Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall are regular visitors to the charming pubs scattered across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds. Residing at Aston Park on the Gatcombe Park estate—home to Zara’s mother, Princess Anne—the couple enjoys the rural lifestyle while raising their three children: Mia, 12, Lena, 7, and Lucas, 5.
The family lives in a converted farmhouse adjacent to Princess Anne’s home, benefiting from the close support of the royal matriarch and Zara’s stepfather, Sir Timothy Laurence, who often provide childcare while Zara and Mike take a well-earned break to visit local pubs.
Insiders report that Saturday nights often find Zara and Mike relaxing at their nearby favorite local pub, secure in the knowledge that their children are happily entertained with stories from Princess Anne. A former royal staff member, Jack Stooks, once gardener to the King, identifies one particular venue the couple favor: The Potting Shed, located about 15 minutes from Gatcombe Park in the village of Crudwell, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire.
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This pub, cherished by various members of the royal family—including Zara’s brother Peter Phillips and even Prince William and Kate Middleton during their early days—has garnered a 4.1-star rating on Tripadvisor from over 1,200 reviews. It enjoys praise from Tom Parker Bowles, a respected food writer and Queen Camilla’s son, who calls The Potting Shed “one of the best pub lunches I’ve had for years.”
Patrons frequently recommend booking ahead, especially for Sunday roast dinners, which they describe as “epic.” Positive reviews highlight the inviting atmosphere of the building and garden, the delicious cuisine, excellent local beer selection, swift service, and friendly staff—all factors contributing to a highly recommended experience.
Beyond their pub visits, the Tindall family makes full use of their expansive Gloucestershire estate, which features an outdoor swimming pool, a home gym, and a “party barn” between their houses. This converted barn, equipped with a bar, catering facilities, a giant screen, and lounges, serves as an ideal venue for social gatherings with friends, blending countryside charm with modern comforts.