A New Entry in A Secret Part of The Cotswolds

It can take time for new hotels to create a real atmosphere and hone a personality. The Stroud, built in 1863 as an inn and located across the street from the town’s train line, was once a landmark. After laying vacant for a few years, it is newly refurbished and feels as though it’s been here (in its present incarnation) for decades. Even while serving as a magnet for those merely passing through – day trippers, train-delayed passengers looking for refreshment and those drawn to the western Cotswolds – the hotel still seems rooted in local life. It’s as if you’ve walked into the English equivalent of an episode of Cheers. Manager Mike will ask, “Hiya, you alright?” Ash or Josh will serve you a drink. Eventually you’ll find yourself in one of the cozy cubbyholes in the dining room and you’ll order something. Locals will come in for a pint, a table of ladies will be buzzing with gossip, a group with luggage will traipse through, you’ll hear French and American accents from business people and somehow it will all seem lively, friendly and comforting.

The 24-room, dog-friendly hotel is an hour and a half from the capital. This ease of accessibility has proved an asset to Stroud (the town after which the hotel takes its name) which is repositioning itself as a Cotswolds hub with a weekly farmers’ market, countryside walks and easy access to many of the surrounding quaint stone villages with triple barrelled names which are part of the famed Cotswolds circuit.

To take advantage of this new energy, a London property firm purchased the hotel and restored it during the pandemic. The resulting decor is part rustic, part fashionable 40s redux. As you enter, there’s event space to the right with exposed brickwork and large fireplace where fitness classes are held several days a week. To the left there’s a coat rack, each peg in the form of an animal and, knickknacks like a wall-mounted vintage scale. Rooms range from suites to family rooms which accommodate 4 or more. Dark blue accents offset mainly white interiors and windows look onto the street below.

Bucknall Bar and Restaurant, named after the building’s designer has indoor and patio seating, the Snug and Lounge provide more private sections. Breakfast is served buffet-style, laid out in the front room – croissants, toast, yogurt and fruit among other items. You can also order a smattering of sandwiches and specialty coffee from the menu. For dinner you can’t go wrong with the entire roasted half a chicken or the large chunk of tuna with Asian noodles. An array of menus geared toward local and visitors alike range from a Sunday Roast, charcuterie board and slow and low specials to a kid’s menu and bottomless brunch.

The Stroud has a real warmth that, at many hotels, takes years to forge.

This original article first appeared in the WINTER 2025 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.

---