13 Cotswold Pubs with Interesting & Unusual Names

We have compiled our 13 favourite Cotswolds pubs with interesting and unusual names. With names inherited from both mythological and domesticates creatures to everyday objects and royal entitlements, one thing these pub names have in common is a sense of fun, warmth and character. Moreover, each pub plays home to a brilliant atmosphere, tasty beers and delicious food.

1. The Smoking Dog

62 High Street, Malmesbury, SN16 9AT

You won’t find any pooches with Marlboros in their mouths, but this classic Cotswold stone high street pub adds a flare of modern taste to its traditional dishes. Located in the heart of Malmesbury, the warm atmosphere, scrumptious lunch and dinner menus, and selection of ales is sure to leave you wanting another “drag”.

2. The Rattlebone Inn

Church Street, Sherston, SN16 0LR

If you find yourself in the picturesque village of Sherston on a Monday evening, head over to this pub for “The Legendary Rattlebone Quiz & Burger Night”. While you are drinking a pint or burying yourself in country bistro cuisine, keep an eye out for the pub’s resident ghost – Saxon warrior, John Rattlebones.

3. The Cat and Custard Pot

The Street, Shipton Moyne, GL8 8PN

Comfort off the beaten track in Shipton Moyne, this pub is all about local tradition. With ties to an abundance of English history, this pub serves classic pub favourites, including a la carte dishes, lighter plates, and the famous Cat Special Burger.

4. The Pig and Fiddle

2 Saracen Street, Bath, BA1 5BR

Everyone in Bath knows The Pig – everyone has had at least one summer evening enjoying its six hand-pulled local ales and ciders. Tuesday nights the pub comes alive with live music sessions, and their heated garden adds an extra fun experience to go along with all the fun you will have with others who went to town.

5. The Jolly Huntsman

80 Kington St Michael, Chippenham, SN14 6JB

Located in the peaceful village of Kingston St. Michael, this pub dates back to the 18th century and one of the original brewing wells is still in existence. The free house pub, also a Bed’n’Breakfast, is all about home-cooking and using fresh and, where possible, local ingredients.. even their desserts are made from scratch, now that is jolly.

6. The Trout Inn

St John’s Bridge, Lechlade, GL7 3HA

More than just your fast and grab pub, this family-owned establishment boasts a range of ales, ciders and wines, and freshly prepped meals that are guaranteed to please your taste buds. It also hosts weddings, receptions, and varied events (even camping) at their riverside location in Lechlade.

7. The Beehive

1-3 Montpellier Villas, Cheltenham, GL50 2XE

What happens when you bring the country to the city? Located in Montpellier, this pub serves local pies, a variety of ales and ciders, mouth-watering main dishes with a modern twist, and a secret room with a wine wall.

8. Queen Matilda Tavern

1 Star Lane, Avening, GL8 8NT

A free house fit for a queen – a royal establishment indeed. It’s all about “real ales, real fires, and real food” at this tavern. Quality ingredients and drinks to quench your thirst are top of mind. Quiz nights on the last Thursday of every month and a live folk/jazz music session at least one Saturday every month.

9. Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn

47 Parsons St, Banbury, OX16 5NA

It all started with a cake, and soon this inn was full of history including its famous Globe Room which has seen many visitors. Full of character, full of a variety of flavours in savoury and sweet, and is home to some of the best ales, lagers, wines and ciders, located in Oxfordshire. It is not to be missed on your travels.

10. The Salamander

3 John Street, Bath, BA1 2JL

Bath’s city centre is known for its small and special pubs, including The Salamander. If you want to enjoy a traditional pie or bar snack and a pint, you want to visit here. A casual, short menu that gives customers plenty of time to chat and, of course, enjoy a drink of ale.

11. The Mermaid

78 High Street, Burford, OX18 4QF

Serving the best home made food in Burford, this restaurant and pub is no myth. Enjoy an intimate candlelit experience upstairs or let loose with regular entertainment events in the pub. The Mermaid even caters to dietary needs including gluten-free options.

12. The Hop Pole

7 Albion Buildings, Bath, BA1 3AR

Good food, good company. Located in the heart of Bath, this pub is a local favourite among the locals and even has a secret courtyard garden. Even though in the city, the cosy atmosphere is why The Hop Pole is called “a country pub in the heart of the city.”

13. The Corner Cupboard Inn

83 Gloucester St, Winchcombe, GL54 5LX

Located in the beautiful Cotswolds town of Winchcombe, The Corner Cupboard Inn is an authentically 16th-century inn with exposed beams and a patio garden. Enjoy a comfort food menu utilizing only the finest ingredients making a tasteful dining experience.

Image Credits: Neil Owen – CC BY-SA 2.0; David Purchase – CC BY-SA 2.0; Ray Bird – CC BY-SA 2.0; Colin Smith – CC BY-SA 2.0; Reading Tom – CC BY-SA 2.0; David Broad – CC BY 3.0; Rodw – CC BY-SA 3.0