The Best Sunday Roasts in the Cotswolds (2025 Edition)
There’s something quintessentially British about winding your way through quaint villages or the rolling green hills, then settling in for a Sunday roast with all the trimmings. The Cotswolds, with its abundance of cosy pubs and country inns, doesn’t disappoint. Whether you want a traditional roast in a centuries-old inn or a modern twist in a stylish gastro-pub, here are some top picks to satisfy your Sunday appetite.
What Makes a Great Roast
Before we dive into the recommendations, here are a few notes I look for when judging a roast:
Quality and provenance of the meat (local, well-sourced)
Perfect roast potatoes (crispy exterior, fluffy interior)
Generous Yorkshire puddings - very important coming from a Yorkshire gal!
Seasonal vegetables, well cooked
Good gravy / jus (not watery)
Fab accompaniments
Warm, welcoming atmosphere (fireplace, wooden beams, local character)
Reasonable value, especially given rural location
These touches can turn a “just okay” roast into a memorable one.
Top Roasts to Try Across the Cotswolds
Here are roasts I’d confidently recommend, organised loosely from north → south / east, to cover different parts of the region.
The Holford Arms — Tetbury (Near Westonbirt Arboretum)
The Holford Arms in Knockdown, near Tetbury, is a true hidden gem and a top contender for the best roast in the Cotswolds. This charming countryside pub serves hearty Sunday roasts made with locally sourced and home-grown ingredients, including slow-roasted beef, melt-in-the-mouth pork belly, whole-chicken sharers, and a delicious halloumi option for vegetarians. The pork belly is a personal favourite — perfectly crispy, rich, and full of flavour.
It may not look like much from the roadside, but step inside and you’ll find yourself in a beautifully rustic 16th-century inn with bags of character. Outside, the sprawling beer garden offers plenty of space to enjoy your roast in the sunshine or simply relax with a well-earned pint.
The Potting Shed — Crudwell
This pub mixes rustic charm with creative flair. Their roast choices include beef and pork, with some interesting side dishes and a butcher’s plate option for variety.
It’s great for groups where some prefer a roast and others want different pub classics.
The Double Red Duke — Bampton
A stylish pub with a contemporary feel, The Double Red Duke serves roasts cooked over fire or embers, giving them a deeper, smoky character. Options include beef, pork belly, or a whole chicken to share.
The interior and ambiance are also strong points — ideal if you want roast in a more elegant setting.
Having spent my parents anniversary here for dinner it certainly is fabulous for a special occasion!
This is one of my favourites where we are regular visitors.
The Bull — Burford
While primarily known as a hotel (part of the recent renovation wave in Burford), The Bull also offers stunning roast dinners on Sundays. Expect bold flavor, generous portions, and a polished setting.
It’s a strong choice if you want something a bit elevated, perhaps paired with an overnight stay.
Honourable Mentions / Other Spots
The Lamb Inn, Burford — classic menu, solid quality, sometimes a vegetarian Wellington alternative.
The Three Horsehoes, Burford — offers roasts within a more “gastro pub” style environment.
The Falcon, Painswick — a charming Georgian pub with very good roast options, especially if you’re in the southern side of the Cotswolds.
The Sun, Hook Norton — slightly beyond the classic Cotswolds border, but notable for good roast versions (chicken, pork, beef) and roast potatoes praised for perfection.
Tips for Enjoying Roasts in the Cotswolds
Reserve ahead — many of these places fill up quickly on Sundays, especially in good weather.
Check timing — some pubs serve their roast only during a limited window (e.g. 12pm–3pm).
Ask about joints — if you prefer beef, pork, lamb, or even a mixed roast, see what’s available that day.
Vegetarian / fish options — many pubs now offer alternatives (roast cauliflower, nut roast, etc.), but availability can be limited, so check menus or call ahead.
Go local — the best roasts often come when meat, veg, potatoes are from local farms or producers.
Pair intelligently — a crisp ale or a good glass of red will complement a rich roast beautifully.
Lizzie x
