The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, comprising parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, is designated the largest area of outstanding natural beauty in England. This quintessentially rural landscape of mellow stone villages and market towns was made rich hundreds of years ago by the golden fleeces of the Cotswold Lion sheep.

Historical and Cultural Insights

This fascinating collection of images illustrates the changes that have taken place over more than a century in the licensed trade and brewing industry of the Cotswolds. It touches upon the arrival of gastro pubs with their soft brown leather sofas, and the decline of the character landlord.

Author's Passion and Industry Connections

The author has developed a passion for Cotswold pubs over twenty-five years and has established contacts with the larger breweries and emerging craft brewers.

Tourism and Pub Scene

With its buoyant tourist trade, the Cotswolds has not recently suffered the rapid decline in pub numbers seen elsewhere. However, despite the resurgence of real ales, many classic pubs and hotels are not thriving. So, with such beautiful scenery and a wealth of welcoming inns, now is the perfect time to come to the Cotswolds and relax with a local beer.