A polished Cotswolds gastropub with standout pies, crispy beef salad, and warm service; prices run high for portions, and Sunday roasts divide opinion.
The Hare delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality—particularly pies, crispy beef salad, and desserts—paired with warm, attentive service and a charming Cotswold setting. However, inconsistent execution on Sunday roasts and modest portions relative to premium pricing prevent the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. Strong repeat-visit loyalty and reliable execution across most dimensions make this a competitive neighborhood gastropub worth experiencing.
The room feels warm and bustling with that stone-and-wood Cotswold charm, split into snug corners and a lively bar. Staff are regularly called friendly and attentive, the kind who keep an eye without hovering. As one diner put it, "We felt looked after from the moment we walked in." Sundays can be louder with families and dogs, but the vibe stays welcoming. The culinary approach leans elevated pub cooking with quality sourcing and a few gentle global touches, not flashy experimentation. Think rich venison pie, a soy-ginger crispy beef salad, and well-made desserts over avant-garde flourishes. It suits people who want restaurant-level execution in a relaxed pub rather than tasting-menu theatre. Pricing is premium-for-quality and portions can feel modest on some plates, so expectations should be set accordingly. Families are generally well catered for: there is a kids menu on Sundays, coloring for children, and plenty of familiar picks like burgers, fries, mac and cheese (side), and ice creams. If your child prefers plain food, steer away from the spicier or more dressed salads and stick to simpler mains and sides.
Area vibe: Leafy Cotswolds village setting drawing locals, walkers, and weekending visitors; relaxed but polished country pub vibe.
Safety: Generally safe rural environment with steady daytime and evening footfall.
What's nearby: Near other Cotswold villages and walking routes; attracts diners touring the area and families on Sunday.
A warm, stone-and-wood Cotswold pub vibe with snug corners and a lively bar.
The venison pie and crispy beef salad are the dishes most people rave about.
It’s a casual-smart gastropub that gets lively on Sundays and weekends, and bookings plus parking planning are sensible.