If you’re craving fresh air, gorgeous countryside views, and exceptional food, the Cotswolds offers some of the most delightful outdoor dining experiences in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a rustic farm setting, a stylish garden terrace, or a relaxed yurt in the heart of nature, this beautiful region has it all. In this post, we’re sharing our top five outdoor dining spots to visit in the Cotswolds — from the buzzing Pit Kitchen to the serene setting of The Fox at Oddington — these spots are perfect for making the most of long summer lunches and sunset suppers.
Pit Kitchen
On a toasty summer evening, what could be more pleasant than sitting outdoors with friends overlooking the rolling Cotswold hills with a delicious chicken shawarma in front of you? If this sounds like your perfect evening, pop along to Pit Kitchen at their new location at Todenham Manor Farm near Moreton-in-Marsh.
One of the things that makes Pit Kitchen so special is the fantastic setting. Located within a converted animal barn on the edge of a working farm, Pit Kitchen is the perfect place to experience the rustic charm that the Cotswolds is known for. Take a seat at one of the large wooden benches in the barn, or bring a picnic blanket and find a spot on the grass in the sun. There are beautiful views for days, as well as lively music, a buzzy atmosphere, and the incredible smells of tasty food cooking on an open fire.
Pit Kitchen is the passion project of brothers Adam and James, who were inspired by their travels to create food that is heavily Turkish inspired, with a cheffy East London twist. You can expect to try smoky burrata served with homemade flatbread and Aleppo chilli oil; crispy fries dipped in mouth-watering aioli; and of course the famous shawarmas. Pick from marinated chicken thigh, lamb neck, spiced halloumi or wild mushroom for your shawarma, all served with a range of delicious sauces and garnishes. Pit Kitchen is also a great place to visit if you’re vegetarian, as the vegetarian dishes are given as much care and attention as the meat dishes.
Herd
Herd at Todenham Manor Farm is a truly immersive farm-to-table dining experience. Led by award-winning chef Christopher Ellis, the menu showcases meat reared on-site – dry-aged for a minimum of 28 days, cooked on an open fire and paired with the most glorious seasonal side dishes. With communal outdoor seating, it’s perfect for welcoming groups, families, and four-legged friends to soak up the laid-back rural atmosphere. Beyond the meal, you can explore the adjoining farm shop and butchery, where award-winning beef and local goods carry that same ethos of provenance and quality straight from field to fork. If you’re seeking a genuine Cotswolds dining experience, Herd is not to be missed.
Good Gathers
Found within the picturesque Cornwell Estate near Chipping Norton, Good Gathers is a delightful seasonal pop-up restaurant created by award‑winning caterers Ross & Ross Events. Open on selected days through the summer months, it offers a relaxed outdoor dining atmosphere complete with deck chairs, parasols, and long communal tables—perfect for sprawling summer evenings. The menus burst with creativity and local flair, featuring dishes like 20‑day dry‑aged sirloin, wood‑fired pizzas, and veggie options such as slow‑baked aubergine with feta or BBQ beetroot flatbread plus great beers and relaxed music to set the mood. Best of all, all of the profit goes to FarmED, a local farm championing regenerative farming and educational outreach. If you’re after tasty, ethically minded food in a sun‑soaked meadow, backed by a great cause, Good Gathers is a true Cotswold gem.
Yurt at Nicholsons
One of our favoruite dining spots in the Cotswolds is located within a Yurt at a garden centre – it sounds random, we know, but we can promise you that the Yurt offers some of the best quality brucnhes and lunches in the entire Cotswolds. The Yurt is conveniently located a 10 minute drive from our holiday cottages, and they offer delights such as buttermilk pancakes, courgette flatbreads, a mezze brunch bowl and loads more. Everything the Yurt offers is incredible, so you really can’t go wrong.
The Yurt featured in the Michelin Guide 2023, which stated that The Yurt produces unfussy modern dishes with bold flavours, complimented by bright and breezy service. We certainly agree with their review; the food is beyond anything you could imagine being served at a garden centre. You’ve got to try it to believe it.
The Fox at Oddington
The Fox at Oddington is far more than your typical country pub; it’s a beautifully restored 19th-century inn rooted in sustainability, style, and stellar food. The menu is a celebration of fresh, estate-raised produce, from hearty wood-fired pizzas to incredible steaks, served in a relaxed, unfussy way. Inside, exposed stone walls, timber beams, and cosy fireplaces evoke rustic warmth, whilst the gorgeous garden overflows with flowering perennials and comfortable picnic benches, offering an idyllic al fresco setting. Whether you’re lingering over seasonal cocktails in the sundrenched garden or retreating inside by the fire, The Fox blends elegance, community, and countryside charm—making it a must-visit outdoor dining destination in the Cotswolds.
