Retreat, Stroud

Single-bar pub in town centre, located on Church Street. The building is red brick and dates to 1768. The windows are period with sashes upstairs and decorative wooden windows downstairs with acid-etched panes bearing today's name for the venue.

On entry, the visitor will find themselves in a large L shaped room which is supported by a long, extremely well stocked bar on the left-hand wall. To the right there is a seating area with a large stone fireplace with a wood burning stove.

To the rear, doors lead to an enclosed courtyard surrounded by vines which, unusually, has a second wood-burning stove at the far end. This makes for a unique and delightful pub courtyard.

The toilets are subterranean and may be found through a door to the left of the entrance and down the stairs.

The décor is eclectic, set against deep red painted walls, polished wooden floorboards and classic bentwood furniture, in matching finish.

In the bar there are dozens of pictures featuring Giffords Circus with which the pub has a connection. Lighting is very circus-like with fairly lights covering part of the ceiling and the Retreat name in lights above the bar.

Downstairs in the corridor to the toilets the walls are cream, decorated with frames containing old playing cards featuring glamour models in period lingerie.

The windows adjacent to Church Street have high tables alongside. Light streams in making it a very pleasant place to enjoy your choice of food and drink.

While there is no food in the evening, the Retreat offers a daytime menu that is refreshingly different. In addition, they put on a pub classic on Fridays and Saturdays. Breakfast is also served on Saturdays, and every month the pub is opened for a Sunday Roast. See Facebook for details

In summary, the Retreat offers a different pub experience in the centre of Stroud with two real ales, a range of good food, wines, cocktails and other drinks on offer.

Instagram handle retreatstroud.

Opening and food times correct as of 08/05/2025.