The Best Pubs in Chipping Campden
Coming to the Cotswolds for a day or maybe longer? Chances are you will want to know about the best pubs in Chipping Campden. After all, what can be more inviting than a traditional English country pub? Oozing with individual character, history and charm, no two are alike.
Our guide to the 5 best pubs in Chipping Campden
Each individual pub in our list of the 5 best pubs in Chipping Campden is unique – in their offering and their history.
Many were old coaching inns evidenced by the archway that would have led down to stables for the coach horses. Historically there have been over 30 alehouses/inns in the town and many would have made their own beer. Now however, we are down to a more manageable number!
Here I have focused on just a handful, chosen by my guests and locals to be the best pubs in Chipping Campden.
The Eight Bells Inn, Chipping Campden
First on our list of the best pubs in Chipping Campden is The Eight Bells Inn.
Originally built in the 14th century and used to house the stonemasons building St James’ Church, the Inn was then rebuilt in the 17th century.
The Eight Bells Inn is full of character. As you step through the entrance arch the small dining room is to the left and the bar to the right with exposed Cotswold stone walls and wooden roof beams. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. The courtyard is straight ahead.
They serve local ales (members of CAMRA), lagers, fine wines, spirits and soft drinks. The menu offers quality, hearty meals such as braised beef or game pie and mash, traditional fish and chips or Japanese Katsu curries. The menu includes gluten free, vegetarian and childrens options. They feature in all the top food and pub guides. Prices range between £16 – £20 for a mains and £7 – £8+ for a pudding.
Recommend by my guests if looking for something a bit special.
Booking recommended. Dogs are welcome in the courtyard and the bar.
The Lygon Arms Hotel, Chipping Campden
The Lygon Arms Hotel is second on our list of the best pubs in Chipping Campden.
Not to be confused with it’s namesake in the nearby town of Broadway, this Lygon Arms Hotel is found on the high street of Chipping Campden. It is a 16th century inn with characteristic archway and cobbled courtyard.
This family run inn serves afternoon teas and hearty homecooked meals in their cosy and traditional lounge bar. Icecreams are served from the archway during summer.
Meals include Steak, Stilton and Ale Pie, Banger’s and Mash, Beef or Lamb Burger and Cottage Pie. The beef is produced on their own farm and meals are made using fresh, seasonal, local produce. Vegetarian option available and their Ploughaman’s Lunch is very popular. Prices for main range between £13.50 – £18.50 and puddings are seved too.
During the quiet months booking ahead is essential, and highly recommended for Sunday lunches too!
The Noel Arms Hotel, Chipping Campden
Another worthy entry in our guide to the best pubs in Chipping Campden is The Noel Arms Hotel.
Right in the centre of town, the 16th century Noel Arms is a fairly large hotel with a coffee shop, conservatory, bar, restaurant and courtyard.
Flagstone floors, real log fires and cosy nooks and crannies create a welcoming, cosy atmosphere. It is great for couples and larger groups looking for morning coffee, lunch or dinner.
Pub classics include Cotswold Ale Battered Haddock and chips, Dover’s Beef Burger, Sirloin Steak and at least four vegetarian options too. Prices range from £15 – £26 for a main and £7 – £9 for a pudding.
The Head Chef is three times winner of the Great British Pub Awards for Best Curry Chef, and Curry Night is on the last Thursday of the month.
Drinks include Guiness, Old Hooky, ales, lagers, ciders and quality wines and spirits and a good selction of soft drinks.
Children and dogs welcome in the coffee shop, bar and conservatory.
The Red Lion Tavern, Chipping Campden
Number four on our list of the best pubs in Chipping Campden is The Red Lion Tavern.
This little pub is brimming with Cotswold character – exposed stone walls, snug little alcoves to sit in as well as the main bar, and now a canvas covered rear courtyard which means you can be out there in all weather.
All food is produced from their Scoff Van which is parked in the car park when not off catering at events. The meat is sourced from free range Cotswold County livestock and direct from the farmer where possible.
Meals include fish and chips, faggots and mash, various beef burgers, vegetable chilli and Sunday roasts. Prices range between £14.95 – £21.95 and puddings between £7.95 – £8.95. There is a separate children’s menu.
Dogs are welcome.
The Volunteer Inn, Chipping Campden
Last but not least in our run down of the best pubs in Chipping Campden is The Volunteer Inn.
Found at the lower end of the high street, the 18th century pub The Volunteer Inn is probably the liveliest pub in Chipping Campden.
Generally attracting a younger, local crowd they show live football, rugby and cricket matches on four large TV screens (one of which is located outside). They also hold pub quizzes, discos, poker nights, have live music and take any opportunity for fancy dress!
Attached to the pub is the Indian Restaurant, The Maharaja, which also does takeaways (but no deliveries). Prices range from £8.95 – £14.95 for a mains from the specials menu.
The pub serves traditional ales, beers or lagers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.
You’ve read about some of the best pubs in Chipping Campden, however there are plenty more options for where to get something to eat and drink, including restaurants, bistros and tearooms too! Details of these can be found in our article Places to Eat in Chipping Campden, click below to read.