Food & Drink Blog Posts

    Food & drink

    Bandook launched in the Regency Town of Cheltenham

    • 3 min read

    Bath city’s famed Indian restaurant Bandook has opened a new restaurant site in the beautiful part of Cheltenham’s Montepelier area. An award-winning pedigree, a stellar reputation couched over several years and a distinctly loyal following, South West’s…

    Food & drink

    Where to eat near Cheltenham Literature Festival

    • 4 min read

    Whether you're heading to a thought-provoking author talk, picking up your next great read or spending a day immersed in stories, ideas and discussion, Cheltenham's food scene offers plenty of places to relax, refuel and continue the conversation. With Montpellier…

    Food & drink

    Foodie Focus: Savouring what's new in Cheltenham

    • 4 min read

    Cheltenham's food and drink scene continues to welcome new restaurants, bars and foodie experiences across the town. From recent openings and exciting new arrivals on the horizon to fresh menus and food events, there's plenty for food lovers to discover. Read on for our…

    Food & drink

    Foodie Focus: A taste of what’s new in Cheltenham

    • 4 min read

    There has never been a better time to visit Cheltenham. With its booming food scene continuing to grow, from creative cocktail bars to brilliant brasseries, the town is serving up exciting new dining experiences at every turn. Here is a round up of the latest foodie news…

    Food & drink

    Dine on sunshine at Rosa's Thai

    • 1 min read

    At Rosa’s Thai, they celebrate the bold flavours of Thai cooking and Thailand’s favourite regional dishes. From Pad Thai using tamarind grown in the hills of Phetchabun, to signature curries from coastal Trang, their dishes are rooted in the real family recipes of…

    Food & drink

    YO! Cheltenham unveils fresh new menu

    • 2 min read

    Discover elevated Japanese flavours right in the heart of Cheltenham. YO! Cheltenham has just rolled out an exciting new menu, and it's the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a Japanese food adventure. As one of a select few YO! restaurants nationwide to introduce this…

    Accommodation

    A summer welcome at The Queens Hotel Cheltenham

    • 4 min read

    As the days grow longer and Cheltenham begins to glow with the promise of summer, The Queens Hotel Cheltenham welcomes guests and locals alike to enjoy the season in one of the town’s most iconic and elegant settings. This summer is all about celebrating relaxed luxury…

    Festivals

    11 reasons to attend Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival 2026

    • 4 min read

    Summer is firmly on the horizon, and with it comes the return of one of the Cotswolds most anticipated celebrations of food, drink and community - the Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival. Set against the elegant backdrop of Montpellier Gardens, in Cheltenham town centre, this…

    Food & drink

    Foodie Focus: New places to eat in Cheltenham

    • 5 min read

    Spring is here and there’s never been a better time to explore what’s on the menu in Cheltenham’s buzzing food scene. From new restaurant openings to stylish refurbishments and seasonal menus celebrating fresh spring produce, here's the latest foodie…

    Our Cheltenham

    Cheltenham Jazz Festival dining guide

    • 7 min read

    Get ready to immerse yourself in the rhythm of live jazz, vibrant crowds and, of course, fantastic food! As Cheltenham gears up for its annual Jazz Festival, there’s no better time to explore the town’s thriving culinary scene. From gourmet meals to laid-back eats…

    Food & drink

    20 years of coffee, donuts & Cheltenham smiles

    • 2 min read

    From Christmas barrow to Cheltenham High Street favourite. The Little Coffee & Donut Stall is proudly celebrating 20 years on Cheltenham High Street. What began as a seasonal Christmas barrow has grown into a much loved town favourite, serving barista coffee made with locally…

    Activities

    All day celebrations at Flight Club this Cheltenham Festival

    • 2 min read

    Looking to make even more of your time in town during the Cheltenham Festival? Head to Flight Club Cheltenham in The Brewery Quarter for four days of feel-good food, friendly competition and post-race celebrations. From Tuesday 10 - Friday 13 March, the vibrant Social Darts bar…

    Accommodation

    'Wine first' at Hotel du Vin Cheltenham

    • 3 min read

    Hotel du Vin Cheltenham has unveiled a renewed wine‑led identity, placing the art, culture, and pleasure of wine at the very heart of the guest experience. Rooted in the brand’s founding philosophy, the hotel’s Wine First approach celebrates exceptional…

    Our Cheltenham

    10 great gift ideas for this Mother's Day in Cheltenham

    • 6 min read

    Mother's Day is fast approaching, so in anticipation of the big day, we have rounded up a quality selection of gift ideas to make mum feel special. From luxurious spa days to handmade gifts, days out to special events, however you like to show appreciation to your mum, we…

    Activities

    26 reasons to visit Cheltenham in 2026

    • 18 min read

    From headline-making festivals to culinary adventures, landmark anniversaries to unmissable events, 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year in Cheltenham, full of memorable moments. Across the year, The Festival Town comes alive with a packed calendar of events, activities and…

    Attractions

    Julian Dunkerton shares secrets of his success

    • 7 min read

    Following on from the incredible news we shared recently of Dunkertons Organic Cider, winning gold at the World Cider Awards, we met with Julian Dunkerton and his business partner, Bean Benson, to talk about their remarkable win, the journey behind Dunkertons, what it means for…

    Attractions

    The Cheltenham Trust opens Pittville Pump Room Pop-Up Cafe

    • 3 min read

    CEO Jessica Brewster and the team at The Cheltenham Trust are delighted to be throwing open the doors to Pittville Pump Room for a pop-up café from 30 October – 29 November. Open from 9.30am - 4.30pm every day, visitors are invited in to enjoy delicious food and…

    Food & drink

    Cheltenham Lido and DEYA Brewery launch first-ever Lido beer

    • 2 min read

    Cheltenham Lido has teamed up with award-winning local brewery DEYA, graphic designer James (Highline Creative), illustrator Genaro Martinez Medina (Medina Creative), DEYA artist Thom Hobson, and photographer Sam Legge to launch its first-ever beer - a limited-edition celebration…

    Food & drink

    Cheltenham’s new foodie spots to try this autumn

    • 7 min read

    September has arrived, bringing the gentle fall of leaves and signalling the start of the cosy season. It’s time to wrap up warm and indulge in comforting food as we embrace the arrival of autumn. Cheltenham’s culinary scene is embracing the change too, with…

    Food & drink

    Cheltenham's secret fine dining adventure

    • 1 min read

    After two years of delighting diners, Journey, Cheltenham’s immersive speakeasy restaurant, took a year long pause to travel the world and gather new inspiration. Now, following a hugely successful three month pop-up, the husband and wife team Jeff and Kenni are thrilled…

    Food & drink

    Eat. Drink. Discover Week launches at The Brewery Quarter

    • 3 min read

    The Brewery Quarter is set to host its very first Eat. Drink. Discover Week this autumn – a week-long celebration running from Monday 29 September to Sunday 5 October 2025. With an exciting mix of exclusive menus, unique events, family offers and hidden gems to uncover…

    Christmas

    Add a Tokyo Twist to your Christmas celebrations at KIBOU

    • 2 min read

    This Christmas, swap the usual turkey and trimmings for something a little more unique. KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar is bringing a touch of Tokyo to the festive season, with special sharing menus, seasonal chef’s specials, and Japanese platters perfect for home or…

    Our Cheltenham

    Comedian Dom Joly's top 5 Cheltenham restaurants

    • 2 min read

    Today, we are delighted to share five recommendations for places to eat in Cheltenham courtesy of local legend and professional loud phone user, Dom Joly. Best known for Trigger Happy TV , Dom's a proud Cheltonian who loves the town almost as much as us, and he certainly…

    Our Cheltenham

    Lumiere: The UK’s best-kept fine-dining secret

    • 5 min read

    Lumiere, Cheltenham’s intimate and imaginative Michelin-starred restaurant, has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting culinary destinations, and not only for its exceptional food and the personal service it delivers, but for its outstanding…

    Our Cheltenham

    Discover Dryhill Cottage & Vineyard: A Cotswold gem

    • 7 min read

    Tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds, only five miles from the beautiful Regency town of Cheltenham, is Dryhill Cottage & Vineyard, one of the country's best-kept secrets - until now. This luxurious private estate and boutique vineyard offers an intoxicating blend…

    Food & drink

    Foodie Focus: New places to eat in Cheltenham

    • 5 min read

    Cheltenham’s foodie scene is bursting with exciting new openings, menu updates, and prestigious awards. Here’s the latest roundup of what’s happening in town. Read on folks… Want to be one of the first to hear about newly opened restaurants and bars in…

    Food & drink

    Foodie Focus - Pizza, Thai & chicken wings

    • 5 min read

    February is just around the corner, and we think it's a great time to blow away the cobwebs and show your support of a new Cheltenham restaurant! We've gathered all the latest foodie news from around the town, including new openings, refurbishments, menus, and events…

    Activities

    25 reasons to visit Cheltenham in 2025

    • 21 min read

    Cheltenham is gearing up for an unforgettable 2025, with a year packed full of exciting events, landmark anniversaries, and new experiences. The Festival Town is set to shine with a series of unmissable moments. Embark on a culinary adventure through our award-winning food and…

    Our Cheltenham

    Cheltenham makes culinary history

    • 2 min read

    Lumière Restaurant and Le Champignon Sauvage have put Cheltenham firmly on the UK’s culinary map. Both restaurants have been recognised in Harden’s Top 100 UK Restaurants list, with Lumiere coming in at an incredible number 9! Harden’s wrote of Lumiere…

    Our Cheltenham

    Chaplais celebrates 20 years in Cheltenham

    • 2 min read

    Since its doors first opened in November 2004, Chaplais Deli in Tivoli has built a reputation as a foodie haven, providing locals and visitors alike with a carefully curated selection of high-quality, handpicked delicacies. From freshly baked breads and pastries to a tantalising…

    Food & drink

    Food inspiration by Cotswold Food Bloggers

    • 5 min read

    During Cheltenham Food + Drink Week, we were delighted to invite local food enthusiasts, George and Stef, from Cotswold Food Bloggers to explore and uncover Cheltenham's culinary treasures. Throughout the week, George and Stef attended the VIP launch of Cheltenham Food +…

    Our Cheltenham

    Discover Winchcombe Street in Cheltenham

    • 4 min read

    Featured post by Cheltenham BID: The Cheltenham BID (Business Improvement District) is a business-led initiative aimed at enhancing a commercial area through coordinated investment. Funded by local businesses, it delivers additional projects and services that complement those…

    Our Cheltenham

    Local burger heroes unveil their first book

    • 2 min read

    We’ve tried their award-winning burgers in their packed-out restaurants, and now it’s time to fire up the grill and try making The Beefy Boys’ signature burgers from the comfort of our own homes this summer, as they have announced the release of their first…

    Our Cheltenham

    9 affordable Cheltenham eateries that won’t break the bank

    • 5 min read

    Whether it’s a cheeky Tuesday takeaway, a leisurely lunch break, or dinner out with friends we all like to treat ourselves to a meal out from time to time. But with costs constantly rising, finding restaurants that provide the best value for money is a top priority for a…

    Our Cheltenham

    Award-winning chef marks 30 years in kitchen

    • 1 min read

    Not that he really wants to reveal his age, but award-winning Chef/Patron at Purslane Restaurant, Gareth Fulford is celebrating 30 years in professional kitchens on November 16th. Starting out as a Commis at The Penn Cottage in 1993, Gareth has spent the last three decades…

    Food & drink

    UK's number one food reviewer visits Cheltenham

    • 1 min read

    Ahead of Cheltenham Food + Drink Week, Visit Cheltenham and Cheltenham BID welcomed the UK’s number one food reviewer, Matt from the Food Review Club, to experience a few of the many incredible foodie gems in our Regency town yesterday. Matt started his culinary adventure…

    Our Cheltenham

    The Beefy Boys to feature in new BBC series with Tom Kerridge

    • 2 min read

    Beloved local burger creators, The Beefy Boys, will be showcased in an upcoming episode of the brand new BBC series, The Hidden World of Hospitality with Tom Kerridge. The episode featuring their journey is scheduled to air at 8.00pm on Thursday 3 rd August 2023 on BBC Two. The…

    Our Cheltenham

    KIBOU Cheltenham celebrates its 10th anniversary

    • 4 min read

    Bursting onto the Cheltenham food scene in 2013, KIBOU Cheltenham started as a small basement restaurant, founded by Emma Graveney, that got us all hooked on Japanese food, and soon became the talk of the town. This August, the much-loved restaurant celebrates its 10th birthday…

    Food & drink

    Cheltenham restaurant wins new Michelin Star

    • 2 min read

    A popular fine dining restaurant in Cheltenham has been awarded its first Michelin Star in the Michelin Guide 2023, adding further prestige to Cheltenham’s thriving food and drink scene. Chef Patron Jon Howe, wife Helen and the Lumiere team were delighted to come in 21st…

    Our Cheltenham

    A new and unique dining experience comes to the Quadrangle

    • 2 min read

    A brand new steak restaurant that will wow diners with not only its food but its dining experience is set to open in the Quadrangle in the spring. Şef (pronounced chef) Steakhouse is an independent restaurant which is owned and run by Metin Civlak, who lives in Cheltenham…

    Food & drink

    The Beefy Boys Cheltenham announce opening date

    • 3 min read

    The news Beefy Boys fans have been eagerly waiting for! The cult burger phenomena have unveiled the first look of their brand-new Cheltenham restaurant and announced they will open for business officially on Saturday 25 February. Burger fans across Gloucestershire were quick to…

    Our Cheltenham

    The Beefy Boys Cheltenham restaurant location revealed

    • 1 min read

    The wait is over! The Beefy Boys have finally revealed where their new Cheltenham burger restaurant will be after a few weeks of anticipation, following an announcement on their social media channels over Christmas. The cult burger joint will be opening their first…

    Our Cheltenham

    Memsahib’s Lounge presented with Good Food Award

    • 2 min read

    The team behind Cheltenham’s Memsahib Lounge are celebrating the fact that they have won a Good Food Blue Ribbon Award. The Good Food Awards recognise the hard-working teams who strive for culinary excellence within their field. Chosen for their food quality, service and…

    Our Cheltenham

    Rooftop fine dining comes to Cheltenham's Quadrangle

    • 2 min read

    After much anticipation, The Nook on Five has been confirmed as the tenant of the Quadrangle’s rooftop restaurant – the first of its kind in Cheltenham. The independent restaurant will open its doors to customers this November. Guests can look forward to creative…

    Food & drink

    The Mahal awarded with prestigious 2 AA Rosette award

    • 2 min read

    We are delighted to share that The Mahal has been awarded with the prestigious 2 AA Rosette award for the high standard and excellence of the dishes served up by Head Chef Anuj Thakur and his team. Located on Montpellier Drive, The Mahal commits to contemporary fusion, drawing…

    Food & drink

    World famous craft beer on the way to The Brewery Quarter

    • 3 min read

    The Brewery Quarter is delighted to announce the arrival of beer champion BrewDog next year. The opening follows newcomers Indian street food specialist Mowgli and award-winning American inspired street food Hub Box which are already attracting huge numbers of food fans. Coming…

    Food & drink

    Vietnamese restaurant Pho coming to The Brewery Quarter

    • 3 min read

    The Brewery Quarter is delighted to announce an exciting new name to add to its expanding tenant line up. Serving up healthy Vietnamese street food, Pho will be welcoming customers early in 2022 and arrives hot on the heels of Mowgli which opened last month and award-winning…

    Food & drink

    Locals recommend… Cheltenham’s top foodie spots

    • 6 min read

    We’re thoroughly enjoying sharing local foodie recommendations. The Visit Cheltenham team are picking up a few great tips too! The first two articles in this series featured top tips for best bars in Cheltenham and best romantic restaurants in Cheltenham by local foodie…

    Food & drink

    Recommended by locals… Best 5 bars in Cheltenham

    • 7 min read

    As part of The Great Taste of Cheltenham we’ve asked local foodies to share their favourite places in town to eat and drink, (because let’s face it local people ALWAYS know the very best places for the tastiest treats in any town!) The first article in this series…

    Food & drink

    New KIBOU Japanese kitchen & bar opens in Cheltenham

    • 3 min read

    Cheltenham’s favourite Japanese restaurant, KIBOU, officially opened its new, larger restaurant and bar on Regent Street, Cheltenham on Sunday 6 September. The Visit Cheltenham team had the pleasure of attending the opening night. Jess Goodwin, our Events Manager said…

    Food & drink

    New restaurant 'The Mahal' to open in Cheltenham

    • 1 min read

    THE MAHAL a fine dining Indian restaurant with a lavish difference will open its doors in Cheltenham on Monday July 6. Located on Montpellier Drive, The Mahal, meaning ‘palace’ will serve refined, progressive and mouth-watering Indian cuisine under the watchful eyes…

    Food & drink

    Fascinating facts about The Cheltenham Festival

    • 1 min read

    As we gear up for the busiest week of the year for Cheltenham we thought it would be fun to share some fascinating Race Week facts including the 6,000 staff employed to ensure The Cheltenham Festival runs smoothly and the estimated £100million income the four days of racing…

    Food & drink

    Tasting the menu at Memsahib Gin & Tea Rooms

    • 3 min read

    Claiming to be the Worlds first Gin and Tea Bar, this truly delightful restaurant is situated at the end of the regency grade listed buildings at the back of the long garden along the Promenade. Entering via the steps into a World of style, with comfy antique arm-chairs, ornate…

    Our Cheltenham

    Cosy Cheltenham fires to snuggle up in front of this February

    • 2 min read

    Nobody wants to suffer in the cold during feel-good February. The spell of snow that welcomed in this month was more than enough to leave us searching for a cosy spot to keep warm, so we’ve rounded up the best places for you to snuggle up in front of a roaring fire during…

    Food & drink

    Cheltenham Foodie Scene Critically Acclaimed

    • 4 min read

    According to highly respected food guide Harden's, Cheltenham's food scene is on the up and is a must for UK gastronomy lovers. The town has climbed in the rankings in the Harden's Best UK Restaurants 2019, including being 16th in the list of UK Food…

    Food & drink

    Now Open: Creams Cafe

    • 1 min read

    Creams Cafe has opened in The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham and it has brought with it pure sweetness! The American style ice-cream parlour will offer a range of freakshakes, gelato, waffles, sundaes, crepes and much more that is sure to make your mouth water.

    Our Cheltenham

    In the Spotlight: The Suffolk Arms

    • 2 min read

    The Suffolk Arms is a cosy little venue just off Bath Road outside the centre of Cheltenham. The warm lights and rustic décor make the Suffolk Arms the ideal place to grab a few casual drinks with your friends on a cold winter evening. From local cask ales to small batch…

    Food & drink

    A sneak peek into the brand new WoodKraft restaurant

    • 2 min read

    Coming soon (11th December) to Number 13 Regent Street is the much-anticipated WoodKraft Restaurant, brainchild of Masterchef 2015 Winner Simon Wood and his business partner and fellow chef James. James is a Gloucester boy too, so they're keeping things local! We've…

    Food & drink

    Now Open: The Botanist

    • 1 min read

    The Botanist is now open in The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham. The award-winning brand finally opened it's doors on 3rd December 2018 and has brought its unique offering of botanical cocktail creations, real floral interior, craft beers and hearty food to the town. The…

    Food & drink

    Foodie Focus: Giggling Squid

    • 3 min read

    Though the new (ish) Cheltenham branch of Giggling Squid is part of a 29-strong chain, it was an opening that I’d anticipated for rather a while. There’s no shortage of decent Thai restaurants already in Cheltenham, each with their dazzling pros and natural cons…

    Food & drink

    Foodie Focus: The Old Courthouse

    • 5 min read

    In the very heart of Cheltenham, set-back from the High Street so you just might miss it, is the former Magistrate Court building, built in 1869. This hidden heritage heart, in which many of the court features remain preserved, will be recognised as the former site of the…

    Food & drink

    Coming Soon; Memsahib Gin & Tea Palace

    • 2 min read

    At first glance, it might seem a strange combination - gin and tea - but on second thoughts, it combines two of our favourite things in one place, so why not! Opening on The Promenade on 3 November, at the former site of the Prom Vaults nightclub, the world first will bring a…

    Food & drink

    Foodie Focus: The Coconut Tree

    • 2 min read

    The Coconut Tree; a place to go for sheer happiness – it’s fun, it’s fiery, it’s out there, and the food is stacked with flavour. Lunch began on a hot sunny day in Cheltenham, as soon as we sat down our minds were immediately whisked away to the warmth…

    Food & drink

    In the Spotlight: Holee Cow

    • 3 min read

    November 2017 saw the opening of Holee Cow, a new addition to Cheltenham’s already buzzing foodie scene - and the past nine months have been little but buzzing for this Clarence Street based burger restaurant. The first thing to understand about Holee Cow is that…

    Food & drink

    Foodie Focus; Gloucester Old Spot

    • 3 min read

    It’s a cliché but we do wonder if this is one of Cheltenham’s best kept secrets? The Gloucester Old Spot (named for the pig and not the location) has long been a favourite in our group, whether it’s a stop off with a friend and the dogs after a long…

    Food & drink

    Foodie Focus; Ginger & Garlic

    • 2 min read

    What a treat for Cheltenham! Ginger and Garlic is a restaurant for your ‘must visit' list! Ginger and Garlic offer traditional Korean Cuisine from their restaurant on the Lower High Street in Cheltenham. If you've not tried Korean before, don't be put off…

    Things to do

    In the spotlight: Ellenborough Park Hotel

    • 4 min read

    Set in it's own extensive grounds, Ellenborough Park Hotel resides in a 15 th century building at the edge of Cheltenham, with views across the valleys and down to Cheltenham Raccecourse. We caught up with Camille Patricot to find out more about the hotel and its exceptional…

    Food & drink

    In the spotlight; Frog & Fiddle

    • 2 min read

    Have you ever been mid-way through your night out and realised that you’re hungry but the pub isn’t serving food anymore? Heartbreaking, I know. Well the Frog and Fiddle wouldn’t let you down like that. Although they don’t have a kitchen, the Frog and…

    Fashion

    Welcome to Bennington Street

    • 3 min read

    At a time when retail giants such as Toys'R'Us and Maplins are closing their doors for a final time, there is a part of Cheltenham's thriving town centre that really is bucking the trend in this current economic downturn... From stylish clothing store, Monty Smith…

    Family

    Style and sustenance; Suffolks Sunday Market

    • 1 min read

    The Suffolks is a smart and stunning District of Cheltenham, famous for its independent, boutique shopping. Each year, the region run a series of Sunday Markets, where the beautiful streets are closed and the shopping offer expands with independent stalls popping up along the…

    Food & drink

    In the spotlight; Smokey Joe's

    • 4 min read

    Having visited authentic American diners on countless occasions ‘across the pond’, I find the British alternatives often never seem to live up to the state-side ones. Despite the frequent disappointments, I’m always keen to try and find somewhere to match up…