
The rich landscape of the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds makes Gloucestershire primarily a rural county, dotted with a handful of prosperous towns like Cheltenham. The River Severn is famous for its salmon and elvers (young eels as thin as spaghetti). These are an exceedingly rare treat, but worth looking out for.
The county's cheesemakers are an inventive bunch, and we mustn't forget the now-famous Gloucester Old Spot pig - a breeding success story and a delicacy eagerly snapped up by chefs across the land.
Old Passage InnThe Old Passage Inn in Arlingham is as much a favourite with the locals as it is with visitors who have heard the legends of this Inn's exceptional cuisine.
Passage Road, Arlingham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Seafood
The Red Hart InnThe setting is pure English idyll: this fifteenth-century gem of a pub stands at the end of a peninsula by the Severn Estuary, with apple trees outside, the village church nearby and beautiful views over the mud flats.
, Awre, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
Dial House HotelA ravishingly romantic restaurant-with-rooms in the tourist honeypot of Bourton-on-the-Water, the Dial House is the oldest surviving building in the village and was standing proud long before the bridges were erected over the River Windrush.
The Chestnuts, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
Lords of the ManorNestled amongst the rolling Cotswold countryside in the picture-postcard village of Upper Slaughter, the Lords of the Manor is steeped in history and has become a byword for elegance and refinement.
Upper Slaughter, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern French
Lower Slaughter ManorThere's been a manor house of sorts on this site for almost a thousand years; during the fifteenth century it was a convent, and the current building dates from around 1658.
Lower Slaughter, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Anglo French
The Hare and Hounds InnFoss Cross is little more than a crossroads on the ancient Roman Fosse Way, but there's no mistaking the Hare and Hounds Inn.
Foss Cross, Chedworth, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
LumièreChef Jon Howe and his partner Helen Aubrey took over Lumière in 2008 and set about building an outstanding reputation while scooping the Cotswold Life Restaurant of the Year award 2010.
Clarence Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
Storyteller Restaurant and Wine RoomLocated close to all of the major attractions of the area and housed in a light and airy conservatory, Cheltenham's Storyteller Restaurant is always abuzz with atmosphere.
11 North Place, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Eclectic
The GreenwayThe Greenway in Cheltenham has seen a wonderful transformation in the Main House. All of the eleven bedrooms have undergone a full refurbishment.
Shurdington, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern French
Brasserie BlancThis branch of Raymond Blanc's group of flexible eateries (formerly known as Le Petit Blanc) occupies the original ballroom of the old Queen's Hotel and offers distinctive French cuisine with a modern slant and a child-friendly attitude.
The Queen's Hotel, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern French
Brosh'Full of heart and soul, Brosh is the kind of small place that restores faith in eating out. ' High praise from Tracey MacLeod in The Independent, who clearly enjoyed Raviv and Sharon Hadad's enterprising out-of-town restaurant (the name is Hebrew for a kind of Cypress tree).
8 Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Mediterranean
Charlton Kings HotelSurrounded by an acre of sweeping lawns and award-winning gardens in a desirable suburb of Cheltenham, the privately owned Charlton Kings Hotel is an ideal choice for business or pleasure.
London Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
Hotel du Vin & BistroLocated in Cheltenham's chic Montpelier district, this branch of the Hotel du Vin group is in tune with the gentrified spirit of the town.
Parabola Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
Le Champignon SauvageSince opening its doors in 1987, Le Champignon Sauvage has staked its claim as one of the top eating places in the land, a proud recipient of 2 Michelin stars and 4 AA rosettes.
24 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern French
The DaffodilFor 40 years this was a cinema, and the beautifully renovated room still echoes with the old magic of the movies.
18-20 Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
The George Hotel, Monty's BrasserieSitting pretty as part of a Regency terrace, just two minutes walk from Cheltenham's tree-lined promenades, the George is a long-serving fixture of the local scene.
41 St Georges Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Eclectic
The LangtonA grand listed Regency building in Charlton Kings, close to Cheltenham Racecourse, is the setting for this eye-catching modern gastro pub/eating house, which comes complete a stylish open-plan interior fashioned from teak, copper, leather and granite.
189 - 191 London Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Mayflower RestaurantThe Kong family has been in residence here for more than two decades and their reliable Chinese restaurant is something of a local insititution.
32-33 Clarence Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Chinese
The Royal Well TavernAfter a complete refurbishment the Royal Well Tavern in Cheltenham was opened in 2008 by Sam Pearman, who previously worked at The Glasshouse in Kew and Mayfair's Langan's Brasserie.
5 Royal Well Palace, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Kings HotelNestled in the heart of picturesque Chipping Campden, the Kings Hotel is a charming Cotswold stone building dating from the 17th Century, carefully restored and refurbished to create a delightful blend of traditional character and contemporary design.
The Square, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
Red Lion InnUK Restaurant Guide reporters are full of praise for this traditional Costwold inn at the very heart of prosperous Chipping Campden.
Lower High Street, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: British
Three Ways HouseBuilt as a private residence in 1871, Three Ways House is now famous as the home of the Pudding Club.
Mickleton, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
Barnsley House, The Potager RestaurantOnce the home of horticultural doyenne Rosemary Verey, Barnsley House is a delightful seventeenth-century Cotswold manor with spectacular, unmissable gardens that not only enchant visitors but also provide the kitchen with fresh seasonal produce.
Barnsley, Cirencester, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
Bibury Court HotelShielded from the outside world by six acres of wooded parkland, Bibury Court is a privately owned country mansion of the old school.
Bibury, Cirencester, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
Tatyan'sTatyan Cheung set out his stall in Cirencester more than a decade ago, and since then has established this as one of the most reliable oriental restaurants in the neighbourhood.
27 Castle Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Chinese
The Swan HotelBibury is widely regarded as one of the most enchanting villages in England, and this ivy-clad country house (complete with enchanting gardens) is one of its showpieces.
Bibury, Cirencester, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Village PubSituated directly opposite Barnsley House and run by the same team, the self-titled Village Pub certainly lives up to its name in this affluent Cotswold village not far from Cirencester.
Barnsley, Cirencester, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
Wild Duck InnThe Wild Duck has a very warm and welcoming deep red dining room with a wealth of old beams and portraits - a true reflection of a country dining room.
Drake's Island, Cirencester, Gloucestershire - Cuisine:
Tudor Farmhouse HotelDeep in the Forest of Dean, within strolling distance of Clearwell Castle, this tranquil hotel did indeed start life as a Tudor farmhouse and it still boasts a full quota of rustic oak beams and exposed stonework as well as an unusual wooden spiral staircase.
High Street, Clearwell, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
The New InnWith its ivy-clad exterior The New Inn at Coln St Aldwyns breathes with traditional countryside character. It has gained an enviable reputation as an excellent inn with long string of accolades.
, Coln St Aldwyns, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: British
The Butchers ArmsThe Butchers Arms is a traditional two-room public house with a restaurant, set in the village of Eldersfield in Gloucestershire.
Lime Street, Eldersfield, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
AlliumLocated amongst the honey-coloured stone buildings of this Cotswolds market town, Allium is an award-winning young restaurant that is now a strong competitor for Gloucestershire's coveted top restaurant slot.
1 London Street, Fairford, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Ostrich InnThe Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley – both designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – are within striking distance of this lovely scenic pub in the middle of Newland village.
Newland, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Bearlands Restaurant & Wine BarCurrently the best choice for eating out in Gloucester - according to one UK Restaurant Guide reporter - Bearlands is situated right in the centre of town, making it the perfect retreat after a long day's work or a handy venue for affordable modern food.
Longsmith Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Five AllsThe Five Alls restaurant with rooms is set in an 18th century traditional English coaching inn on the main road of the picturesque Cotswold village of Filkins, close to the historic town of Burford.
Filkins, Lechlade, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Contemporary British
The Swan at SouthropThe well-endowed, handsome Swan is still the sedate village pub on the village green. It still dispenses real ales and still has a working skittle alley, not to mention a pretty rose garden.
Southrop, Lechlade, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Fox InnNestling in an archetypal Cotswold hamlet within easy reach of Moreton in Marsh and Stow on the Wold, this picture-pretty, ivy-clothed inn is a marvellously animated, rambling place with a cracking reputation for hospitality, honest food and splendid drinking.
, Lower Oddington, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Garden Cafe & GalleryOccupying the old malthouse in the grounds of Lydbrook House (part of a conservation area not far from the Wye Valley), the Garden Café & Gallery prides itself on using local and organic produce – including the pickings from its own kitchen garden.
The Malt House, Lydbrook, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Eclectic
Burleigh Court HotelBuilt as a gentleman's residence during the eighteenth century, this listed Cotswold manor house stands impressively on the edge of a steep hillside overlooking the Golden Valley.
Burleigh Lane, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: International
Sophie's RestaurantFrench country cooking is the theme and the avowed aim of Sophie Dominique Craddock's delightful and very personal little restaurant in a Grade II-listed Georgian building.
The Priory, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: French
Horse and GroomSituated in a hilltop village within easy reach of the busy A44, the Horse and Groom looks every inch the archetypal honey-coloured Cotswold stone inn.
Bourton on the Hill, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Manor House, Mulberry RestaurantVibrant contemporary furnishings and a gourmet menu prepared from the hotel's own kitchen garden give the Mulberry Restaurant in the 16th-century Manor House Hotel an exuberant and sophisticated appeal.
High Street, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
Wild Garlic Restaurant & RoomsNew owners have taken over this charming Cotswold restaurant-with-rooms (formerly Mad Hatters), and after a name change to Wild Garlic Restaurant & Rooms seem intent on running along very similar lines as before.
3 Cossack Square, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
Lee Scott at the Eighty Eight Room, Cotswolds88 HotelLee Scott at the Eighty Eight Room is an award winning restaurant set in the Cotswolds88 Hotel located in the Gloucestershire village of Painswick.
Kemps Lane, Painswick, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Bell at SappertonEverything about this genteel Cotswold inn spells prosperity and affluence. The exterior is as trim as can be; inside, it's been sympathetically renovated with more than a dash of rural chic, incorporating exposed stone walls, log fires, wood-burning stoves and a serious helping of 'Country Living' knick-knacks.
, Sapperton, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
Fosse Manor HotelThe Fosse Manor is an enchanting creeper-clad country house, dating back some 100 years and set in 5 acres of land with the Cotswolds countryside as its backdrop.
Fosseway, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Traditional
The Grapevine HotelThe Grapevine Hotel in Stow-on-the-Wold is a charming honey-coloured stone building, in keeping with the characteristic buildings of this historic market town.
Sheep Street, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Kings ArmsThis ancient Cotswold stone inn The Kings Arms, with its mullioned windows and a gentrified outlook fits in well with its prosperous neighbours and Stow's top-drawer antique shops.
Market Square, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Old Butcher's RestaurantPeter and Louise Robinson used to the run The Kings Arms in prosperous Stow, but moved down the road in 2006 to new premises in a one-time butcher's shop.
7 Park Street, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Royalist Hotel, 947AD RestaurantClaiming the title 'England's oldest inn', this venerable hostelry can trace its lineage back to 947AD and was originally used as a refuge for lepers.
Digbeth Street, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
Unicorn HotelStanding right beside the Fosse Way, hard by the local parish church, the sturdy stone-built Unicorn Hotel has a thoroughly English feel to it, with Jacobean furniture, antique artefacts and log fires creating just the right mood in the public rooms, the bar and Shepherds Restaurant.
Sheep Street, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
Washbourne Court HotelFamous as the only waterside hotel high in the Cotswolds, Washbourne Court stands impressively in four acres of delightful grounds by the banks of the River Eye.
Lower Slaughter, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern French
Wyck Hill HouseSituated right in the heart of rural Gloucestershire, this stunning eighteenth-century mansion is surrounded by a 100-acre estate within easy striking distance of Stow on the Wold.
Burford Road, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Amberley InnIn a beautiful Cotswolds backwater overlooking the five valleys of Stroud and within sight of the historic valley of Woodchester (home of famous fourth-century Orpheus Pavement), the Amberley Inn offers traditional comforts, pleasing accommodation and very creditable food.
Amberley, Stroud, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Chef's TableMichael and Sarah Bedford moved from the Michelin-starred Trouble House to open this deli/bistro, The Chef's Table, in a one-time antiques shop in the centre of Tetbury.
49 Long Street, Tetbury, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Conservatory Restaurant at Calcot ManorNestled in the Cotswold Hills lies the truly resplendent country house called Calcot Manor. Nationally recognised as one of England's finest country hotels, you really can escape from the rat race here and enjoy relaxing in a tranquil haven.
, Tetbury, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Ormond at TetburyThe Ormond at Tetbury is a smart 17th century Cotswold inn located in the centre of town offering stylish rooms and award winning cuisine.
23 Long Street, Tetbury, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Priory InnWhen Tanya and Dave Kelly took over this old stone hostelry in Prince Charles' adopted home village (Highgrove is just down the road), they wanted it as a family home, a place where their kids could enjoy themselves and visitors could bring their little ones without any trepidation.
London Road, Tetbury, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Trouble HouseIt's likely that The Trouble House an unassuming Cotswold pub got its current name as a result of some bother during the Civil War, and it was also the scene of agricultural riots during the Luddite Rebellion.
Cirencester Road, Tetbury, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern British
Thornbury CastleIf it wasn't genuine, this magnificent sixteenth-century castle could have come straight out of a fairy tale, with its crenellated walls, arrow slits, intricate oriel windows, tapestries and heraldic shields.
Castle Street, Thornbury, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European
Hatton Court HotelThe Hatton Court Hotel is a delightful 17th century manor, commanding views of the Severn Estuary and Malvern Hills and located close to all of the attractions of the area.
Upton Hill, Upton St Leonards, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Traditional English
Whitminster InnA rambling, family-run inn just off junction 13 of the M5, the Whitminster is a custom-built complex serving the needs of travellers, tourists exploring the Cotswolds and those looking for a wedding or conference venue (it has its own marquee for outdoor bashes).
Bristol Road, Whitminster, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: International
Wesley HousePreacher John Wesley visited this quaintly timbered fifteenth-century merchant's house in 1779, and the building stills makes a serious contribution to the period charm of Winchcombe's main street.
High Street, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire - Cuisine: Modern European