The Woolpack, Stroud

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An attractive old pub set overlooking the picturesque Slad Valley, it’s one of those traditional old places that has probably not changed much in decades and is all the better for that. There did not appear to be any gardens at the back as far as I could ascertain which was a bit of a shame as that would have given the best views, but there was a small patio area at the front. Internally it consists of four interconnected rooms arranged in a long line. The second from left containing the bar counter was probably the most atmospheric of these, with plenty of old beams on the mustard coloured ceiling which were liberally adorned with sprigs of holly, although that may of course just be some seasonal decorations. Exposed stone walling was down one side with a large stone fireplace, wood burning stove and piles of logs opposite. Flooring was old wooden boards and much of the seating was old wooden pews. The other middle room had a further fireplace, although this one appeared unused with just some illuminated twigs. The two rooms at either end looked to be broadly similar in terms of décor, although with more black timberwork in place of exposed stone, and the one to the right had what looked like an old bread oven in the wall as well as a large collection of miniature spirit bottles, while the far left room had a collection of old beer bottles. Small windows at the rear gave enticing glimpses of the valley beyond. Whilst this did not by any means strike me as a gastro-pub, we visited on a Sunday lunch time and it was very much full to capacity with diners and their young children. We just managed to squeeze on a narrow ledge in the window, but I can image at other times it would be more relaxed and much more inviting. Beers on tap were Clavell & Hind Rook Wood, Tiley’s (brewed at The Salutation in Ham), Stroud Brewery’s Budding, Uley Bitter and Uley’s Pig’s Ear. Ciders meanwhile were Dunkerton’s Organic along with Cotswold Cider’s No Brainer and Regular, the latter of which went down a treat. All in all, a great pub and well worth checking out.

Official site of The Woolpack - thewoolpackslad.com

Official site of The Woolpack - thewoolpackslad.com