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Woolpack, Slad

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user reviews of the Woolpack, Slad

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.


This is an attractive pub in its wonderful location, deep in Laurie Lee country. The view from behind the bar is an absolute delight, making me want to linger there. We went on a hot Sunday just after midday, and as well as the fairly small bars there are plenty of benches outside, which although quite near the busy B road to Stroud provide the superb view too.

There were four handles, but only two completely operational on this visit (one was being changed). The pint of Uley’s “Pig’s Ear” (5%) was pleasant without being unduly heavy. Recommended.

As we were there as part of a walk I have no personal experience of parking (there’s no pub car park), but my host said there is no real problem with street parking.

It’s my second visit, and I hope to make another one soon!

pubsampler - 9 Jun 2015 11:08
Full of Laurie Lee memorabilia but good beer and food to go with it. I remember Cider with Rosie well from school days and without really planning this, had a real pang of nostalgia in this lovely English pub - stunning views of the Valley to boot
OnAMission - 17 Aug 2013 11:49
As a fan of Laurie Lee's 'Cider with Rosie', it has long been my intention to visit this jewel of the England's literary heritage. The pub is perched precariously on the side of the road, opposite the church. As I entered the front door, with trepidation, I braced myself for the worst. But no: its not changed in 80 years.
Ordering a pint of Uley bitter, I surveyed the cramped interior from where 'Vincent' had unwisely flashed his gold coins. At the left end of the pub, were the benches where his killers enjoyed their 'hot pokered cider'. I too took a seat there. Times have changed though: a couple next to me were enjoying a rather posh-looking sausage and mash.
After another pint of excellent ale, from a very good selection, I slipped quietly out of the side door, unnoticed by any at the bar, as it had also been almost a century ago.
My advice to any Laurie Lee fans? Get here before its gone!
dred_scott - 5 May 2013 21:14
Visited on the Sunday of Stroud Bus running day. There was a pong in the air. The "easy-on-the-eye" teenage bargirl put it down to "farmers spreading shite". There were about a dozen in our company. Faces weren't impressed. The Uley Pale Ale was hazy and just not right. The Laurie Lees was hazy and just not right. The Uley Bitter was ok. So we persevered. Had a Sunday roast-�12.50,it was good but the veg could have been more adventurous (carrots and green beans only) and a little less scarce. The mint sauce was superb.

But sadly it got worse-the bitter went sour and then ran out and showed little sign of replacement. The gents were visited and found to be rancid. There was(probably still is!) a huge tub of cigarette ends by the kitchen door(opposite the rancid gents) and it was being added to by the kitchen staff. And the pong from the "farmers"-no it was from the pub's septic tank!!!!

I might be tempted to re-visit,but if it disappointed like this again it would be a big fat zero next time.
an_ecunemical_matter - 7 Jul 2008 19:42
no doubt the locals dont eat here because the food is over-priced. tasty, but small portions for the prices charged. very much aimed at the innumerable tourists...
beer however is excellent. Uley beers at their very best. the superb Old Spot is not to be missed.

food prices keep it down to a nonetheless worthy 9/10.
alehouses - 30 Oct 2007 11:46
Splendidly traditional Cotswold pub, a few miles north of Stroud on a B road. The views of the Slad valley, both as you drive up to the pub and also from the pub garden itself are indeed memorable. The Uley bitter was on fine form on my visit ( August 11th ). Having the car meant that i had to pass on the stronger beers, the Uley Pigs Ear and the Spingo beers from the Blue Anchor in Helston, Cornwall, a noteworthy sighting.

The pub is situated opposite the local parish church, which is also worth a quick visit, time permitting.

Note that parking is difficult - you may have to park a bit further up the road and walk down.

This is a fine relatively unspoilt community local. Recommended
JohnBonser - 26 Sep 2007 12:50
This is a great pub, and it also serves great beer.
You will not find too many old fashioned rural pubs like this these days...long may it continue unchanged forever!
kitcat - 23 Aug 2007 12:22
Never will you see a view from a bar as this one.Home of laurie Lee, great Uley beers and a warm welcome.Recently dropped the good beer guide ,visit it yourself and laugh at such an idiotic decision.
compaq - 21 Nov 2006 22:51
This is one of the best pubs in Gloucestershire. It's very small, so if the locals descend, it can be a bit irritating. Locals here are hardly rustic (or literary) but tend to be loud, confident and rich. Hardly the pub's fault though as they're not going to turn them away! Go - and crowd the 4x4 clique out!
Florrie - 3 Oct 2006 12:45
Loved the pub and echoes of Laurie Lee.
Deynadance - 4 Sep 2006 13:37
A gem of a pub in gorgeous countryside, a good choice of real ales and the food looked good too.Friendly bar staff make this a pub not to be missed if you venture into this part of Gloucestershire.
Beerybloke - 3 May 2006 16:55
Love it great place food suberb, Love the pictures of Laurie Lee. Beer nice and local well worth the hilly walk from Painswick.
mikehaysman - 10 Dec 2005 22:31
Very nice pub - great beers - old spot, pigs ear and other Uley winners! Friendly staff, beautiful Quasi-Cotswolds location (Quasi=too close to stroud). Well recommended
Chats - 21 Jun 2005 16:12
A fantasy pub, nestling on the slopes of Slad Valley, rough cider, perry and fine ales, and views that are almost unreal. Lovely circular walk from the pub around the valley is a great way to build up a thirst.
Dave_ESB - 9 May 2005 20:09
This is a lovely old traditional pub on the old wool trading roads of Gloucestershire and the famous West Country writer Lawrie Lee used to enjoy coming here as this was his local pub. What I like about this Public House the most is the quality ales that are served, 'Pig's Ear and Old Spot' are my particular favourites. It does tend to get quite busy on Friday and Saturday
evenings/nights but does have a very jolly feel about the place. I love it!.
malabus - 22 Mar 2005 21:59
The Uley beer they serve is fastatic 'Pig's Ear and Old spot' are my particular favourites. The Pub has kept its very old feel about it and is such a pleasent pub for a pint or two. (It can get busy on Friday and saturday nights)
Anthony Wells - 22 Mar 2005 21:38

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