Home to copiousness chefs, local producers and distilleries, it is no wonder that the charming Cotswolds radiates a brilliant selection of food and drink havens: from the best cheesemongers, farm shops and bakeries to award-winning cafes, restaurants, and breweries. And we can't forget its idyllic pubs and inns too.

Here is our pick of six fantastic food and drink spots in the Cotswolds to add to your must-try list for when you next explore this picturesque slice of Britain.

1. Quince and Clover, Great Tew

A relaxed Cotswold cafe in the heart of picture-postcard Great Tew, offering scrumptious dishes and treats, homemade ice cream, monthly supper clubs and so much more.

Worth popping in for breakfast pastries, artisan cakes, cookies, sausage rolls, fabulous seasonal salads, and great coffee too! Their menus are designed to eat in or take out, so it's the perfect place to stop off at for a bite to eat during your day out exploring the beautiful Cotswolds.

Nearby Collection inn: The Kingham Plough - a 20 minute drive away.

2. Bakery on the Water, Bourton-on-the-Water

Have you seen a more idyllic looking bakery? This family-run, artisan gem is in the heart of the Cotswolds in Bourton-on-the-Water beside the River Windrush and is both a bakery and cafe.

Baking pastries, breads, quiches and sweet treats daily, they strive to use simple, clean and locally sourced ingredients. Their bread is something special - made using traditional artisan methods which gives the dough a long fermentation time to fully develop the flavour and crust.

They offer take-out picnics and afternoon teas, or why not enjoy your chosen goodies in their glorious riverside garden - perfect for a sunny afternoon with a seat on the River Windrush.

Nearby Collection inn: The Plough Inn - a 7 minute drive away.

3. The Oxford Artisan Distillery, Oxford

The Oxford Artisan Distillery, otherwise known as TOAD, is Oxford's first distillery and one of the world's true craft distilleries that cultivates and crafts a range of spirits using ancient grains grown on local farms - for example, rye, wheat and barley.

Escape to their home in Oxford's South Park and enjoy a tasting and tour. You'll learn about how they make their award-winning vodka, gin and rye whisky, following every step of the journey from seed to bottle.

If sunny, we recommend then sitting to their garden bar for an open-air drink amongst the trees.

Nearby Collection inn: The Lion at Wendlebury - a 26 minute drive away.

4. Daylesford Farm Shop & Cafe, Kingham

There is so much to discover, explore and do at this organic farm in the Cotswolds - an award-winning farm shop, cookery school, cafe, clothes shop, spa, and more.

The farm shop offers the best in organic. Food is produced with the greatest environmental and livestock husbandry credentials. Fresh fruit and vegetables are picked each morning from the Market Garden only a walk away, and their organic animals roam freely on the surrounding clover-rich pastures.

Discover three glorious food and drink havens whilst you're there - The Trough Cafe, The Old Spot Restaurant and The Legbar. Each one offers delicious local delicacies as well as beautiful settings to enjoy them in - think converted barns with high beamed ceilings and pretty courtyards adorned with flowers.

Nearby Collection inn: The King's Head Inn - a 10 minute drive away.

5. The Cotswold Cheese Company, Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford & Moreton-in-Marsh

A purveyor of an incredible selection of the finest cheeses. Pop into any of the three stores across the Cotswolds and enjoy more than 120 different artisan and farmhouse types - each from high quality, local producers - as well as British cheeseboard staples like Cheshire, Lancashire and Caerphilly.

You'll also find a wide range of cheese accompaniments and other deli essentials such as breads, biscuits, crackers, chutneys and local potted meats. Whatever your taste, there is sure to be something for you.

Nearby Collection inns: The Porch House and The Sheep - a 1/2 minute walk from the store in Stow-on-the-Wold; The Horse & Groom - a 4 minute drive away from the store in Moreton-in-Marsh; The Highway Inn - a 1 minute walk away from the store in Burford.

6. Hook Norton Brewery, Hook Norton

A proudly independent, family brewery since 1849, Hook Norton now sells its fantastic range of award-winning beers to pubs all over the UK, including 36 of its own in around the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire. Being a traditional Victorian Tower Brewery and one of only 32 family-owned breweries across Britain, it is certainly a spot to discover.

Visit their delightful Malthouse Kitchen cafe and enjoy a brewery tour too - these take place daily.

Nearby Collection inn: The George Townhouse - a 20 minute drive away.

Discover more foodie havens in the Cotswolds >

Click here for our full Cotswolds Out & About Guide >

View all our pubs and inns in the Cotswolds here >

Last updated: 21.05.21

Photo credit: Shutterstock (Alena Veasey - Bakery on the Water)