Old Stocks Inn

The Old Stocks Inn occupies a particularly convenient position on The Square in Stow-on-the-Wold, combining a hotel with a restaurant, bar and cocktail lounge in a 17th-century Grade II listed building. The kitchen focuses on seasonal British cooking and locally sourced ingredients, with menus changing to reflect what is available around the Cotswolds. Head chef Ian Percival brings more than a decade of experience in the area, including work in two-AA-Rosette establishments, but the restaurant presents itself as polished and playful rather than stiffly formal.

There are several ways to use the venue beyond a conventional evening meal. Lunch is served through the week, Sunday has a dedicated roast service, and the inn’s private walled garden provides space for drinks and outdoor dining in suitable weather. A private dining room seats up to 14 people and uses the main lunch, evening or Sunday menus, with a deposit and advance pre-order required, making it a practical central option for small celebrations without hiring a separate venue.

Its Square location makes the Old Stocks easy to include in a day spent browsing Stow’s shops and lanes, but booking ahead is sensible for dinner, Sunday lunch and busy weekends. Dog owners should note that dogs are welcomed for dining in the bar, library, conservatory and garden, but not in the main restaurant or cocktail lounge, so the intended seating area matters when reserving. This is a strong choice for visitors wanting locally rooted food and a good drinks list in the middle of town, with lighter lunches, formal meals and group dining all available under one roof.