The Porch House

What a gem! Historic at over 1000 years old, and has so much character. Bathrooms are remodeled and nice. No AC in the summer but the windows open and they have fans in each room. The restaurant and bar are also highly recommended. And the service was first class. The crispy duck salad was amazing, as was the chocolate orange torte. WOW! Great find

I was really looking forward to trying a new location close to home serving Sunday roasts, and the Porch House has been somewhere I have considered multiple times only to discover it was fully booked on each occasion. Thinking that it might be a terrific sign, I finally got a table for two only to be disappointed by the terrible service. On arrival we had to wait to be given any acknowledgement by the staff at the arrival desk. Three members of staff walked past and looked me in the eye, but failed to acknowledge my waiting, let alone give a simple but polite hello. After flagging someone down, we were seated in the rear conservatory which looked like a fantastic setting for lunch. We were given menus on being seated but had to flag down a member of staff to place a drinks and food order (yes, we’d had long enough to view the wine and cocktail menu, and select our food). We both ordered roast beef, which though tasty, was very fatty and perhaps with a little too much gravy. At no point did anyone ask how the meal was, but I will say the gentleman that served the meal was the politest person we encountered. On finishing the meal, I asked for the bill which did arrive very promptly, but after waiting for a further 15 minutes, I asked if I could settle up. Again, several staff looked over and did nothing to come and take payment and I was left waiting again. It was a very hot day, and perhaps the team were feeling exhausted by this and as I came in towards the end of what was probably a busy lunchtime. But sadly, given the cost, the service really didn’t match my expectations and the food was mediocre. If you’re a tourist to the area, you probably wouldn’t mind as you’re not likely to return. But for fellow residents, we are awash with other venues in the area, so I will probably go to those in future, which includes the sister pub (The Sheep) across the road.

We made reservations to dine at The Porch House, after reading it's possibly the oldest Inn in England, while we stayed overnight in Stow. From the setting in the historical building to the food and the service, all was top notch. The building alone makes amateur historians such as ourselves extremely excited. Then we had the perfect meal with the most excellent service. My husband had the rib eye and was very pleased. (coming from Texas that says a lot) I had the Chicken and mushroom pie and it was like having a home cooked meal but elevated to a fine dining experience. We both enjoyed the truffle arancini for the starter. I was a bit sad to have to share that with my husband 😁 we highly recommend this restaurant if you are visiting the Cotswolds. You get history and a fantastic meal in a gorgeous setting. Highly recommend, you will not be disappointed!

We booked for an evening meal at 5 pm for 3 of us. Both food and service were amazing. Beef wellington was the star of the show. We were so full that we shared the lemon meringue pie …and it was delicious. Definitely a sharer desert! Will definitely return. Thanks.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A perfect afternoon at The Porch House! We stopped in for a relaxed afternoon and had the most amazing experience. We enjoyed both a starter and a main, and every dish was faultless – beautifully cooked, full of flavour, and clearly made with care. The portion sizes were spot on, and the presentation was just as impressive as the taste. What really made our visit stand out was our waitress, Mandy. She was absolutely fantastic – warm, friendly, and incredibly attentive without ever being intrusive. She made us feel completely at ease and gave great recommendations throughout. Her attention to detail and genuine care added a lovely personal touch to the afternoon. The setting itself is stunning – cosy, full of character, and the perfect place to unwind. We’ll definitely be back soon, and we’ll be asking for Mandy again. Highly recommend The Porch House for an afternoon treat done right!

For a “five star hotel” this place has terrible service. Food was fine but the service was horrible. The waiter we had was incredibly rude and would roll his eyes when we would make simple requests like more water. And then still wouldn’t bring it so we had to do it ourselves and bus our own table. Did not take allergies seriously or give us any confidence a member of our party with a severe allergy would be safe to eat. Never got a smile or a thank you, we just were glared at any time we asked for anything. Pretty despicable behavior for a place so expensive. Everyone in this beautiful town has been so lovely on our visit and these folks were the absolute polar opposite of that. If you don’t want to provide even the basics of service, don’t run a restaurant. Wish I could give them a 0.

Booked the last table available on the day and did not regret it. Welcome was spot on. Service was both prompt and efficient. We were able to order drinks and receive them quickly. The fryer was not working so I was 'forced' to have the monkfish red Thai curry. Delicious. My wife has a gluten free option of a chicken liver patè and the Wagyu burger. Both came with high praise from her. Well done The Porch House. Subsequently, I have discovered this business is owned by the same person as owns the Sheep opposite. I have seldom seen two place so different. Highly recommend the The Porch House.

Very disappointing. We had heard great things about the Porch House, so we pre booked well in advance. The setting was lovely, and the gentleman who seated us was very polite and welcoming. Unfortunately following this, it took a considerable amount of time for our first drinks order to be taken. Once it was taken, it did not arrive for some time and when we questioned the staff it was apparent the order had not been put through, then was told they’d run out of wine glasses so had to change my drink order! Mistakes happen of course, but the lack of attentiveness or concern from staff was disappointing. There were no clear waiting staff for those who were dining, it seemed the bar staff were juggling between serving those at the bar and waiting on tables. Every time we tried order or ask a question, the waiting staff would be distracted by something else. This may have been a case of understaffing, and so I wouldn't wish to blame individuals. However, when you are paying a significant sum of money for dinner you expect a better level of service. No niceties or pleasantries from the staff who served us either, when it came to paying the £150+ bill, the waiter simply said ‘paying?’ And handed us the card machine. It was clearly a busy evening, but the lack of attentiveness made it apparent that this establishment profits off its reputation to one time visitors.

Drenched travelers, we stopped in Stow-on-the-Wold for lunch at the Port House, originally built in 975 AD and reputed to be England's oldest inn. We had walked in from Moreton-In-March and were pleasantly surprised that they let us in, considering how muddy we were. And this was a somewhat upscale place, with good service to match. Fish-and-chips here means one big battered fish and smashed peas. And of course, a wee Guinness! It was a nice (and dry) lunch, of which folks (staff and fellow travelers) here seemed to take weather's consequences in stride.

Given that the Porch House is the oldest pub in England, we had to stop in during our one night stay in Stowe. We ordered two gin and tonics from their wide offerings of gin and gin mixtures. I can't say that this is my usual go to but it was nice to mix it up (when in Rome...err England, right?). The space gives off the classic English pub vibes you see in the movies with low a low timber beam ceiling, cozy seating and conversations bleeding from one table into the next. They also offer full meals and accommodations on site if you're looking to make a full night of it. Our customer service was on the meh side which is why I'm going with four stars on this one.

Very rude and unhelpful staff. Avoid. The Hive next door has local fresh food and very friendly staff

How could you visit the Cotswolds and not stop in for a pint? Pleasant service with instaworthy ambiance!

We went to the Porch House in Stow on the Wold for Christmas dinner and were so disappointed!! it was almost $400 for our family of 4 (including 2 kids who were only 20 pounds each). It was horribly overpriced for a not very special experience- it was just a regular restaurant experience with very poor service. The waiter didn't know what he was serving us, the starter soups were bland, the canapes almost inedible, poor quality bread, they were rushing us, and the food was sub par. For $400 I would have expected a much, much better Christmas dinner experience. There are so many other Christmas dinner options in the Cotswolds that were open when we were driving around-- try to skip this one!

Read the reviews that this one one of the best places to eat in the Cotswolds and it sure did not disappoint! The service was friendly and just the right amount of attention. The food was out of this world, I had the sample with pork, steak and chicken with vegetables. Honestly one of the best meals I have ever had. Huge portions and I could not stop eating! The only downfall was I ate so much of my dinner that I did not have room for dessert!!

Perfect location and food. Old style English pub. Highly recommend for a bit of history and good food.

Come just to look at the interior..some parts of the building date to 947! There is a fabulous inglenook fireplace, and loads of beams and flagstone floors everywhere. A true gent of an English historical pub. We ordered a bottle of red wine and two starters of chicken liver pate. Both were pleasant, although in my opinion there was not enough bread for the size of the pate.

We stopped here for lunch and enjoyed a tasty meal surprised that we were able to get a table in the bar area. The charm of being sat in the historic part of the pub was a big part of the appeal of coming to this particular restaurant. We ordered curry, fish and chips, a vegetarian dish, and pan fried cod. Food was excellently prepared and each bite was flavourful... kudos to the chef! The staff were friendly and the place was busy. Only 4 stars as you cannot pay with cash. I'm picky about and believe that customers should have options. (We also did not make/have a booking as you have to leave a cc on file and if you didn't make your booking, there was a penalty.) Otherwise, good food and charming. Happy travels! Cheers!

The service was really accommodating and the food is delicious! Would come back again!

Wonderful place! We spent 4 nights here and loved every minute. Our room was lovely with comfortable bed & pillows. The staff was lovely & so friendly. The food was excellent! Loved the lounge that we spent many a nights in, just wish it was open past 9pm! We took day trips all over the Cotswold but this is bu far the cutest town!

Quite good food and service. Great atmosphere as well. Husband's fish and chips were large and crisp, and the chips fat and crunchy. I had the chicken Kiev which was really nice and a good portion for lunch, but I didn't think the tomato purée worked with it. A potato or pea purée would have been really nice I think. If you order this see if they will substitute!

Walked in for lunch and had our options of where to sit - upstairs, in the bar, or in the back room. We went with the back room. The ambiance and decoration is very nice. The server was also very nice and friendly. I had the eggs Florentine and it was very good and my dining partner had the fish and chips which were very good (not the best I've had, but 2nd best!) Its a cute place with lots of charm, and on a warm sunny day the outside seating would be on point!

Stayed here for 2 nights in the suite - highly recommend!! Everything was incredible, especially the staff. If you head to stow definitely stay here!

Unfortunately we were seduced by an intriguing menu and the claim of oldest inn in England. We so wanted the experience to be elegant with professional pride but instead it was touristy disinterest. No one in the kitchen is tasting what is sent to the table. We ordered simple fare , vegetable soup with pearl barley, the porch House salad and the beef cheek sandwich. Soup pretty much flavorless. The bread that came with it stale enough to be day old and a pat of boobytrapped herb butter heavily blended with raw garlic without warning. We love garlic in all its forms but this was almost like eating raw cloves And then the beef cheeks sandwich came with a toasted version of the same stale bread, decent pickles horseradish sauce, also okay but the main deal the Beef was not just shredded as expected but deep fried in cubes basically losing most of its flavor and tenderness. Again, an indifference. All topped off by an indifferent waitress, who never checked on whether we were okay or liked the food. She seemed preoccupied most of the time, we were ignored. Mediocre service can be balanced against good food but The Porch House struck out completely. The only thing older than the, if accurate, claims of serving since 947AD, was the bread which probably dates from that era. Be forewarned.

A nice place to grab a drink. They have a cute garden out back and a friendly bartender. We didn't eat on our visit, so I can't speak to the food. Lovely decor and a great homey vibe.

Great staff, very cosy and possibly the best roast beef I've ever had. Staying here for 2 days and very looking forward to it!!

The best meal of the entire holiday. This charming inn and restaurant over a thousand years old!! Terrific service and nice selection of wines and beer.