Inside UK’s best pub nestled in Cotswolds celebrity hotspot

That is according to the National Pub & Bar Awards, which named The Bull in Charlbury as the National Pub & Bar of the Year 2025.

Judges praised the seventeenth‑century Cotswold inn for its “stripped‑back design”, “exceptional food” and “flawless service”.

The cosy town inn also features in the Michelin Guide and on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list.

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Inside The Bull. (Image: Newsquest)

Since reopening under new ownership in 2023, The Bull has developed a reputation as a celebrity hangout, with visits from stars living locally.

These have included Robbie Williams, Kate Moss, Jeremy Clarkson, and American television icon Ellen DeGeneres, among others.

Last summer, former US Vice President Kamala Harris also visited The Bull during the celebrations of Steve Jobs’ daughter Eve and her husband, Harry Charles.

Sir David Beckham also celebrated his knighthood at the end of last year at the watering hole, “taking over” the pub according to onlookers.

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Inside The Bull. (Image: Newsquest)

So what’s it really like? Is Chalrbury’s local really the best pub in the whole of the UK, or is that a load of old Bull?

I recently took a trip to the picturesque town to answer that question, or at the very least, enjoy a pint in the sun.

Greeted with glorious weather, the town looked like it was straight from a postcard, as the sun shone on the Cotswold stone buildings along winding streets.

Stepping inside The Bull felt like greeting an old friend. Despite having never set foot in the watering hole previously, it had a wonderfully familiar air to it.

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The fireplace at the Cotswolds pub. (Image: Newsquest)

The staff were incredibly helpful and welcoming, instantly setting me at ease and with some tangible excitement to see what all the fuss was about.

A quick look around the room sounded out a gorgeous fireplace, which must be quite the draw in the colder months, as well as a smattering of classic wooden tables and chairs.

All of this combined to execute the country inn aesthetic to perfection without the need to be over the top or to verge on the pretentious side, as you would expect from a celebrity haunt.

The Bull’s layout is humble, and therein lies its ultimate charm. Its familiarity, warmth and stylish design provide the perfect backdrop to any occasion.

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The bar at The Bull. (Image: Newsquest)

Whether it’s a business meal, a romantic date, a celebration, or a quiet and pondering drink alone, this pub can be all that and more when needed.

Strolling up to the bar in search of refreshment, my eyes were caught by the pride-of-place award from the year prior.

The Bull’s National Pub & Bar of the Year 2025 gong is displayed behind the taps, nestled between the spirit bottles on the back shelf.

A wide array of options is on offer in the Charlbury boozer, including, but not limited to, Guinness, Lucky Saint, Keller Pils and Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone.

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The Bull was named the best pub in the UK last year. (Image: Newsquest)

Hawkstone is one of the best lagers around these days, in my own humblest of opinions, so it was a fairly simple choice to pick the Cotswolds beer. When in Rome and all that.

Finding a cosy corner seat, I sat down with my pint and enjoyed watching the UK’s best pub in action as happy punters came and went and guests arrived to stay in the rooms above.

Just having a light bite for lunch, I ordered the signature Mince on Toast, and it arrived quickly thereafter for me to enjoy with the cool Hawkstone.

Despite having apprehensions, the staff assured me this was the option to go with, and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the savoury snack went down with a good pint.

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Mince on Toast at The Bull. (Image: Newsquest)

When compared with the hustle and bustle of Oxford, Charlbury had a refreshingly slower pace of life, which was reflected well in its premier pub.

The outside area allows room for even more guests, while there is also a second room behind the fireplace.

It was only a short stop in the UK’s best inn, but undoubtedly a pleasant one, which left me smiling like those before me.

Stepping outside into the Cotswolds sunshine, I enjoyed a full stroll of Charlbury before making my way home.

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The Cotswolds watering hole in full bloom. (Image: Newsquest)

Oxfordshire is blessed with an abundance of quality pubs, with the Cotswolds alone offering their fair share of historic watering holes.

The same can be said for my native Yorkshire and its jewel in the crown, York, which has one of the highest densities of pubs in the UK.

Therefore, it would be unfair of me to agree with The Bull’s crown wholeheartedly, but I have chosen to somewhat sit on the fence for once.

I can also see the appeal of what is a wonderful watering hole, with a stunning building, great location and pleasant staff, which all make it more than worth the visit.