Box Bush

The, High St, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2AN, United Kingdom
+44 7882 939538
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop , Ice cream shop , Sandwich shop
(53 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Box Bush sits comfortably on Bourton-on-the-Water’s High Street, occupying a charming stone building that fits naturally into the Cotswolds’ easygoing pace. This café-cum-coffee spot feels like a proper local hangout, blending the casual buzz of daily foot traffic with enough room to settle in—whether you’re catching up over coffee or grabbing a bite before a riverside stroll.

If mornings are your thing, Box Bush offers a thoughtful breakfast menu featuring items like overnight rye oats, chia seeds, and acai bowls that balance health and heartiness without fuss. Their coffee attracts a steady stream of locals and visitors alike, praised for hitting the right notes—not too milky or overpowering—making it a reliable stop for a morning perk or an afternoon pick-me-up.

The café doubles as a spot for light lunches and treats, with sandwiches that consistently earn nods for fresh, well-seasoned fillings such as pastrami and home-smoked bacon. On the sweeter side, their patisserie selection and gelato stand out, especially the mango ice cream and pistachio croissants, which often draw compliments for their freshness and balanced flavors. Those with a taste for something more savory will find offerings like Scotch eggs and spiced curry pea pie that nod to local and British comfort tastes without trying too hard.

The atmosphere mirrors the town’s laid-back spirit: easy, friendly, and welcoming to a range of visitors—including dog owners who appreciate the relaxed vibe. The staff's approachable nature adds to a sense of community rather than formality, making it a natural choice for families, solo visitors with a book, or groups meeting up.

For anyone wandering through Bourton-on-the-Water, Box Bush works best as a flexible stop—early in the day for breakfast and coffee, or midday for a casual lunch and a taste of gelato. Its location on the High Street means you can quickly slip in and out or linger with a drink on hand while watching the afternoon life unfold in this quintessential Cotswold village.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Parking
Paid parking lot

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

53 Reviews
James Smith

03 Dec 2025

Box Bush in Bourton-on-the-Water is an absolute delight, perfectly encapsulating the charm of the Cotswolds. Housed in a gorgeous traditional stone building, it offers a welcoming atmosphere with a lovely, relaxed feel—perfect for catching up with friends or family. Jo & I visited and thoroughly enjoyed our coffee and cake, the baked goods are fresh and delicious. It’s also a big hit with dog owners and has great options for those needing gluten-free choices. Top Tip: Parking in Bourton can be tricky, so if you manage to snag a spot opposite the garage, consider yourself lucky! It’s a beautifully decorated spot inside, but the plentiful outdoor seating in the garden is a real bonus on a pleasant day. Highly recommended for a high-quality coffee break or a lunchtime sandwich.

Stephen Warren

25 Nov 2025

Happened to stop at the Box Bush as they had a free table. And it turned out to be the best coffee and pastry culinary experience of the day. Coffee was on point, correct volume of milk to coffee ratio (so no flat white sized lattes here). Pistachio filled croissant is delicious. Pear and ricotta pastry was amazing. Spiced curry pea pie and spicy Scottish eggs are recommended. Cinnamon bun (warmed) was moreish. Highly recommended to visit and sad that there is not a similar establishment where I live.

Catrin Limberg

21 Nov 2025

My husband and I visited for lunch, and we were so pleased with the whole experience. The staff were extremely friendly, the sandwiches were divine, and the chocolate chip cookie was the best we’d ever had! I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area.

Oriana Ruiz

02 Oct 2025

EVERYTHING we ordered, EVERYTHING was absolutely delicious. The overnight oats were not too sweet which I absolutely loved. The bacon brioche bun was out of this world and the cinnamon & cardamom bun should get its own Michelin star. I will come back without a doubt

Adam Irwin

25 Sep 2025

Lovely little coffee shop that also sells excellent cakes, gelato, pastries and sandwiches. The breakfast baps that we had were a 10/10. Highly recommend for anyone in the area.

Pooja Ramesh

17 Sep 2025

I had the most delicious Tuscan white bean soup. Small menu but very delicious food and very quick and friendly service.

DJ G

15 Sep 2025

Regularly visit Box Bush cafe and it’s an absolute delight every time. The owners and staff are all friendly and very welcoming, delivering a personal service. They all go the extra mile, offering a luxurious selection of coffee’s, home made artisan pasties and an ever changing selection of gelatos and lunch menus. We come in the morning, often for breakfast and coffees with the dog too, who is also welcomed here! The bacon rolls are the best I’ve tried. The smoked bacon in a brioche roll is delicious, always cooked how I like it and also offered on a selection of different home made rolls, everything is home made, and presented exquisitely. Excellent, gluten free options also available. Great seating on outside patio and in the garden opposite. Always clean tables and in the surrounding area. Overall, a highly recommended place always look forward to our weekend treat.

Amy Wallace

14 Sep 2025

We came to the Box Bush for lunch and I have to say – the sandwiches were the best I’ve ever had! I went for egg mayo and turkey pastrami, and it was absolutely lush. They also did a great little deal for the kids, which was really handy. From the moment we arrived, the service was excellent – everyone was so smiley, friendly, and accommodating, even though it was quite busy. The gelato looked amazing (we’ll definitely have to try it next time). We visited on a sunny October day and sat outside, which was lovely. Inside seating is limited, so it’s more of a takeaway-style place, but I’d highly recommend it for the sandwiches alone!

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