Lunch at the Woolpack

Last Autumn we revisited one of our favourite pubs. Argued by many as the best in the Cotswolds, the Woolpack in Slad really does live up to its reputation.

Famous for its sought after position in the Slad Valley, which is the home of Laurie Lee’s ‘Cider with Rosie’, the Woolpack is perched on the hillside with one of the most beautiful views around. The gentle rolling hills of this valley are spectacular all year round but when we visited they displayed a stunning explosion of orange and yellow. Having been open for almost 300 years, the pub bar is a proper local hang out with its cosy charm, wood panelled walls and open fires. During the lockdowns the owners refurbished and extended the dining room creating a second space which serves as a more refined dining room retaining the charm of the original building. The new menu offers some of the very best food in the Stroud Valleys.

Simple and classic with a nod to the pub heritage and a french twist. Juicy sweet artichoke with a mustardy creme fraîche dip, followed by a giant bowl of steaming mussels cooked in white wine and parsley served with perfect thick cut chips and a toasty slab of excellent sourdough. The confit smoked trout was delicious too. If we had been starving we would have probably gone for the Pork Loin chop with sage and mash but instead we saved ourselves for dessert: a local apple parfait topped with vanilla cream, hot salted caramel sauce and toasted hazelnuts. It was amazing.

Check it out and book via their website HERE