The Woolpack in Stroud

Charming pub but food disappointing -totally overhyped. Not particularly interesting flavours or combinations. Portions meagre, cooking not en pointe. Mediocre at best. Very plain side dishes (boiled cabbage)and prices extortionate for all of that. Emperor's new clothes springs to mind. Must be trading off a dedicated fan base who are being hood winked.

The literary connection makes this expensive. Staff and beer are very good. Food while good is very expensive and portion controlled. The green salad worked out at £1 per lettuce leaf.

Fabulous! I love good quality, tasty food - my Friends and I were not disappointed, delighted with our Woolpack experience. The devilled kidneys on sourdough were superbly delicious. Not only was the food a very welcome find but the staff so helpful, knowledgeable and lovely! Beautiful surroundings and ambience. Look forward to my next visit :}

The Woolpack came from a recommendation prior to a family holiday and did not disappoint! Beautifully nestled on the hillside next to a quaint church this place is a must visit on a summers day. Full of charm and character, with shady terraces of vine and blackberries, topped off by the wonderful welcome of Henry the manager. Henry and his team recognised that the menu, while a triumph to the adult eyes, did not necessarily cater so much for the fussier under 10s! They went to the effort to make some beautiful fresh pasta with Sicilian tomato sauce to give the kids something really special to enjoy, washed down with an icy cold apple juice and creamy local ice creams! The Barnsley Chop and Onglet were cooked to perfection. The Cherry and Almond tart with clotted cream was beautiful. We sampled some of their locally brewed beers and Henry spent time to engage with us and made the family feel welcome throughout. Would highly recommend and thank the Woolpack for a special visit. We could have stayed all day!

While visiting family in the area we booked a table for dinner as this is the local of the great writer Laurie Lee ( my favourite writer) the place is rustic and just perfect. The service is excellent as is the food our mains were onglet steak and chicken supreme both delicious my only regret is we don’t live nearby but if we’re ever down this way we would definitely come again Go you’ll love it!!

Lovely pub, good beer and nice staff ....... but not for food - slim menu, very expensive and poor service - two inches of trout and 24 beans = £27 + 10%

What a lovely, well run pub. The food is exceptional, the staff quite friendly, and the views amazing. Henry the Manager is very inviting and we appreciated his insights and stories regarding Laurie Lee. I would have understood if he was a bit jaded and tired discussing Laurie, but to the contrary he was enthusiastic and very helpful and patient with questions he no doubt hears daily. Really a special pub and village.

Wonderful pub! Amazing area with beautiful walks ending with a roast at the Woolpack. Sincerely recommend! Also very dog friendly.

The menu is limited albeit different and the food is average, but over priced by a good 80% and on top of that service charge is automatically added. No bread with the soup and no salt & pepper on any table. Went there purely because of its history with "Cider with Rosie" but I would not return

Another sensational lunch at the Woolpack; we ate variously beetroot and lentil salad, pigs cheek with dandelion leaves, faggots with onions and classic Sunday roast beef. Uley bitter well kept as ever. Service from Henry exemplary. Brilliant atmosphere.

The main bar in the Woolpack is about as cosy and inviting as you get in a pub in 2023 - a log burner, a ceiling bearing the patina of decades of drinking (and originally smoking), the wall above the bar carrying the pictures of long-departed locals, many of whom appear from these photographs to have been on the eccentric side. To the left of the main bar is a smaller room, with interesting old furniture, a piano, a portrait of Laurie Lee (who used this pub for many years, and is buried opposite), and a small window with a beautiful view of Swifts Hill. To the right, a dining area, recently and very sympathetically extended. I have eaten there, though not recently, and the food has always been good, if pricy. On my most recent visits (2x a week or so back) I went the first time with my younger brother, and the second time with an uncle and cousins, and my wife and my aunt, for drinks only. Both times we sat outside, because the pub was full to bursting (at early lunchtime). My brother is 15 years my junior and still finds time to go to chic London pubs and bars; despite this, he thought the clientele was a little towny and affected. He might be right: there are some old Cotswolders at the bar, farmers in battered Barbours and workmen up from Stroud, but there's a lot of Rab and North Face, young men with too much hair and girls, probably called Petunia, with nose piercings, who are between jobs at Giffords or about to go au pairing in the Alps. My uncle in 25 years my senior, and loves the place, because it is a prober pub (despite the affectation); the gents' loos are rudiemntary (a good thing), the beer (principally Stroud Budding and Uley Bitter or Pigs Ear) excellent, and the piped music non-existent. I love the place, obviously but it loses one of the five stars for the attitude of the staff, which can be more aloof and unresponsive than I like, and for the lack of indoor seating on chilly November weekends (though in this it is a victim of its own excellence).

Looking for somewhere for lunch and happened to drive past. It looked intriguing from the road, so we stopped. As soon as we walked in, it felt fabulous. It's tiny and atmospheric with really welcoming staff. It was a Monday, so only bar snacks available. We had ham and bean broth and a cheese and onion chutney oastie. Both clearly homemade, both delicious. The full menu looks really interesting and, we bet, very good based on our experience. Absolutely loved this place, made all the more interesting through it's close connection to Laurie Lee. Go if you're in the area. Our new favourite pub.

Beautifully produced and prepared food once again, chosen from a simple paper menu which has so far never failed to intrigue and delight. A truly magical setting, my brain never knows if I am fine dining or relaxing in a cosy pub, and it doesn't care. Attentive and knowledgeable (and fun) service from the young team on the night we were in most recently. We had taken friends who were instantly enchanted with everything about this place. Cheap? No. Extortionate? Also no. My strong feeling when being here is that things are done right. People are probably paid right. Even salad leaves are grown right. It has a happy and special feel that I'm happy to save up for. Thank you Woolpack team.

Stopped here for lunch as a lovely setting. Staff were very polite and welcoming. However, the prices were extortionate. A small wine glass of local cider. £8. My sister had a piece of potato and cheese pie with a pickled walnut on the side. No garnish. It was served cold, very bland and heavy going. £11. There wasn't a vegan option. I asked and the chef cooked me roast pumpkin with pesto on a bed of white beans. It was nice but I was charged £19. With service our bill was £48!! I didn't pay the service to reduce it a bit. I did let her know I thought it was very expensive. I wouldn't go back. I feel they are taking advantage of the Laurie Lee connection by charging such high prices.

I was able to visit the Woolpack for the first time in over 30 years ( lucky enough then to meet Laurie Lee) and found the Woolpack much the same in external and with it’s good atmosphere , except it now has an extended intimate dining area with a great ceiling painting . The menu was an excellent surprise , very innovative and generous. Highly Recommend in every way except not much space for parking, the Woolpack was built in that wonderful era when cars did not exist.

Amazing food. I highly recommend going here. It was the best burger I’ve ever had. We all loved every bite

Famous Pub over looking the 5 valleys. Prices were extortionate Burger fries and salad £27 I was going to have the Skate but by the time you add the extras nearly £40 The staff were very nice and the beer was good Not good enough to go again

A party of 7 of us went for lunch. Very friendly reception and service. We were sat in the Snug and had a very enjoyable and peaceful meal. Great food. Will definitely go again.

Taken to The Woolpack by my wife and kids fora walk and lunch for my 60th birthday. Have visited the pub many times over the years but never eaten there. The atmosphere was friendly and lively. Mixed clientele: family groups, couples and varied ages. All the staff were friendly, helpful and easy conversation. Cannot fault any of them. For my taste, the food was some of the best I've had in a long time: pub dishes taken to a higher level. My Devilled Kidneys were beautifully cooked, soft and melt in the mouth, with a rich, intense sauce. My Beef and Pickled Walnut Pie was bursting with flavour and the suet crust pastry top was magnificent. My elder son's Roast Beef with all the trimmings was perfectly cooked and an extremely generous portion. My wife also asked for the Roast Beef but asked if it could be well done. Her request was accommodated without fuss and she received her meal exactly as requested, which she both appreciated and enjoyed. My twins shared a half pint of Prawns with Mayonnaise and cheeseburgers which the both enjoyed. All vegetables accompanying were delicious with nothing being overcooked. And the kitchen knows its meats, cooks it with knowledge and respect and presents it splendidly. A memorable meal which will stay with me for a long time.

We've been a few times but we went on Sunday for a few drinks. We'll be back! The food speaks for itself.

some wretched roasties made by a rude young lad with blonde frosted tips! These roast potatoes made me feel utterly appalled with this establishment! The roast potatoes were sliced and diced as if Edward Sissor Hand cut them!

Came for Sunday lunch with my mum and sister. Roast potatoes had no crisp, were clearly made in the morning then badly reheated.. they had a leathery texture. Gravy was tasteless and watery. Veg and meat were ok I guess. Not sure about beetroot for a roast dinner though. £26 quid for it? What a rip off. Wasn’t even good. Staff were very pleasant though. Our server was great. Definitely wouldn’t go back

Never have I had such an awful overpriced meal. Very limited menu but needed something after our walk so opted for the ham and pickle toasted sandwich at £9.00 sadly it was truly disgusting. Really greasy, cheap sliced brown bread, hardly any cheese and what was there was the cheap processed stuff. The pickle was a poor man’s Branson pickle, not even homemade at the outrageous price charged. No side salad it just came on its own sad self. I felt quite ill after eating half of it. I will never eat here again.

The pub itself is very atmospheric set in a beautiful location. However, we've been there twice now for lunch and on both occasions the food was disappointing and very overpriced.

My friend has just moved in down the road so we came here for a few drinks one afternoon / evening. It has an excellent ambience, the fire is a lovely touch and everyone was super friendly. Will happily recommend :-)

Very disappointing. Service was slow and the food arrived luke warm probably due in part to the cold plates. The meat was chewy. Staff did offer to put the food in the oven to reheat it and they did give us three free desserts although...

The food here is really delicious, but I have to say the prices are getting ludicrous. I had the same chocolate desert in February and it was £7 and now – no difference whatsoever – £10. Yes £10 and not exactly the biggest piece either....

A really atmospheric pub with stunning views on the Slad valley and a cosy interior. Very good cider (as this is Laurie Lee’s Cider with Rosie’s country - you have to try the cider. Food was delicious. On the pricy side but of quality. Great...

We have visited this pub on a number of occasions and every time its faultless. Front of house crew are so knowledgable, friendly and professional. The food is always excellent. The pub itself is very special old world charm with great selection of beers, ciders...

Seeing other reviews, I was a tad trepidatious about our visit. However, we were very happy with our lunch in this wonderful setting. My partner has mussels to start that were sweet and not overpowered with the sauce. I opted for the crab soup with...

Lovely little pub with character in gorgeous surroundings of countryside and rolling hills. Do yourself and your wallet a favor and buy a Tesco meal deal and sit on a bench looking at the same view for a better experience. Customer service was cold and...

Disappointed is an understatement. Too cheffy is probably the best description. Well over priced at an average £45 for two courses and drinks which included children!! The menu was not for everyone and choices became the only option. Service and welcome was mediocre. Came away...

Ok, atmosphere is great, staf friendly but the food was nothing special and extremely expensive for a three course meal. When you charge 6 for a glas of ordinary White wine, 5 for a bowl of chips and Total 130+ , it is wat too...

My friend was keen to try this pub, but I was concerned about the recent poor reviews. We were met by polite, friendly staff. The dining room was full on a Wednesday evening, so they must be doing something right. I had the steak and...

Freshly cooked food , lovely atmosphere, lovely touches fresh flowers and candles , staff and service excellent , would definitely recommend if visiting the area

Floppy, flavourless food sloppily presented. Vegetarian option a shocker. Massively over priced. Not recommended.

The Woolpack is in the Slad valley in an outstanding area of natural beauty. We walked from Bulls cross to Slad, quite a challenging walk. We were in need of a drink and stopped off at The Woolpack. A lovely quaint Cotswold pub. With links...

Let me start by saying that I live in Slad and I haven't seen many (if any) reviews from locals about the Woolpack ("the Woolie") for a long time - there is a reason for that; we're all priced out these days. Very few people...

Great setting but sadly the food was inedible! Only 4 choices for mains,reduced to 3 as steak hadn't been delivered. Opted for mince and potatoes at a ridiculous price of £21. A plate of sloppy mince mixture arrived swimming in grease with a dollop of...

Lovely setting and impressive rustic refurbishment in dining room was a talking point whilst we waited for our Sunday lunch. Starters were enjoyed by all however the main courses were verging on disastrous,. According to my partner a perfectly acceptable plate of roast beef was...

Anniversary lunch for two in a charming and attractive pub with top quality dining just the way we like it - thoughtful selection of seasonal food with some really interesting food combinations. (Also worth noting, no music, which was refreshing and peaceful). The staff were...

The interior is impressive and the setting is enticing. The food, however, does not inspire a repeat visit. The over-expensive main menu was not what we wanted for a simple lunch at 1.00pm. Warm soup, deep-filled sandwiches, local cheese, fine ale...that was what we hoped...

The Woolpack is everything you hope for in a cosy English country pub, but so rarely find. Perfectly positioned in the Slad Valley, The Woolpack has been so sensitively updated that it retains an enchanting authenticity whilst operating as an excellent restaurant. The menu is...

£26 for sunday roast beef?! It was good but at that price I felt robbed and awkward taking the service charge off to claw some money back. Not worth that money by a long shot, I think maybe the locals have a little too much...

Came here for lunch yesterday imagining a nice cosy pub and some decent food. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be. It was cold, my mother wanted to get a second coat! the food was very expensive for what it was. I had the Sea bream –...

I was going to leave the reasons that this is a terrible review for the food but I can’t be bothered just like the chef could not be bothered to take care when doing their job Just don’t go there. Trust me 🤷‍♂️

Ordered turbot. Wish I hadn’t. “On the bone” literally all bone and fat with a tiny bit of greasy overcooked fish Friend ordered burger. If it said on menu served raw then we may not have ordered it. Raw meat and frozen chips with no...

Woolpack Slad.The pub is local to me and I have enjoyed meals there in the past however I ordered the pheasant,bacon and chestnut pie today and it was very dissapointing .The pastry was very hard and chewy and although the meat was tasty it lacked...

We had dinner and we order the food for 6 they brought everything at the same time so we had no space and we had to eat most of the dishes cold. If I order 12 different dishes to share I expect not to have...

Visited for lunch. The pub was very busy inside but we opted for the outside seating as the weather was lovely. Staff were very friendly and the food was excellent (we had Onglet and Cheese Burger).

Visited with a friend who chose the venue. I'd seen the prices on the web site and that would have put me off booking if I was choosing. Hoped the prices would be justified by the quality of the food but that was not the...

Walked to the woolpack with my wife & dog, ordered 2 basic drinks pint of lager and small glass of wine, decided to get 2 bags of crisps to accompany them, when the member of Bar staff asked for £16 pounds I had to ask...

Visited with my 84 year old mother. Food was pleasant. Starters were good - melon salad and pilchards. Mains weren’t quite up to scratch. I had the pie which was ok but pastry very hard. Mum had the mussels and the broth wasn’t lacking flavour....

Superb lunch for 3 last Saturday. I had the best deviled kidneys on toast I think I've ever eaten, followed by a superb pork chop with slow cooked courgettes. Lots of mustard, lemon and oil in the dishes, exquisitely balanced but v robust flavours. All...

Gorgeous old pub with lovely crooked rooms and shady beer garden. Beer was well kept and the staff fantastic. Food was absolutely fantastic but starters could be a bit smaller to leave space for the amazing puds! You certainly won’t leave hungry

Probably the best pub we've been in for several years. The food is excellent, freshly cooked to a very high standard: we can certainly recommend the Barnsley chop. Service from the young staff was friendly and informative. The pub seems not to have changed much...

Known this pub over the last 10 years. First visit under the new proprietor. Midweek, but in peak holiday season - pretty quiet at lunchtime. In previous visits it had always been packed. When we saw the menu prices, we felt we could understand why...

Went on a Sunday , not too crowded. No problem booking online. Beer good and service excellent . Food is not cheap but is imaginative and some dishes, especially the salt cod with aioli were outstanding. Very good lemon tart and a generous portion ....

everything was wonderful. would definitely reccomend treating yourself to a 3 course meal. the 1/2 pint of prawns were particuarly goooood.

We visited for a Saturday lunch. The place was packed out and it was also clearly the watering hole of choice for two wedding parties happening in the nearby church. The service was friendly and timely throughout. The menu choice for non-foodies talkies a bit...

A group of us had dinner here and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening - the service was really friendly, the wine selection was good and the food delicious

I have worked many years in tourism in Europe, so have a pretty good idea what customers can reasonably expect from the hospitality industry. We arrived (4 persons) around 1.15pm after an 8 mile walk, in need of some sustenance. Went into the small bar,...

We were on a little tikki tour of the area and stumbled upon the Woolpack. For us we like different and it was quirky with warmth and views you don't normally see everyday from inside a pub. We decided to have a little bite and...

Menu looked ok, the pub inside is clearly going through some renovation which is fine. Food wise the menu looked ok with lots of variety. Clearly the chef is not vegetarian as the offerings for the day were not well thought. The radicchio and blood...

The Woolpack is everything that a pub should be. Intimate with bags of character. Well worth stopping in for a leisurely drink or three. I have an adventurous palate and I thought I knew my way around arcane menu offerings. I was wrong. When you...

Good beer selection, warm environment and pleasant staff. The pig head starter was delicious and the sauce gribiche spot on. The ray wing dish was missing some seasoning in my opinion and perhaps would benefit from more of a sauce to bring the plate together?...

This is a simply fabulous place. Wonderfully chilled atmosphere. Extremely good food and great friendly service

A bit chilly to beging with but when more customers arived the place warmed up. realy helpful and friendly satff, all of use realy enjoyed our meals and ervice was quick and responsiive. trips to the outside loo were a frosty experience but added to...

We had yet another utterly divine experience at The Woolpack. The food is totally and incredibly delicious, the wine was fantastic and the general ambience was cosy, inviting, cool, fun and relaxed. Such a treat for every sense!

Had a really lovely Sunday lunch here on 6th Nov. Booked in advance, allowed us to amend the table numbers. The interior is delightfully quirky, the views are lovely and the staff are attentive but not overbearing. Food was delicious, very amenable to catering to...

This place was a 5 minute walk from our holiday let, excellent staff, and friendly with it. Visited once for an evening meal which was really god (pork loin , chop) . Also has a nice vibe and a large covered outside area we used...

Woolpack Slad My wife and myself ordered the lamb , my mother ordered the pork chop . The lamb was just a piece off the shank ! this was sitting in the middle of the plate , surrounded by a yellowish soup like gravey. No...

Without a doubt our new favourite pub. We live about 15 minutes away but rarely venture down to the Stroud direction and happened to be coming by that way and thought I’d call to see if they had a table. Luckily they did so we...

I had to drop a friend off at their place in Slad, and while passing The Woolpack in the car, I said that it looks like a nice village pub to stop off on my own for a sandwich, before going home. My friend gave...

We did the Laurie Lee nature walk and had lunch at this gem of a place. We had booked thank goodness as it was very busy. Great selection of beers and some really different food options. Well cooked and imaginative. Definitely recommend.

We visited the Woolpack this weekend and I just wanted to come on to say how delighted I am with both the service and the food. We've been coming to this pub for years as we're fairly local and I've really felt the place lift...

Living within a short drive from The Woolpack and religiously visiting at this time for the last four years as a family, this years experience warranted a review. The bar staff, Rich in particular was exceptional, everything you want and expect from front of house,...

Pleasant bar staff and seemed friendly. Lots of tables but not many people in. Ordered a sandwich for lunch, which took ages to come. Staff apologetic but had got order wrong !

The Woolpack is a lovely little 16th century pub in Slad, just outside Stroud. It is very quaint, though not in a manufactured way; the patina is genuine, and to my knowledge it hasn't changed much in the last ten years, other than to be...

Went to meet a friend for lunch. Very difficult to book a table online and they never answered the phone. Food was nice though I would say quite expensive for what your getting. Staff a little bit arrogant.

The Woolpack is a lovely little atmospheric pub. Needless to say my wife and I called in while taking in Laurie Lee sights in the Slad Valley. The beer was good, although the food was rather pricey. We both had the cheeseburger for lunch based...

This is an historic pub and is famous for being the late writer Laurie Lee's local. It is a lovely place to go for just a drink if you sit outside on the covered terrace. It was very difficult to book a table because they...

It was impossible to book by telephone and online. It has always been a pleasure to visit until today. The menu was totally out of keeping for a traditional country pub with limited indoor space and beautiful traditional pub decor.A long list of overpriced pretentious...

Our second round of drinks took 30 minutes to arrive and had been sitting on the bar. Our order obviously went to the bottom of the pile when we had reorder because they had run out of ham hock. The burger and chips were lukewarm...

We had a very good lunch. The menu is eclectic, imaginative with something for everyone. The young staff were friendly, attentive and efficient. There is a good short wine list and a good selection of beers. It’s a lovely old pub, in a beautiful setting,...

Alas a Chef who can not only turn out an interesting menu but one that can cook his fayre with love. Wednesday lunchtime - 4 diners, who were greeted by lovely friendly staff who allowed us to change our mind and eat inside rather than...

We adored this pub for its food, its atmosphere and for the dedication and enthusiasm of its young staff: they all seemed to love what they do and were all so invested in its success, we thought it was a co-operative! But we also loved...

After vowing I would never return (at least not to eat) a few years ago, after the “Carrot and Dukkah” experience which was three roasted carrots (pretty purple heritage ones in their defence) sprinkled with chopped hazelnuts as the veggie option, I let my guard...

The tables in the garden, and patio are only for eating lunch or supper, not drinks and must be booked. Presumably therefore it is a restaurant/ food area. However our lovely lunch was ruined along with everyone else's by a smoker. Admittedly he did put...

The Woolpack Inn is very unexpected when you arrive the way we did, along a small twisty and quiet road. Suddenly you face cars parked either side of the road and there is a buzz of activity all around this humble pub in the Cotswolds....

Lunch here today. Wonderful setting on a lovely sunny day. 6 of us for lunch. we were told there would be a bit of a wait. This was fine with us as we were having a nice relaxed afternoon in a great setting. However after...

I am a regular visitor. I love the pub, but over the last few years the staff have been inattentive. Today I waited at the bar for 5 minutes watching one of the bar staff on her phone before being noticed by another member of...

We had a delicious leisurely lunch today, although the portions were much bigger than we had expected. However we were disappointed in the Covid measures. The venue code didn't register (apparently that often happens) and when I asked for a book to enter our details...

"Business Lunch" for two sitting indoors on a showery May lunchtime. Needless to say this was the first time for many a month and it was long overdue. The selection of beers was good - which was a shame as I was driving. The menu...

We did not book, but as it was mid week and just after midday had no problem in being given a table. The food was excellent in presentation, service and taste and can be described as fine dining. Shame I was driving, as I could...

Despite being in a touristy spot famous for Laurie Lee, this is still very much a locals' pub. The space is small and cramped, which is very inviting on a rainy day with the fire burning. The bar and restaurant area were packed and we...

We visited for Sunday lunch and booked a table for 3pm. It was w dry autumn afternoon so quite busy with cyclists and walkers. However once the busy crowd had dispersed we were seated in the restaurant which is undergoing a refurb and will be...

It’s true that the views are amazing and the outside of the pub looks inviting and is in a beautiful spot but unfortunately that’s where the complements end. I booked for myself and three friends for Sunday lunch expecting a cosy country pub to have...

It is an interesting venue with some likeable local characters who welcome newbies. It’s in a beautiful location and very rustic, difficult to park when it’s busy which first impressions you think it’s going to be worth the visit. The staff are polite and friendly,...

Food was incredible, staff were friendly and very attentive. Would have been nice to have more of a lunch menu than dinner but food was exceptional. Full COVID measures which were great