Food & drink near South Cerney.

One of the pleasures of staying in the Cotswolds is discovering the area's fantastic food and drink scene.

From waterside dining and traditional country pubs to artisan cafés and independent restaurants, South Cerney and the surrounding area offer something for every taste.

On the banks of Walters Lake — quite literally next door to Lake Pochard — Waterside Kitchen & Bar is the closest restaurant to the lodge and an easy stroll around the water.

The kitchen serves Pan-Asian cuisine on a menu that shifts with the seasons, drawing on Japanese sushi, Thai curries, Indian small plates and more, alongside a thoughtful list of wines and cocktails.

Dine inside the recently refurbished restaurant, out on the heated covered terrace, or book one of the private lakeside pods for parties of two to six — a memorable setting for a special evening. Part of The Relish Group.

Visit Waterside Kitchen & Bar →

A short drive from the lodge, the Gateway Café & Bar sits at the entrance to the Cotswold Water Park — a relaxed all-day spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an afternoon drink.

Expect freshly cooked food, good coffee, and a friendly atmosphere, with indoor seating and an outdoor terrace overlooking the water. A handy stop before or after a walk in the park.

Visit Gateway Café & Bar →

Set beside the lakes within the Cotswold Water Park, The Lakeside Brasserie offers relaxed all-day dining with a menu of classic brasserie dishes, wood-fired pizzas, grills and sharing plates.

Big windows and a waterside terrace make the most of the view — a great choice for a long lunch or an unhurried evening meal.

Visit The Lakeside Brasserie →

The Old Boathouse is a characterful waterside restaurant serving fresh, seasonal British plates — from local fish and steaks to lighter lunches and Sunday roasts — paired with cocktails and wines by the glass.

With decked seating right over the water, it's a memorable spot to watch the sun go down on a warm evening.

Visit The Old Boathouse →

Just a few minutes' walk from the lodge, Jennie's Kitchen is a friendly independent café serving breakfasts, brunch, light lunches, homemade cakes and proper coffee.

A favourite morning stop for guests heading out for a walk or picking up a takeaway to enjoy back on the decking.

The surrounding villages are home to some excellent pubs — perfect for a pint of local ale, a hearty meal or a Sunday roast after a day exploring the countryside.

• →The Eliot ArmsSouth Cerney
• →The Old George InnSouth Cerney
• →The Royal OakSouth Cerney
• →The Crown InnCerney Wick
• →The White Hart InnAshton Keynes
• →The Bakers ArmsSomerford Keynes
• →The Wild Duck InnEwen
• →The Tunnel House InnCoates
• →The Bell at SappertonSapperton

Opening times and menus change seasonally — worth a quick check before you set off.

Cirencester offers one of the best dining scenes in the region. Visitors can enjoy:

• →Modern British cuisine
• →Italian restaurants
• →Indian restaurants
• →Independent bistros
• →Artisan bakeries

Many guests choose to spend an evening exploring the town before returning to the peace of the lakes.

Whether you're starting the day with breakfast or stopping for afternoon coffee, you'll find plenty of independent cafés in the Cotswolds.

Many also welcome dogs, making them ideal for guests enjoying a dog-friendly holiday.

Self-catering guests often enjoy visiting local farm shops to stock up on:

• →Fresh bread
• →Local cheeses
• →Seasonal produce
• →Artisan treats

Perfect for enjoying meals on the lodge's decking overlooking the lake.

Many guests discover that their favourite place to eat is actually at Primrose Lodge itself.

There's something special about enjoying breakfast beside the water or sharing a meal on the decking as the sun sets across the lake.

After exploring the local food scene, return to a peaceful lakeside retreat and enjoy everything the Cotswold Lakes has to offer.