A celebration of our riverside setting
We are delighted to share that The Fox at Barrington has been awarded Best Beer Garden in the Cotswolds in the Cotswolds Awards 2025. It is an honour that means a great deal to us, not only because it recognises the beauty of our riverside setting, but because it celebrates the place where so many of our guests slow down, unwind and make memories.
A garden shaped by its landscape
Our garden is loved for many reasons, but at the heart of it all is the River Windrush. The water moves gently beside us, catching the soft Cotswold light and bringing a sense of calm to every moment spent outdoors. Wide open views stretch across the village meadows, birdsong drifts through the trees and every now and then a swan glides quietly past, adding to the sense of stillness that makes this spot so special.
For years, our riverside garden has been one of those secrets that locals treasure. Guests often tell us they feel as though they’ve stumbled across something rare when they first wander outside and see the view. With plenty of space for long, lingering afternoons, it is a place that feels at once tucked away yet open to the landscape, a hidden corner in the beautiful village of Barrington, close to Burford and Cheltenham, that people fall for quickly and return to often.
A space that transforms through the seasons
No matter the time of year, the garden offers something unique. In February it becomes a carpet of snowdrops, a gentle sign that spring is stirring. By April, daffodils sweep across the edges of the garden and along the riverbank, bringing a cheerful burst of colour that feels unmistakably Cotswolds.
On warm days the river sparkles and the terrace fills with the easy buzz of conversation. As autumn arrives, the colours deepen and the whole place settles into a slower, more reflective rhythm. Even in winter, when the frost clings to the grass and the air turns crisp, the view remains just as captivating.
Winter warmth with riverside views
One of the things we love most is that the magic of the garden doesn’t fade when the weather cools. Our restaurant looks straight out onto the river, so guests can enjoy those wintry Cotswold views while staying warm by the fire. Whether you join us for a relaxed lunch, a glass of wine by the hearth or a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, the river is always part of the experience, adding a quiet touch of winter beauty to every table.
It is this combination of cosy comfort indoors and the ever-changing landscape right outside the window that so many guests say feels distinctly The Fox.
A place to linger
We have always wanted the garden to feel relaxed and welcoming, the kind of place where you can settle in without watching the clock. Dogs stretch out at their owners’ feet, walkers pause for a well-deserved drink and locals spend slow afternoons chatting by the water. It is not a manicured garden, but a natural, characterful space that lets the landscape shine.
Alongside the view, our food and drink bring the experience together. Seasonal dishes, local ales and a well-chosen glass of wine always seem to taste a little better beside the river, and many guests say that an hour in the garden feels like stepping gently out of everyday life.
Thank you
Winning this award reminds us how fortunate we are to be part of this beautiful corner of the Cotswolds. To everyone who voted, visited, shared photos, recommended us to friends or simply enjoyed a quiet moment by the Windrush, thank you. You have helped shape the garden into the special place it has become.
We look forward to welcoming you soon, whether for sun-soaked afternoons by the river, festive gatherings or cosy winter lunches with views that never lose their charm.
