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The Woolpack Slad

4.6

·990 reviews·Slad, United Kingdom

Historic Cotswolds pub, literary haven for Laurie Lee fans, and a celebrated gastropub with stunning valley views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, cozy ambiance

CrowdLow

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The Woolpack Slad

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, cozy ambiance

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Cotswolds pub, literary haven for Laurie Lee fans, and a celebrated gastropub with stunning valley views.

4.6

(990 reviews)

"A culinary powerhouse in a rustic setting, offering an unforgettable experience."

TIP

🎯 Book Ahead for Dining

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to secure a table.

🚶‍♂️ Explore Laurie Lee's Haunts

Visit Laurie Lee's grave opposite the pub and read 'Cider with Rosie' for context.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 990 reviews

Type

Pub

Address

Slad Rd, Slad, Stroud GL6 7QA, UK

Website

thewoolpackslad.com

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Laurie Lee's Beloved Local

Slad

Experience the authentic atmosphere of the pub immortalized by Laurie Lee in 'Cider with Rosie'.

Spectacular Slad Valley Views

Beer garden/outdoor seating

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Slad Valley from the pub's charming setting.

Ambitious Gastropub Fare

Dining Room / Lounge Bar

Savor innovative dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients, earning accolades from food critics.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Laurie Lee Legacy

The Woolpack is famously the local pub of poet Laurie Lee, author of 'Cider with Rosie'. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere he loved and visit his grave opposite the pub. Booking is highly recommended, especially for dining.

A Culinary Gem in Slad Valley

This historic pub offers more than just a pint; it's a culinary destination. Expect ambitious, flavourful dishes using fresh, local ingredients. While not cheap, reviewers rave about the quality and unique menu.

Best Times

When

Weekday evenings

Why

Fewer crowds, cozy ambiance

Crowd

Low

When

Weekend lunch

Why

Vibrant atmosphere, great food

Crowd

Medium

When

Folk music nights

Why

Unique live entertainment

Crowd

High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

In times of change we are reaching for the familiar, the unchanging, the constant in our lives to steady us. A drink in @woolpackslad, refreshingly reliable, a good pint of @uleybrewery, familiar faces, a table in the snug where we had our first date. #thewoolpack #slad #laurielee #cotswolds

bradshawandsons

154 likes • 5.7K views

🎯 Book Ahead for Dining

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to secure a table.

🚶‍♂️ Explore Laurie Lee's Haunts

Visit Laurie Lee's grave opposite the pub and read 'Cider with Rosie' for context. +1

Before the nights draw in, I decided to visit Laurie Lee’s village and his local pub, the @woolpackslad where he used to drink and, no doubt, gaze across the sunlit valley as the evening drew to a close. He is buried in the churchyard opposite (his gravestone bears the inscription ‘He lies in the valley he loved’) and the cottage in which he grew up is a stone’s throw up the hill. He wrote about t...

annaharribakes

0 likes • 312 views

Discovering Cider With Rosie and then getting to visit Slad and the Woolpack Inn in the Cotswolds.

anglotopia

30 likes • 1.4K views

🍔 Try the Famous Burger

Many rave about the burger, described as a superior take on a classic fast-food style.

🍻 Sample Local Ales

Enjoy a pint of Uley Brewery's finest, a local favorite often featured.

Cosy Cotswold pubs are calling! ☎️  With the seasons changing, there is nothing more appealing than a cosy pub! 🍂 The Woolpack in Slad is incredibly charming and has amazing views of Slad Valley, with delicious seasonal food…making it a perfect Cotswold pub! 🍺 Grab a quick bite to eat and drink from their bar kitchen menu in their lounge bar, or stay a little while and order from the main menu...

cotswoldfoodjournal

86 likes • 2.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead for Dining

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to secure a table.

🚶‍♂️ Explore Laurie Lee's Haunts

Visit Laurie Lee's grave opposite the pub and read 'Cider with Rosie' for context. +1

🍔 Try the Famous Burger

Many rave about the burger, described as a superior take on a classic fast-food style.

🍻 Sample Local Ales

Enjoy a pint of Uley Brewery's finest, a local favorite often featured.

🚫 Adults-Only Dining Room

Note that the Dining Room has an age restriction; check policies for younger guests.

What Travellers Say

4.6

(990 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Woolpack Inn is celebrated as a historic pub with a literary legacy, offering exceptional, ambitious gastropub cuisine in a stunning Slad Valley setting. Visitors praise the friendly staff, brilliant atmosphere, and high-quality food, though note it's a premium dining experience. Some mention an age restriction in the dining room.

"One early November morning, we decided to escape busy Berkshire to explore an area in the Cotswolds we had not been to before. We got chatting to a lady in a small shop in Painswick who recommended the Woolpack for lunch.
This quaint stone pub turned out to be the most amazing find. The staff really knew their product and also produced some of it on an allotment nearby. The menu was so different and was the most interesting I have seen in years. The food and the service were superb with the staff loving the interest and the questions we were asking.
Inside this little unassuming stone pub is a powerhouse of culinary diversity and excellence. I’m already planning a trip back to sit in that rustic restaurant and sample more dishes I have simply not eaten before.
Thank you Woolpack. What a great experience run by such a wonderful group of people!!!"

Richard Webb

"A proper local pub, great atmosphere, friendly staff and customers, fantastic food... not cheap but well worth it. We struck lucky by being there on the one night a month that the folk group were playing.... we had a fantastic night. Thank you."

Brian John

"Service was very nice the general manager was so kind and funny. Gave very good recommendations. The views outside are beautiful and the burger is great. Loved the small plates too... All very authentic."

Tommy Ush

What People Like

Literary atmosphere

Exceptional food quality

Stunning valley views

What People Dislike

Age restriction in dining room

Can be pricey

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Woolpack is located in Slad, near Painswick in the Cotswolds. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with parking available. Public transport options are limited, so check local bus routes if not driving.

Yes, there is parking available at the pub. However, it can get busy, especially during peak times, so arriving early is advisable.

Many visitors enjoy hiking in the Slad Valley, with the pub serving as a perfect starting or ending point for a walk. Consider picking up a copy of 'Cider with Rosie' to enhance your exploration. +1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It is highly recommended to book a table, especially if you plan to dine, as the pub is very popular and can get crowded.

The pub generally serves drinks all day, every day. Food service hours vary, with the Dining Room typically open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Check their website for the most current times.

The Dining Room has an age restriction, forbidding children under 14. The Lounge Bar and general pub area may be more accommodating, but it's best to confirm their policy for younger visitors.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Woolpack is renowned for its ambitious gastropub fare, focusing on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Expect creative dishes and excellent quality. +1

While specific menus change seasonally, the focus on fresh ingredients often means they can cater to dietary requirements. It's best to inquire directly with the pub when booking.

The Woolpack is considered a premium dining experience, so it's not the cheapest pub meal. However, reviewers consistently state the quality and culinary excellence make it well worth the price.

Many visitors rave about the burger, described as a superior version of a classic. Small plates and seasonal specials also receive high praise.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the iconic exterior of the stone pub, the stunning Slad Valley views from the garden, and the cozy interior ambiance. The churchyard opposite is also picturesque.

Golden hour, both morning and evening, offers beautiful light for capturing the valley views and the pub's charm. Dusk can be particularly magical.