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 sash upstairs and decorative wooden downstairs with acid etched panes bearing todays 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 wall. To the right of the entranceway there is a large stone fireplace with a wood burning stove. To the rear of the premises on the left there are doors to an enclosed courtyard which unusually has a second wood burning stove at the far end. This is surrounded by a green wall (not paint, plant life) which makes for a very pleasant space. The toilets are subterranean and may be found through a door next to the bar and down the stairs.

The décor is eclectic, set against statement deep red painted walls, polished wooden floorboards and classic bentwood furniture, in matching finish. In the bar there are dozens of pictures featuring Gifford's 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, again very circus-like. 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 wall adjacent to Church Street is glass with high tables placed along it, light streams in making very pleasant place to enjoy your choice of food and drink.

Whilst there is no food in the evening, the Retreat offers a daytime menu that is refreshingly different and in addition to this, they put on a pub classic on Fridays and Saturdays.

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.