As well as boasting an eclectic mix of independent and vintage shops, spectacular beauty spots and impressive eco credentials, foodies are spoiled for choice in the Stroud district, too.
SoGlos rounds up 21 independent eateries to try on your next visit, spanning everything from street food traders to stylish tasting menus.
Galgos Latino in Stroud
South American restaurant Galgos Latino at The Greyhound in Stroud was founded by two Venezuelan sisters and serves up authentic Latin food and 'the best cocktails in town'.
From traditional Venezuelan stew and plantain tostones to fish tacos, pork patacon and steak chimichurri, there's plenty to choose from, all served in small portions ideal for sharing with friends - and for bargain hunters, there's three tacos and a beer for just Β£12.95 every Taco Tuesday.
La Campagna in Stonehouse
Local's favourite La Campagna has an Γ la carte menu bursting with delicious Italian dishes, made using seasonal produce.
With options like fritto misto, bresaola and bruschetta to start, followed by smoked salmon risotto, fettuccine carbonara, herb stuffed pork tenderloin wrapped in pancetta and plenty of pizzas, food fans can get a taste of traditional Italian hospitality in the heart of Stonehouse.
Kyuri Sushi in Stroud
Based in Stroud's Five Valleys Shopping Centre, Kyuri Sushi specialises in the freshest Japanese cuisine, expertly prepared by chef Bong Su Cha, who you can watch at work when you dine at the sushi bar.
As well as freshly-rolled sushi, foodies can tuck into fragrant Japanese curries and sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken - with vegans well catered for, too.
Wilder in Nailsworth
Wilder in Nailsworth offers one of Gloucestershire's most unique fine dining experiences, with its surprise eight-course tasting menu that changes every evening.
The ever-changing menu showcases the very best local and seasonal produce through beautifully presented dishes. It also offers expertly matched drinks flights for an extra special experience.
Crust Issues in Stroud
Stroud pizza joint Crust Issues serves up fresh, hand-stretched pizza with a selection of creative flavours.
Topping options include the White Noise made with fior de latte cheese, locally-grown mushrooms and shallot puree and the Miss Maple, with streaky bacon, sausage, pecans, maple syrup and mozzarella - plus vegan options, sides, sweets and cocktails, too. It also offers take out and delivery options, for anyone who'd rather enjoy their pizza in their pyjamas.
The Edgemoor Inn near Painswick
Offering drinkers and diners incredible views over the Painswick Valley, The Edgemoor Inn is a perfect spot to soak in the Cotswold countryside over a delicious home-cooked meal.
Its wholesome menu features classic pub grub made with locally-sourced ingredients, like homemade chicken liver pΓ’tΓ© with onion chutney and toasted sourdough; smoked haddock, salmon and leek fish cakes with poached egg and hollandaise; steak burger with cheese and bacon, served with chips and onion rings; alongside vegetarian options including sweet potato, vegetable and pistachio katsu curry and spiced bean and lentil pie.
The Falcon Steakhouse in Wotton-under-Edge
Stylish steakhouse The Falcon in Wotton-under-Edge prides itself on serving beef reared on its family farm less than 10 miles from the restaurant, hung and aged for 28 days for the best flavour.
As you'd expect, steak takes pride of place on the menu, with a variety of cuts from an eight ounce fillet to the house special 20 ounce Chateaubriand to share, alongside build-your-own burgers, a small selection of starters and a vegetarian dish of the month. It also serves up traditional Sunday lunch, where its famous roast beef comes with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, pan-roasted veg, braised red cabbage, swede purΓ©e and 'real' gravy.
Karibu in Stroud
Stroud's dedicated vegan restaurant, Karibu, offers an eclectic range of plant-based dishes from around the world, alongside cocktails and craft beer.
With small plates like samosas and sweet and sour tofu; and large plates like Mexican nachos and beans, crispy corn cakes and aubergine, pea and potato curry, even meat-eaters will enjoy its selection of tasty vegan treats. The entire restaurant is dog-friendly and even has a roof terrace, too.
The Kitchen in Minchinhampton
Minchinhampton's award-winning The Kitchen is the perfect spot to treat yourself to afternoon tea in the Cotswolds.
Slather fresh cream and jam onto homemade scones, tuck into dainty finger sandwiches and indulge in freshly-baked cakes and pastries alongside a steaming pot of tea - or a bottle of bubbles, for special occasions.
Cappinnis Pizza in Dursley
With the head chef creating his very own secret sauce, Cappinnis Pizza promises to bring 'proper pizza' to Dursley, from the classic Margherita to more creative options like the Goaty McGoat Face, the Meat Feast and the Spicy One.
The family-run takeaway offers delivery or collection from its shop on Silver Street and is proud to use locally-sourced produce on its pizzas, with meat from Cam Butchers to flour from Shipton Mill.
Terra Cucina in Stroud
Run by the husband-and-wife duo behind Non Solo Pasta, Terra Cucina inside Sandersons at Stroud's Five Valleys Shopping Centre is a stylish new Italian restaurant.
Open throughout the day during the week and into the evening on Fridays, its menu features a selection of authentic Italian dishes, from seafood arancino and fresh burrata to start, to spaghetti with Sorrento lemon and prawn tartare to raviolone with spinach, ricotta and creamy egg yolk for the main course - not to mention it's family recipe tiramisu for dessert. There is a dedicated children's menu for bambinos, too.
The Berkeley Arms Hotel
Situated in the centre of Berkeley, not far from Berkeley Castle and Cattle Country Farm Park, The Berkeley Arms Hotel offers a hearty menu of traditional pub food.
From soup of the day or leek and Stilton crumble to start, to ham hock with cheese sauce, beer-battered cod loin and chips, sirloin steak and homemade burgers for mains, it's an ideal place to stop for lunch or dinner when exploring the village.
Strip Steak in Stroud
Strip Steak at the Five Valleys Shopping Centre in Stroud is a carnivore's dream, serving up only certified black angus beef prepared by a Gordon Ramsay Culinary School-trained chef.
Go for the signature premium sirloin strip steak with beef dripping fries, or opt for a wrap stuffed with juicy steak strips and sauce, paired with a side of classic mac and cheese or indulgent parmesan and truffle fries.
Amalfi in Nailsworth
Specialising in Italian and Sicilian cuisine, Amalfi in Nailsworth has a relaxed vibe and an excellent reputation with locals.
Its menu spans hand-tossed pizza, fresh pasta and creamy risotto, alongside a tempting selection of secondi including slow cooked lamb shank with mushroom and rosemary sauce; veal Milanese; baked sea bass with asparagus and cherry tomatoes; and tiger prawns with rocket, cherry tomatoes and shallots. Diners can also order Amalfi's pizza to take away.
The King's Head in Dursley
The King's Head in Dursley is both dog-friendly and has a gorgeous courtyard garden, so it's a perfect place to end a day of exploring the nearby beauty spots at Cam Peak and Stinchcombe Hill.
With a weekly changing menu made with local and seasonal produce, diners can expect dishes like katsu-style slow cooked old spot pork belly with kimchi or Severn & Wye smoked salmon with prawns, toasted brioche and horseradish to start; and Middlewick Farm beef burger with coleslaw and chips, chargrilled sirloin steak, Severn & Wye smoked haddock and spring onion fish cakes, or smoked tofu 'Donburi' rice bowl for the main course.
Good Food On The Edge in Wotton-under-Edge
As well as operating as a green grocer and off license throughout the week, Good Food On The Edge opens its bar every Friday night and its kitchen every Saturday night for pre-booked diners.
The restaurant offers a set menu of seasonal dishes, with options like watermelon and feta salad, fillet of beef with charred corn salsa, roasted monkfish with black olive sauce, passionfruit and coconut panna cotta, or raspberry ripple baked cheesecake in summer; and pear, chicory and blue cheese salad, fig and goat's cheese tart, roast grouse with blackberries, mushroom and tarragon strudel, and apple tarte tatin in autumn.
The Salutation Inn near Berkeley
The Salutation Inn in Ham, just outside Berkeley, is a traditional Cotswold country alehouse with its own brewery - and it's own mini cinema!
Affectionately known as 'The Sally' by regulars, it serves up locally-made pies and bar snacks alongside real ales and local ciders, with regular pop-up events from guest chefs including barbecues and cheese and beer tasting nights. It also sells meat from its very own hand-reared Gloucestershire old spot pigs.
La Cantina in Stroud
Located within the indoor market at Five Valleys Shopping Centre in Stroud, Mexican street food joint La Cantina dishes up Mexican comfort food in family-sized portions.
There are burritos, quesadillas and nachos on the menu, with a selection of toppings including slow-cooked beef, pulled chicken and vegetarian options - and three levels of spice to choose from.
The Old Fox at Coaley
A traditional village pub, The Old Fox at Coaley boasts a menu of classic food which reflects the seasons, alongside a carefully curated selection of real ales.
From homemade soup to goat's cheese bon bons for starters, to main courses like pork belly with seared scallops and potato croquettes, Thai style sea bass with lemongrass, ginger and lime, or seaweed-infused beer battered haddock and chips, there's plenty to choose from whether you want to keep it traditional or go for something with a twist. The Old Fox also offers a lunchtime sandwich menu and a children's menu for little diners.
The Royal Oak Inn in Wotton-under-Edge
The Royal Oak Inn is a lovely local pub in Wotton-under-Edge with a menu of pub classics like burgers, steak, gammon, fish and chips and homemade lasagna.
It also hosts regular curry nights on Thursdays, steak nights on Fridays and serves up traditional Sunday roasts with all the trimmings, too.
Simpsons Fish and Chips in Stroud
Legendary Gloucestershire chippy, Simpsons Fish and Chips, gives Stroud residents a taste of the seaside with its sustainably caught seafood.
Go for a classic cod and chips to take away, or opt for something more adventurous like hand-battered langoustines, frickles, jalapeΓ±o tartare sauce, battered halloumi or vegan's favourite, ToFish.
