Cirencester, a charming market town in the heart of the Cotswolds, offers a variety of wonderful activities, including exploring its Roman heritage, taking country walks, and enjoying the local restaurant scene. The town also boasts plenty of pubs, ideal for a few pints or a bite to eat.
Pubs in Cirencester come in all shapes and sizes, from historic inns and coaching houses to lively bars with live music, pub quizzes, and traditional food. The town provides numerous options for a great night out, featuring picturesque views, outdoor seating, and cozy fireside pubs perfect for the winter months.
Having visited Cirencester for years, I’ve frequented many of the town’s great pubs and bars. After living and exploring Cirencester for over a month, I compiled a list of my favorite pubs based on atmosphere, food and drink quality, service, location, personal experience, and customer reviews.
Best Pubs in Cirencester
The Bear Inn
The 18th Century Bear Inn is one of the best pubs in Cirencester. It won the 2021 Good Pub Guide Awards for its excellent selection of local and guest cask ales. The pub features original wooden beams and a roaring fireplace. The beer garden is great for sunny days, and the menu includes classic pub dishes with a modern twist, such as the smoked haddock fishcakes.
The Black Horse
Located on Castle Street and built in honey-colored Cotswold stone, The Black Horse offers character, cheap beers, and hearty menus with daily specials. It’s a prime spot for affordable meals and a fun atmosphere. The food is served all day, with burgers under £10 and a burger-and-drink deal on Tuesdays for £11.95.
The Bees Knees
A popular spot with locals, The Bees Knees offers reasonably priced drinks and live Sky Sports on flat-screen TVs. The pub has a real log fire for winter evenings and welcomes well-behaved dogs. It features a pool table, darts, and a skittle alley. Although they don’t currently serve food, this may change soon.
The Twelve Bells
One of Cirencester’s most historic pubs, The Twelve Bells, dates back over 300 years. It has a beautiful beer garden and a microbrewery on site. The pub is known for its real ales and warm hospitality, with a menu featuring pub classics made with fresh local ingredients.
The Crown
Located in the Market Place with views of St. John the Baptist Church, The Crown attracts visitors of all ages. It boasts a pleasing courtyard beer garden and a menu with light bites, burgers, and other substantial meals.
Porters Bar
Porters Bar is ideal for watching sports and enjoys a great location in the town center. The food menu is reasonably priced, and there’s a wide selection of global bottled beers and an extensive wine list.
The Fleece
Housed in a Grade II listed building, The Fleece is perfect for pub food in a charming setting. Offering indoor and outdoor seating, it serves brunch, coffee, and evening meals. The menu includes everything from Eggs Benedict to seafood tagliatelle.
The Golden Cross Inn
A hidden gem on an old medieval street, The Golden Cross Inn offers real ales, craft beers, and local ciders. The pub also features Sky and BT Sports and runs Happy Hour deals from Monday to Friday.
Marlborough Arms
Beer lovers should visit the Marlborough Arms, known for its extensive selection of real ales and Belgian craft beers. The pub doesn’t have a kitchen but offers a range of bar snacks.
17 Black
Combining a wine bar, restaurant, and nightclub, 17 Black is popular with students and offers some of the best prices in town. This spot has a varied gin menu and serves classics like fish and chips.
The Golden Farm
A top spot with a country pub vibe, The Golden Farm offers a variety of craft beers and affordable meals. It frequently hosts live music and charity events.
The Plough Inn
Located in the village of Stratton, just over a mile from Cirencester, The Plough Inn is a charming country pub with a beer garden for summer and a log fire for winter.
The Old George
Situated in South Cerney, The Old George offers a top selection of beers and local ciders. It has a cozy bar with an open fireplace, an extensive menu, and a large garden perfect for families.
The White Hart Inn
Located in the village of Ashton Keynes, The White Hart Inn offers a great selection of cask ales and local ciders, with a menu of affordable, homely food. It’s an excellent pit stop for walkers on the Thames Path.
The Greyhound
This picturesque Cotswold village pub near Cirencester offers a pleasant beer garden and a large selection of local beers and ciders.
Popular Questions About Cirencester Pubs
Cirencester offers a variety of wonderful pubs, including The Golden Farm, The Bear Inn, The Twelve Bells, and The Fleece. For food, The Crown and The Fleece are great choices. Tipping for drinks isn’t necessary, but a 10-15% tip is customary for good service with meals. Most pubs are located in the town center, making them easily walkable. The average cost of a pint is between £4 and £5, cheaper than London. The Bear Inn is one of the most popular pubs, and The Twelve Bells is the oldest.
Now that you know about the best pubs in Cirencester, all you need to decide is which one to visit first. Whether you prefer country pubs with great views like The Plough or Greyhound or lively spots in the town center like The Bees Knees or Golden Farm, there’s something for every taste. So, step into one of these fantastic establishments today!
