
Stroud Valleys Guide
Stroud and its surrounds are commonly referred to as the Five Valleys – a stunning landscape of rolling hills synonymous with the wool trade of the 11th century and later clothing manufacture in the 1700s. The valleys of Chalford, Nailsworth, Ruscombe, Slad and Painswick, as well as Stroud’s historic town centre itself, are each home countless pubs, restaurants, boutique shops, walking routes and esoteric curiosities that make living and visiting the area an undeniable joy.
In this guide, we’ve listed an ever-growing directory of our favourite spots. If there’s anything else specific you’re seeking or wish to know more information about the area in general, please feel free to get in touch.
Restaurants
Juliet - ‘the’ place to eat in Stroud - modern, classy and very fashionable
Williams Kitchen - longstanding fishmongers in Nailsworth with restaurant serving delicious fish meals
The Woolpack - famous pub with a brilliant menu and stunning outlook
Daikoku Ramen - relaxed Japanese food and izakaya style menu in Stroud
Five Valleys food court - food from around the world in a relaxed setting. Open later on Fridays/Saturdays.
Peanuts Deli - New York style smokehouse - the best burgers (2 for 1 on Thursdays)
Giuseppe’s - small family run Italian restaurant and deli in Nailsworth
Wilder- featured in the Michelin guide
The Painswick Hotel - upmarket hotel restaurant
The Stroud Hotel - great place opposite the station in Stroud
Foodie Pubs
The Black Horse - burgers etc - the real winner here is the garden and its unbeatable view
The Ship Inn - the winner of best Sunday roast award from us. They also do themed food nights.
The Amberley Inn - our local spot for classic pub grub
The Old Lodge - the pub right up on the common - gastro pub style menu with refined details
The Old Neighbourhood - in Chalford; great food and lovely garden
The Royal Oak Inn - old school pub which also serves a great Sunday Roast - meat is brought out on a trolly.
The Fostons Ash - a bit further afield but very classy pub food
The Bell at Selsley - seasonal focus on local produce
The Bell at Sapperton - classic pub menu with refined twist
Proper Pubs
The Prince Albert - a Stroud institution with music, events and the kind of community the town is famous for
The Crown & Sceptre - a little slice of Stroud and a longstanding favourite among those in the know
The Kings Head - Kingscourt, a secret gem with unmatched valley views and a huge kids playground
The Ram Inn - South Woodchester, everything you want in a cosy neighbourhood pub
The Black Horse - Amberley the real winner here is the garden and its unbeatable sunset view (plus its our local)
The Royal Oak Inn- North Woodchester, old school pub, great Sunday Roast - meat is brought out on a trolly
Food Trucks and Pop-ups to look out for
Midnight Pizza
Anotais Thai Street food
Vélo Bakery and Pizza
SALT Bakehouse Vans (they post a weekly schedule of where you’ll find them for fresh pastries and bread)
Places to drink
Woodchester Valley Wines - well respected english winery with beautiful tours and tastings available year round
Holy Water - Cocktail bar championing locally sourced ingredients - a bit like you are in a trendy European city
The Stroud Brewery - famous brewery on the canal with a booming events calendar, sunny pints and great pizzas
Fresh Standard Brew - hidden microbrewery on the cycle path. Regular food pop-ups, crisp beers and lovely people
The Wine Barn (Vinotopia) - Nailsworth wine shop and tasting space. Regular food pop ups and interesting wines
The Stroud Wine Company - regular tastings and events
Places to eat…
Places of interest
Winstones Ice Cream Factory - Classic ice cream since 1925
Woodchester Mansion and Park - historic unfinished mansion with many stories
Ruskin Mill Trout Farm - part of the Ruskin Mill trust we enjoy a visit to the cafe and a walk
Slimbridge Wetland Centre - wetland wildlife reserve near Slimbridge
Westonbirt Arboretum - The National Arboretum
Selsley Common - views over the River Severn towards Wales
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons - views of the Valleys
Severn Bore - schedule for the tidal surge going up the river
Galleries
Gallery Pangolin - Chalford
This House Gallery - Nailsworth
SVA - Stroud
Gallery B.R - Tetbury
Form Gallery - Nailsworth
Three Stories - Nailsworth
The Clay Loft - Inchbrook
Victoria Works Studio - Chalford
Museum in the Park - Stroud
Stroudwater Textile Trust - Chalford
Site Festival - Open Studios
Lansdown Hall and Gallery - Stroud
Music and gig venues
Shopping
Boutique Shopping
Domestic Science - the best emporium for stylish homewares, clothes and vintage furniture
The Malthouse Collective - huge vintage and second hand warehouse emporium in Stroud
Humphries and Begg - Stroud
Klang Tone Records - famous record shop in Stroud
Markets and Farm Shops
Stroud Farmers Market
Five Valleys Food Market
Nailsworth Friday Market
Jolly Nice
Supermarkets
Waitrose, Stroud
Sainsbury’s, Stroud
Aldi, Stroud
Morrisons, Nailsworth
Historic Sites
Trips further afield
Bath - historic regency city with an abundance of fantastic shops, coffee and of course - the roman baths
Tetbury - quaint cotswold town famous for antique shops
Bibury - ‘the most picturesque village in england’
Cirencester - bustling market town with great independent shops and restaurants