4-5 times a week and its by far the best in the area.
26 Nov 2007 19:19
The Queens Head, Stow on the Wold
Address: The Square, Stow on the Wold, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AB [map]
Phone: 01451 830563
See full pub details
Reviews by BITE users:
Had an excellant lunch time pint of a Donnington beer today. BB I think. Top notch place.
2 Aug 2008 20:02
The sort of 60s pub atmosphere you only seem to find in Donningtons pubs (compare with Sam Smiths for example). A great pub experience, although I don't rate the beer at all (see 25/4/08 post). I applaud their customer ethos though - BB was only £2.20 !23 Jul 2008 20:26
Terrific pub, Terrific owners, Terrific locals, Terrific Food, Terrific atmosphere, Terrific Dogs; We popped in on a Saturday night for a few drinks, stayed for dinner speaking to the locals (all lovely people), ended up having the best pub fare I've had in years and then played with the dogs (Bomber and Juggles)We were the last to leave and the bar manager gave us a lift home, also the Garden at the back is lovelyI cant praise this pub and the people enough15 Jul 2008 09:23
The Twelve Bells, Cirencester
Address: 12 Lewis Lane, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1EA [map]
Phone: 01285 644549
See full pub details
Nearest train station: Kemble (3.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
My type of pub, a true Freehouse with plenty of interesting choice of beers. The pub has a lived in feel, a touch run down. The food is great, but this is most definitely not Restaurant like, drinkers and eaters have an equal chance of a table.
The Landlord has got a little too into grumpy old man character over the years, making him perhaps too unapproachable, but this is not a problem.
A great place to go for the real drinker.
The Landlord has got a little too into grumpy old man character over the years, making him perhaps too unapproachable, but this is not a problem.
A great place to go for the real drinker.
5 May 2008 15:56
another visit superb food and beer on all occasions, my type of pub and landlord 25 Mar 2008 19:21
Proper, proper pub with great ale (the Severn Sins was top dollar), good food, fantastic 'yester-year' interior & friendly landlord. One of the best.13 Jan 2008 11:53
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Jokers indeed, make up all the things you want about this place "1 posters" but facts remain facts - it truly is an awful pub!