Large and welcoming 17th century Cotswold stone Inn set prominently in the heart of Minchinhampton Common. Large garden.
You enter the premises which is defended from the free ranging cows on the surrounding common land at the front through an ancient improbably heavy iron gate with chain and weight closer into a very large East facing garden. the garden possesses many bench/table combos and some covered space. There is also a side gate, with the garden walled with Cotswold stone to keep the aforementioned Bovine Beasts from entry.
moving to the front door you pass through a porch area 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.
Pushing on even further to the left there is a large long restaurant 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 rambling premises is sprinkled liberally with individual statement art pieces.
The Old Lodge is unashamedly a food led establishment but does have 4 real ales, 2 local and 2 regional. On a warm sunny day you will struggle to find a better location for alfresco drinking.
A lovely walk can be had up from Stroud 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
Opening and food times correct as of 29th June 2022
Historic Interest
The structure today has its origins in the C17th, but with additions and alterations built in every century thereafter, up to the present. Its original purpose is the subject of much debate, including theories on, a base for the nobility when deer-hunting & some have suggested, that the Lodge had its origin as a house for the Warrener, who managed a mediaeval rabbit warren on the Common. Rabbit meat could provide a valuable protein source during the winter months, and the animals were kept in artificial burrows. Another legend, which persists strongly to the present day, is that which states King Charles played bowls here on his way to the Siege of Gloucester in 1643.
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This Pub serves 4 changing beers and 0 regular beers.
Old Lodge Inn, Minchinhampton
Changing beers typically include: Sharp's - Doom Bar , St Austell - Proper Job , Stroud (varies)
Source: National