Large and welcoming 17th century Cotswold stone inn set prominently in the heart of Minchinhampton Common within a large walled garden.
You enter at the front through an ancient, improbably heavy iron gate with chain and weight closer into a very large east-facing garden. The garden features picnic tables and some covered space. There is also a side gate (accessible for disabled access) . The gates and garden walls keep the cows grazing on the common at bay.
Through the front door you pass through a porch into a comfy area with sofas and low tables to the right and taller tables/stools to the left, with the bar in front of you.
To the left there is a room set out with tables and chairs. and a similar room to the right. Moving past the bar there is a further seating area with a real fire.
To the left there is a large restaurant area that doubles as a function room facing west with far-reaching views across the common, and to the right an intimate area with comfy sofas next to a second real fire. The restaurant/function room has its own bar.
Everywhere is decorated to a high standard, including the toilets, and the walls boast various original works of art.
The Old Lodge is unashamedly a food-led establishment but does have four real ales, usually two local and two regional. On a warm sunny day you will struggle to find a better location for alfresco drinking.
A lovely walk can be had from Stroud, up through Rodborough, past the fort and along the escarpment with great views across to the river Severn. The walk takes around one and a quarter hours starting at Stroud Station.
When surveyed BBF Clear Head was available on keg for those seeking an alcohol free option.
**** Opening and food times correct as of 21/10/2026 ****
Historic Interest
The Old Lodge’s origins lie in the 17th century, although the building has undergone numerous additions and alterations since then. Evidence of a building on the site has been identified as early as 1617, while a deed of conveyance dated 1656 refers to the Lodge among the woodland and grounds of the area.
Its original purpose is uncertain. It is generally considered to have been built as a hunting lodge, providing a base for the nobility when hunting deer on the Common. An alternative theory suggests that it may have been associated with the management of a rabbit warren on the surrounding land. The warren is evidenced by surviving pillow mounds, rabbit buries and other earthworks, although the precise original function of the Lodge remains unproven.
Another enduring local legend claims that King Charles I played bowls here in 1643 while travelling to the Siege of Gloucester. However, the bowling enclosure is thought to date from 1788, and the traditional story remains unsubstantiated.
By the beginning of the 18th century, the Lodge had become an inn, and substantial extensions were made to the building. Its later history became closely associated with Minchinhampton Commons Golf Club, founded in 1889, with the Lodge serving as the club’s headquarters from around 1895.
You must be a Explorer Pass or CAMRA Member to be able to view specially curated GBG descriptions
This Pub serves 1 changing beer and 3 regular beers.
Changing beers typically include: Bristol Beer Factory (varies) , Hop Union (varies) , Uley (varies)
Source: National
Cask Ale
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