8 Best Restaurants in Bath and the Cotswolds, England

An artisan kitchen and coffeehouse, the Find is one of the best places in Cheltenham for afternoon tea. The Regency drawing room is an elegant spot, and the tea menu perfectly balances savory and sweet treats, incorporating British favorites, such as sausage rolls and coronation chicken sandwiches, with a contemporary twist. The fruit scones are fluffy, and you can add a glass or two of Champagne for the ultimate indulgence. There's also a tasty breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu if you are peckish earlier in the day.

Sit in this bustling café and watch the comings and goings of the Bath square outside and take your pick from the all-day menu. Impressive choices include everything from croque monsieurs to Cuban sandwiches. There's also a wide range of teas, coffees, and smoothies.

At this beamed and buzzing little café, locals drop in to discuss horses and dogs over a glass of wine, families gather around the big round table for lunch, and tired shoppers sink into armchairs for a reviving coffee. The Italian-inspired menu is filled with light dishes like antipasti, bruschetta, soups, baked potatoes, and salads. An English baker makes the cake specials on-site daily. There's also a terrace for warm days; the café stays open for dinner Thursday through Saturday.

Chef and restaurateur Michael Alexiou bought Woolmarket House in 1986 and transformed it into this charming restaurant serving traditional Greek cuisine. The mezze and fresh seafood are particularly good, and there are seasonal daily specials on the blackboard. The atmosphere is laid-back and the service is friendly.

A 15th-century inn just five minutes from Lacock Abbey, Sign of the Angel serves traditional food in a cozy and intimate setting. Some dishes, such as the roast loin of beef with Yorkshire pudding or the seasonal pie of the day are as traditional as the decor, but modern touches—orange butter sauce, for instance—adds an extra dimension. Enjoy the seasonal dish of the day for lunch or relax in the garden with a cream tea. When you creak open the heavy door and are greeted by the hearty fire in the huge chimney, you could be forgiven for thinking that you stepped back a few centuries. Upstairs are five beautifully rustic rooms in which to stay.

This sophisticated and popular restaurant on the corner of the Circus has an enticing seasonal menu that covers everything from morning coffee to late-night dinners. The husband-and-wife team prioritize locally sourced ingredients, and wines come from old-world small growers. The colorful modern art on the walls always makes for a great conversation topic.

Set in an opulent Regency building with a statement bar, the Ivy Brasserie serves first-class food with British and European specialties. In its heyday, the Rotunda building was a bathing pool with spa water on tap, and its domed roof and seating area have been exquisitely restored to house the smart restaurant. Racehorse murals line the walls in a nod to Cheltenham's equestrian heritage. Choose from dishes such as apple and Stilton salad, aromatic duck curry, or crab linguine. The Ivy also serves a classic afternoon tea. Reservations are advised, especially when there are race meetings and festivals.

This popular pub dating from the 17th century specializes in modern British cuisine with choices ranging from local venison to fresh fish. The courtyard garden is a delight in summer. There's also a snug coffee lounge, and an inn that offers 14 stylish, uncluttered bedrooms and a spa.