Stroud is a lovely town, situated in Gloucestershire, England, which is prized for its chill atmosphere and artisan stores. The town also has many historical buildings and it often feels like you are in a trip back in time.
Many people vacation there because there is just so much to do there, despite its modest size. If you’re one of these people and you want to learn where to have a pint and a bite in Stroud from a local, then this article is the one for you.
We gathered and exchanged opinions as to which the best pubs are to come up with the five top places to go for a drink in Stroud.
Stroud pubs don’t only offer some of the best drinks, some also have live entertainment such as music performances and comedy open mic, as well as slot machines (although we suggest you train online first, because the locals are quite good). We will suggest you different types of pubs that might match your interests.
The Prince Albert
The Prince Albert is a great pub, located in Stroud’s town centre, which is renowned by the locals. The pub, as many others on this list, is housed in a beautiful old building which was likely constructed in the late 16th or early 17th century. That is enough a reason to visit it, but there’s more to the pub.
The Prince Albert is generally considered one of the best pubs in the area for live entertainment. Every month it welcomes local musicians for lively gigs. You can also take harp lessons for beginners there, while enjoying a cold drink. Look up their events calendar before you plan your visit.
You can find traditional pub food there, as well as freshly baked pizza, which we highly recommend. The drink menu is naturally very impressive.
Location: Rodborough Hill, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 3SS Working Hours: Mon: 4-7pm, Tue: closed, Wed, Thurs: 4-10 pm, Fri: 4-11 pm, Sat: 1-11pm, Sun: 1-7 pm
The Greyhound
The Greyhound is another pub that simply looks marvelous on the outside. The pub has been rebuilt a few times over the year, with the current building being designed by the famous London architect Percy Morley-Horder in 1903. Some parts of the pub’s Victorian design remain as well such as the checkered floor and the gorgeous bathrooms.
The Greyhound used to have its very own brewery, but while this is not the case anymore, you can still find an impressive plethora of local beer on tap, along with other well-curated drinks.
While the pub is known as the Greyhound by all locals, in 2019, the pub was renamed “Galgos”, meaning greyhound in Spanish. This is because it became a pub/restaurant serving delicious South American cuisine, while still preserving its British charm.
Location: The Greyhound, Gloucester St, Stroud GL5 1QG Working Hours: Tue-Sat: 5-10 pm
The Carpenters Arms
The Carpenters Arms is located about two and a half miles from Stroud and it’s commonly known as one of the best pubs of the area for its view. The pub is like a terrace which reveals the never-ending green hills of the Cotswolds, so we highly recommend you pay it a visit.
The pub is open in the mornings as well and it offers a wide variety of breakfast items such as its Full English. It goes without saying that their Sunday Roast is also to die for. We recommend going there during the day, so you can get the most from the view.
Location: Redhouse Ln, Westrip, Stroud GL6 6EY Working hours: Tue-Fri: 11 am-3 pm, 5 pm-11 pm, Sat: 10 am-11:45 pm, Sun: 12 pm-10 pm
Stroud Brewery and Taproom
Stroud Brewery and Taproom, situated in the village of Brimscombe (1.8 miles away from Stroud), is one of the most visited locations in the area and for a good reason. The pub has one of the richest selections of drinks that cater to all tastes.
We recommend trying the house ale or cider, because they are famous all around the country and they have won many awards, so you know they are worth it. Stroud Brewery and Taproom gets very busy at night and it often hosts local artists and comedians, so booking in advance is preferrable.
Location: London Rd, Brimscombe, Stroud GL5 2BY Working Hours: 10 am-11 pm
The Lord John
The Lord John is a favourite pub for locals. It is part of the Wetherspoons chain, but don’t think of it as anything but unique. The interior is classy with leather-covered boots, beautiful tapestry and a big sun roof. There is also a patio area outside.
The Lord John is perhaps so well-beloved because it’s unbelievably cheap not only for Stroud, but for England. It’s pretty hard to come by pints as cheap as they there. There also many tasty meal options.
The Lord John is frequented by older and younger people alike and we recommend going there earlier if you want to save yourselves a spot. This is especially true during the yearly Wetherspoons beer festival. It goes without saying that you can find any beer than you can think of in The Lord John.
Location: 17 Russell St, Stroud GL5 3AA Working Hours: Sun-Thurs: 8 am-12 am, Fri-Sat: 8 am-1 am
Conclusion
So, what are your thoughts on our picks? Do you agree with them? Let us know and tell us about your favourite places in Stroud and the area.