Posted on March 05, 2020
Whether you're looking for a pit stop to refuel as you house hunt; a family-friendly hot chocolate trip or a sociable space to meet with friends, we've shortlisted the 10 best cafes and coffee shops in The Cotswolds. Championing the independents with the best brews - here's where to get your daily fix:
With cafes in Burford, Lechlade, Fairford and Carterton - this mini, independent chain of cafes have a really lovely, cosy vibe. Originally from Australia, they've brought a slice of that 'laid-back Sydney coffee shop culture' to The Cotswolds. Super friendly service with a great selection of cakes and local produce.
New kid on the block, Pretty & Pip opened last year in Cirencester and is already proving a popular spot for coffee and cake. The secret garden, complete with beautiful wall art is perfect when the sun shines.
The family run, artisan bakery, Bakery on the Water in Bourton on the Water is situated alongside the idyllic river Windrush. A great favourite with locals, the fourth-generation of bakers know a thing or two about a good loaf, and a great coffee too - they can even pack you up a picnic to go in the summer and their Thursday Pizza Nights are not to be missed!
The Market Pantry in Broadway is a fab stop off not just for their homemade cake and local produce, but they have a fab homeware edit, too. You can read our full Broadway guide here.
Blockley Village Shop and Cafe
A short drive away, Blockley Village Shop and Cafe sits in the heart of the village, arguably one of the most beautiful villages in The Cotswolds. Well-stocked and with something to please everyone, it is well-worth a visit. The fully licensed cafe offers delicious coffee, breakfasts, lunches and exceptionally tasty cakes!
Quite literally a transformed former prison in Northleach, you can explore the old courtroom and cells whilst getting your morning caffeine fix (the brunch menu is not to be missed, too). A quirky cafe with an amazing history, great for capturing the imagination of little ones!
A perennial favourite with us, and many Cotswolds residents, Daylesford Organic in Kingham is not just a great coffee stop - come for the local, organic produce served in the cafe, restaurant and bakery but stay for the restorative Bamford spa, modern country interiors inspiration and creative workshops and day retreats. A great local institution for a reason.
There's a great 1.5hr circular walk around the grounds of Temple Guiting Manor itself, ending conveniently at the front door of the Temple Guiting Pantry where you can refuel with their local produce focussed menus, from breakfast all the way through to afternoon tea. There's a cosy fireside to thaw out by on winter days, or a pretty patio garden for sunnier months.
If you are a serious coffee connoisseur then the Scandinavian Coffee Pod could be one to check out; they ethically source seasonal coffee beans from the world's finest farms to give the perfect cuppa. The eye-catching original 5sqm steel and glass 'coffee pod' has now expanded into their new cafe, serving more than just coffee, with a locally sourced menu on offer.
The Lavender Bakehouse in Chalford is a great stop off if you are exploring the villages around Stroud; there's a great range of gluten-free cakes and upstairs, the Loft Shop has a fab selection of gifts and cards to browse, too.