The Cotswolds is full of traps. You know the ones—pubs with "olde worlde" signage that serve microwave lasagne and charge fifteen quid for a pint of warm lager just because they're near a honey-colored stone wall. But then you find a place like The Potting Shed Pub on The Street in Crudwell, Malmesbury. It’s different. It feels real.
Honesty is rare in hospitality these days.
If you're driving down the A429 between Malmesbury and Cirencester, you might almost miss Crudwell. It’s a quiet village. Peaceful. But the Potting Shed has been a beacon for foodies for years, and for good reason. It’s not trying to be a Michelin-starred laboratory. It's a pub. A really, really good pub.
What makes The Potting Shed Pub on The Street in Crudwell so special?
It’s the atmosphere, mostly. You walk in and it smells like woodsmoke and expensive olive oil. The building itself dates back centuries, but the interior doesn't feel like a museum. It's airy. High ceilings. Lots of light.
Most "gastropubs" feel like restaurants that happen to have a bar. The Potting Shed is a pub that happens to have world-class food. There's a distinction. You can sit there in muddy boots after a walk through the Wiltshire countryside and nobody will give you a dirty look. They've got a massive garden, too. Two acres of it. In the summer, it's basically the only place you want to be in the South West.
The ownership has seen some changes over the years, but the ethos remains stubbornly consistent: local stuff, cooked well, served without the pretension that usually plagues the Malmesbury area.
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The Food: Beyond the Standard Pub Grub
Let's talk about the menu. It changes. Constantly.
That’s usually a sign of a kitchen that actually gives a damn about the seasons. You aren't going to get asparagus in December here. Instead, you'll find things like Cotswold lamb, local venison, and vegetables that actually taste like they came out of the ground recently.
One thing people always mention is the Sunday roast. It’s legendary. If you haven't booked a table at The Potting Shed Pub on The Street in Crudwell, Malmesbury at least a week in advance for a Sunday, you’re probably going to be disappointed. They do this slow-cooked belly of pork that basically melts if you look at it too hard.
It’s about the details. The salt is flaky. The butter is room temperature. The bread is crusty. These seem like small things until you go to a pub that gets them wrong.
Navigating the Malmesbury and Crudwell Connection
Malmesbury is technically the "local" town, famous for its Abbey and being the home of James Dyson. Crudwell is just a few miles up the road. It makes the Potting Shed a perfect tactical stop if you're visiting the Abbey or the Abbey House Gardens.
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Actually, a lot of people stay at The Rectory Hotel, which is right across the road. They are sister establishments. The Rectory is a bit more "fine dining" and "boutique stay," while the Potting Shed is the relaxed, boozy sibling. It’s a great dynamic. You can sleep in luxury and then stumble across the street for a pint of local ale and some of the best triple-cooked chips in England.
Why the location matters
- It’s on the border of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
- Very close to the Fosse Way (an old Roman road).
- Accessible but feels incredibly remote.
You’ve got the Westonbirt Arboretum nearby, too. If you’re visiting the trees, skip the onsite cafe. Drive the ten minutes to Crudwell. Your stomach will thank you.
The Beer and Wine Situation
A pub is only as good as its cellar. The Potting Shed keeps a rotating selection of local ales. You’ll often find brews from places like Uley Brewery or Wickwar. They keep the lines clean, which—honestly—is half the battle.
The wine list is surprisingly deep. Usually, pub wine is an afterthought. Here, they’ve clearly put some thought into pairings. They have a decent selection by the glass, so you don't have to commit to a full bottle of Malbec if you just want something to go with your steak.
What people get wrong about The Potting Shed
Some people think it's "too posh." I disagree.
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Yes, the prices are higher than a Wetherspoons. Obviously. But you're paying for quality. You're paying for the fact that the chef knows exactly which farm the beef came from. There’s a misconception that you need to be wearing a tweed waistcoat to fit in. You don't. It’s a community hub. You’ll see locals at the bar chatting with tourists who are lost on their way to Castle Combe.
Another mistake? Not exploring the garden. Even if it's a bit chilly, take a walk out there. They have these little "potting sheds" (hence the name) that offer a bit of privacy. It’s charming without being kitschy.
Practical Advice for Visiting
- Book ahead. Seriously. Don't just turn up on a Friday night and expect a table.
- Bring the dog. They are very dog-friendly in the bar area.
- Check the hours. Like many rural British pubs, they sometimes have a gap between lunch and dinner service. Don't show up at 4:00 PM expecting a full three-course meal.
- Park in the back. There is a dedicated car park, so don't clog up The Street.
The Verdict on The Potting Shed Pub on The Street in Crudwell, Malmesbury
The hospitality industry is brutal. Most pubs don't last five years, let alone become regional icons. The Potting Shed has stayed relevant because it hasn't chased trends. It didn't try to become a "cocktail lounge" or a "fusion bistro." It stayed a pub.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you why the British pub is such a vital institution. It’s warm. It’s welcoming. The food is honest.
If you are anywhere near the southern Cotswolds, it is a mandatory stop. Whether you want a full meal or just a scotch egg and a pint by the fire, it delivers every single time.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check Availability: Visit their official website to see current opening times for the kitchen, as these can shift seasonally.
- Plan Your Route: If you’re coming from Malmesbury, take the A429 north. It’s a straight shot, roughly a 10-minute drive.
- Combine with a Walk: Park at the pub, head out toward the fields behind the church for a 45-minute loop, and return just as the kitchen opens for lunch.
- Stay Nearby: If you’re planning on sampling the extensive wine list, look into booking a room at The Rectory Hotel directly across the road to avoid any driving concerns.