Stroud is a small market town located in the English county of Gloucestershire that forms part of the stunning Cotswolds. As well as the many things to do in the town like visiting the farmers’ market and the wonderful parks and gardens, there are also plenty of great pubs in Stroud.
I have friends that live in the town and so I’ve become a regular visitor. Whenever I stop by, we always hit some of the pubs in Stroud town center as well the nearby country pubs, usually for a meal. There are also lots of excellent pubs near Stroud out in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
You’ll find some of the best pub lunches using local and seasonal produce from the Cotswolds, as well as pubs that have fantastic village and country views, not to mention a wide range of local craft beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails. One thing’s for sure, you won’t go thirsty (or hungry) on a trip to Stroud.
After eating and drinking my way around Stroud many times, I’ve compiled this list of my favorite pubs in the town based on the atmosphere, quality of the food and drinks, the service, location, my personal opinion, the opinions of my friends who live there, and customer reviews (so that it’s not only based solely on my opinion).
Best Pubs in Stroud
Quick Look – Best Pubs in Stroud
1. Stroud Brewery and Taproom: Top Pub in Stroud Overall
The Stroud Brewery is my favorite place to go for an evening out. This is one of the top bars in Stroud and offers a huge selection of locally brewed ales, craft beers, ciders, and perries (pear cider). The taproom puts on regular entertainment from live bands to comedy nights and there’s an extensive burger and pizza menu.
The brewery prides itself on using only organic ingredients (where possible) and makes some of the best brews in England. The Hop Drop, Big Cat, and I.P.A are bursting with flavor. The Day’s Cottage Farmhouse Cider is a still, cloudy cider that’s delicious (but rather potent at 7.5%).
It’s a 1.8-mile (3 km) walk from the town center to the brewery which is on the outskirts of Stroud near the village of Brimscombe. It’s a pleasant walk along the canal and a good way to clear your head after a few ales and ciders! You can also take a taxi for around £5.
Stroud Brewery and Taproom Information
Address: London Road, Brimscombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2BY. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1453 887122
Operating Hours: 10 am-11 pm, Tue-Sat, 10 am-5 pm, Sun, 3 pm-9 pm, Mon
Must-Try Items: Hop Drop, Farmhouse Cider Cider, Jon Bon Chovi pizza
Average Cost: £5-£7 per pint, £8 per cocktail, £10-£24 per main
Website: stroudbrewery.co.uk
2. The Crown and Sceptre
The historic Crown and Sceptre is an old coaching inn that dates back to the early 17th Century, making it one of the oldest pubs in Stroud. It has a lively atmosphere with a younger crowd and sporting events such as football, rugby, and others are played live on large TV screens.
This is one of the most popular pubs in Stroud and it has an excellent selection of craft beers on tap, bottled imports, and awesome cocktails. Food is available every day from bar snacks to Sunday roasts and everything in between. There are weekly specials from pasty (a pastry traditionally filled with beef) day on Saturdays, to meat-free Mondays. Reserve your table online.
The Crowne also hosts many entertainment nights throughout the month such as live band, open mic night, comedy shows, live sporting events, and more. This is definitely one of the best places for a night out in Stroud and is somewhere I love to go when I visit.
The Crown and Sceptre Information
Address: 98 Horns Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 1EG. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1453 762588
Operating Hours: 3 pm-11 pm, Mon-Thu, 12 pm-11 pm, Fri-Sat, 12 pm-9 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Stroud Budding, Uley Pig’s Ear, home-cooked curry
Average Cost: £3-£6 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £11-£22 per main
Website: crownandsceptrestroud.com
3. The Old Fleece
This excellent gastro pub on the outskirts of Stroud is the place to come for the best food in town. The menu includes sharing platters featuring Moroccan Meze or Italian Antipasti to beer-battered fish and chips, gourmet burgers, and a selection of baguettes perfect for a lunchtime nibble.
The fully-stocked bar includes local specialty beers and ciders as well as popular imports, and they have an excellent cocktail menu that features some Fleece signature drinks such as the Fleece Fizz and Green Party. This isn’t the cheapest pub in town, but the quality and service are well worth the price tag.
The Old Fleece Information
Address: Rooksmoor Hill, North Woodchester, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 5NB. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1453 872582
Operating Hours: 11 am-9 pm, Mon-Sat, 11 am-8 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, Fleece Fizz, braised pork belly in cider sauce
Average Cost: £5-£7 per pint, £9.50 per cocktail, £16.50-£29 per main
Website: food-club.com/pubs/the-old-fleece
4. The Prince Albert
This traditional Cotswold stone pub is one of the best pubs in Stroud town center and is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike. With a great selection of craft beers and local ales on tap, nightly entertainment in the form of live gigs, and an exciting menu of pub classics, this is one of the best pubs in Stroud.
The menu focuses on freshly made pizzas and burgers and they also have a takeaway service. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and you can grab a pizza or burger from £9. You can also indulge in some locally made Adam’s Gelato ice cream for dessert (£3 per serving), which I highly recommend doing.
This is another of my favorite hangouts in Stroud as there’s usually a good band playing on weekends and the beers aren’t too pricey.
The Prince Albert Information
Address: Rodborough Hill, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 3SS. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1453 755600
Operating Hours: 4 pm-10:30 pm, Wed-Thu, 4 pm-11 pm, Fri, 1 pm-11 pm, Sat, 11:30 am-7 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, Gloucestershire cider, Rod Burger
Average Cost: £3-£5 per pint, £6.50 per cocktail, £9-£15 per main
Website: theprincealbertstroud.co.uk
5. The Lord John
The Lord John is the local Wetherspoons pub in Stroud; if you’re looking for a cheap night out, you can’t go wrong with a visit. The pub is located in the heart of town close to the station and offers some of the cheapest drinks imaginable (just £1 per pint on selected beers).
I always hit up the local Wetherspoons (aka ‘Spoons) in every town I visit for cheap eats and a couple of pints before moving on to somewhere else. The Lord Nelson is no different and includes the trademark menu of all-day breakfasts, burgers, grills, and curries for knock-down prices.
The Lord John Information
Address: 17 Russell Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 3AA. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1453 767610
Operating Hours: 8 am-12 am, Sun-Thu, 8 am-1 am, Fri-Sat
Must-Try Items: Punk IPA, Somersby cider, all-day brunch
Average Cost: £1-£4 per pint, £5 per cocktail, £6-£12 per main
Website: jdwetherspoon.com
6. The Lamb Inn
If you’re looking for a beer garden with perfect countryside views then head along to the picturesque Lamb Inn in Eastcombe on the outskirts of Stroud. This family-run traditional inn is one of the dog-friendly pubs in Stroud so feel free to bring your furry friend along.
Enjoy a meal or a few drinks in the large beer garden to the back and take in the stunning views across the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. This is one of my favorite places to come for Sunday lunch on a sunny day and is a firm favorite with locals. Choose from lunchtime sandwiches to classic pub grub, all washed down with something crisp and refreshing.
The Lamb Inn Information
Address: Eastcombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 7DN. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1452 770223
Operating Hours: 12 pm-10 pm, Tue-Wed, 12 pm-11 pm, Thu-Sat, 12 pm-9 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Thatchers cider, Punk IPA, chicken and vegetable curry
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £12.95-£17.95 per main
Website: thelambinneastcombe.co.uk
7. The Ale House
The Ale House does exactly what it says on the tin and offers up a fine selection of local real ales, ciders, perries, and other refreshments. The pub has won Stroud CAMRA Pub of the Year every year from 2014 to 2019 (CAMRA is the British Campaign for Real Ale and the authority on good pubs in England).
This is a proper British country pub with an excellent selection of cask ales, wines, lagers, and ciders, as well as food that’s created with locally sourced ingredients. The menu has everything from light bites and sandwiches to a three-course Sunday lunch for just £12 per person.
For music lovers, there’s live music on Friday and Saturday nights showcasing genres from jazz and blues bands to folk, rock, and more.
The Ale House Information
Address: 9 John Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2HA. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1453 755447
Operating Hours: 5 pm-11:30 pm, Mon-Thu, 12 pm-12:30 am, Fri-Sat, 12 pm-11:30 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Burning Sky, Electric Bear, fish finger sandwich
Average Cost: £3-£6 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £11-£22 per main
Website: thealehousestroud.com
8. The Clothiers Arms
This pub in Stroud is another popular place for locals and has an excellent selection of beers from nearby breweries like Stroud Brewery’s Budding and a few from St Austell in Cornwall (one of my favorites). The menu features firm favorites from beer-battered fish and chips, to ham, egg and chips, burgers, and curries at a very reasonable price.
The Clothiers Arms also has guest rooms and is an excellent place to stay as a home away from home with a full English breakfast and easy access to the bar. Click here to book.
The Clothiers Arms Information
Address: 1 Bath Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 3JJ. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1453 763801
Operating Hours: 12 pm-10 pm, Mon-Thu, 12 pm-11 am, Fri-Sat, 12 pm-7 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Stroud Budding, St Austell Tribute, beer battered fish and chips
Average Cost: £3-£5 per pint, £6 per cocktail, £12.95-£16.95 per main
Website: clothiersarms.co.uk
9. The Golden Fleece
Not to be confused with the Old Fleece (mentioned above) in nearby North Woodchester, the Golden Fleece is an equally pleasant pub in the heart of Stroud. With a fully stocked bar, weekly live music, and pizzas from just £9 each, it’s not hard to see why this place is always packed at the weekends.
The Golden Fleece Information
Address: Nelson Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2HN. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1453 764850
Operating Hours: 5 pm-11 pm, Mon-Fri, 3 pm-11 pm, Sat, 3 pm-10 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, draught cider, Diavolo nuovo pizza
Average Cost: £3-£6 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £9-£12 per pizza
Website: whatpub.com
10. The Corner House
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and excellent food and drinks, then you can’t go wrong with the Corner House in the heart of town. With an emphasis on fresh, seasonal, and local produce, tasty cocktails, and a hand-picked wine list, this is a great place to go for a special evening.
The menu offers excellent sharing platters (seafood, antipasti, vegetarian) so it’s a great place to come with groups of friends. The pub prides itself on its service, and claims to make the best Espresso Martini in Stroud (and I don’t disagree).
The Corner House Information
Address: London Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2AD. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1453 298681
Operating Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Tue-Thu, 12 pm-12 am, Fri, 11 am-12 am, Sat, 12 pm-6 pm, Sun (closed Mondays)
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, Gloucestershire cider, beer battered fish and chips
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £20-£28 per main
Website: thecornerhousestroud.co.uk
11. The Retreat Stroud
If you’re looking for somewhere classy for a glass of wine or a cocktail then be sure to visit the Retreat in central Stroud. This hip wine bar and pub has varieties from Spain to Australia and France to Chile. The bar also has local beers and ciders on tap and offers a menu of salads, focaccia sandwiches, and pizzas for a very reasonable price.
There’s an outside patio for al-fresco dining and the bar hosts regular quiz nights and other events throughout the month. This is a great place for a fun evening out in Stroud and somewhere I like to pop into whenever I’m in town.
The Retreat Information
Address: 28 Church Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 1JL. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1453 750208
Operating Hours: 12 pm-12 pm, Mon-Sat (closed Sundays)
Must-Try Items: Otter Amber, Lilley’s cider, venison chilli
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £8.50 per cocktail, £7.50-£14.50 per main
Website: retreatstroud.com
12. The Woolpack, Slad
The 300-year-old Woolpack in the nearby village of Slad is one of the best pubs near Stroud and one of my favorite places for a pint after a fresh country walk. Slad is the birthplace and final resting place of my favorite author Laurie Lee and this quaint, country pub sits opposite the church where he’s buried.
There’s a bar menu with sandwiches, soups, and snacks for light bites and a dining room menu for evening meals and Sunday lunches, with two and three-course set menus.
The beer garden offers gorgeous views out across the valleys and woodlands of the Cotswolds and with regular buses from Stroud that take just under ten minutes, you don’t need to worry about designated drivers. The 228 Stroud to Painswick bus has hourly services running from Stroud Merrywalks (stop D).
The Woolpack Information
Address: Slad Road, Slad, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 7QA. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1452 813429
Operating Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Tue-Thu, 12 pm-12 am, Fri-Sat, 12 pm-10 pm, Sun-Mon
Must-Try Items: Uley Bitter, Uley Pigs Ear, Sunday roast
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £8 per cocktail, £11-£22 per main
Website: thewoolpackslad.com
13. The Carpenters Arms
The Carpenters Arms bills itself as “Stroud’s best pub with a view” and it’s hard to argue with the statement. The pub is located in the small village of Westrip 2.3 miles (3.7 km) from the town and is definitely one of the best pubs near Stroud for beautiful views.
As well as an excellent selection of local beers and ciders, there’s a food menu with daily specials including vegan and gluten-free options. The pub is open from 11 am for breakfast and they serve an excellent range of breakfasts and brunches from baps (bread rolls) to a full English (recommended).
The Carpenters Arms Information
Address: Miserdon, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 7JA. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1285 821283
Operating Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Sat, 1:30 am-11 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, Cotswold cider, full-English breakfast
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £12-£17.50 per main
Website: thecarpentersarmswestrip.co.uk
14. The Butchers Arms
The delightful Butchers Arms is a country pub in nearby Sheepscombe that has an excellent selection of local beers, ciders, and hand-picked wines from around the world. The food menu includes pub classics using local ingredients and they make an awesome Sunday roast.
The Butchers Arms Information
Address: Sheepscombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 7RH. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1452 812113
Operating Hours: 12 pm-10 pm, Mon-Fri, 12 pm-11 pm, Sat, 12 pm-6 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, Gloucestershire cider, beer battered fish and chips
Average Cost: £3-£5 per pint, £6 per cocktail, £12-£22 per main
Website: butchers-arms.co.uk
15. The Black Horse
The Black Horse in the charming village of Amberley is one of the best country pubs near Stroud and offers stunning valley views from its beer garden. This is a fantastic place for a pint, a cocktail, or something from the lunch menu (they do excellent sandwiches and fresh tacos).
This is one of the pubs near Stroud I love to visit for the amazing views across the Cotswolds. It’s also a great place for a Sunday roast washed down with something crisp.
The Black Horse Information
Address: Littleworth, Amberley, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 5AL. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1453 872556
Operating Hours: 12 pm-10 pm, Mon-Sat, 12 pm-8 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, Gloucestershire cider, fish tacos
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £10 per sandwich or taco
Website: theblackhorseamberley.co.uk
Stroud Pubs: FAQs
Here are some answers to popular questions about the best pubs in Stroud:
The best pubs in Stroud include The Crown and Sceptre, The Old Fleece, and The Prince Albert for their lively atmosphere, excellent selection of local beers, and tasty food.
You don’t need to tip for drinks in Sroud, however, if you enjoyed your meal and received good service a tip of somewhere between 10% to 15% is appreciated.
The neighborhoods with the best pubs in Stroud include the town center and Bath Road. There are also lots of great pubs in the surrounding villages.
The average price of a pint in Stroud is around £5.50. For the cheapest beers in town head to The Lord John (Wetherspoons) for pints from as little as £1 on selected drinks.
The Stroud Brewery is one of the most famous pubs in Stroud and is known for its excellent beers, good food, and nightly entertainment.
The Butchers Arms in nearby Sheepscombe dates to 1670 and was once part of a deer park owned by King Henry VIII. The Crown and Sceptre is another 17th Century pub in Stroud and also a contender for the oldest inn.
As Stroud is a rural town there isn’t a main bar street, however, many of the bars can be found around the railway station and on Bath Road.
Final Thoughts
Now you know all about the best pubs in Stroud including some excellent country pubs nearby. Whether you’re looking for a lively evening of drinks and music from somewhere like The Prince Albert, Crown and Sceptre, or Stroud Brewery (my top pick), or something a little more laid-back like wine and cocktails at the Retreat, there’s something for everyone.
Most of the Stroud pubs have excellent menus serving seasonal dishes with ingredients from the Cotswolds, so foodies won’t be disappointed by a visit to the town. The Old Fleece is a must-visit for artisan dishes in stunning, village surroundings. I’m due for another visit within the next couple of weeks and can’t wait to hit up these great pubs and inns again.
