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, Cheltenham offers a variety of dining to complement the festival atmosphere.
With over 140 restaurants, 60 cafes, and 110 pubs and bars around Cheltenham to choose from, we've picked some of our favourite places to eat near Montpellier Gardens – the heart of Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Whether you're after a quick snack in between sets or a relaxed meal after the music fades, these spots are sure to impress.
Festival Village food & drink: On-site refreshments
Food and drink on-site at Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Don’t miss the chance to refuel right in at the heart of the action. The Festival Village offers a mix of food stalls serving fresh street food, snacks and drinks, perfect for a quick pick-me-up in between performances. Grab a seat at one of the picnic tables, soak up the sunshine and enjoy a range of global culinary delights, all while supporting Cheltenham Festivals.
Dining in Montpellier: The hotspot for stylish eats
Located right next to Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham's Montpellier district is known for its sophisticated dining spots and chic boutiques. Whether you’re after a gourmet dinner or a casual bite, this area has something to suit every taste.
For a wow-factor setting, head to the Ivy Montpellier Brasserie inside the stunning Grade I-listed Montpellier Rotunda building. This stylish venue offers all-day dining, from brunches to multi-course dinners. You'll also find All Bar One and For The Saints Espresso Bar overlooking the gardens.
Images feature a few dining options in Montpellier – The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie, John Gordons and Sam's Montpellier, located in Montpellier Courtyard
For a more intimate vibe, explore Montpellier Street's independent gems. Montpellier Wine Bar and John Gordon’s Whisky & Wine Bar are perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Chaplais Kitchen offers an inviting outdoor seating area where you can enjoy pizza, pasta and French dishes. And Clementine Café serves delightful coffee, homemade cakes and breakfasts.
Don't miss the hidden treasures in the Montpellier Courtyard, a peaceful tucked-away spot where you'll find Lazy Graze, a cosy café which is popular with locals, and Sam’s of Montpellier, an independent eatery serving cocktails and creative small plates perfect for sharing.
Or for fans of well-known chains, Côte, Brasserie Blanc and Giggling Squid are all nearby too.
The Suffolks: Lesser-known local haunts
Just a stone's throw from Montpellier Gardens, The Suffolks neighbourhood of Cheltenham is another hub for independent businesses. The Retreat and The Beehive are both popular spots for pre-event drinks, with beer gardens where you can soak up the sun. Or head to La Bobina for tasty tapas, Boho Bistro for pancakes or Baker & Graze for one of their legendary donuts.
The Suffolks is also home to a regular Sunday Market, where you can pick up tasty treats, street food eats and locally produced gifts, jewellery and homewares. This year there's a special Jazz Festival Fringe Market taking place on Sunday 3 May.
Images feature a handful of dining options in The Suffolks - The Beehive, Suffolk Street Market and Baker & Graze
The Promenade: Stylish dining with a view
If you are craving the vibrant flavours of Thailand, Rosa’s Thai on The Promenade is a must visit. The restaurant perfects authentic Thai cooking using Thai producers, from the tamarind sauce in every Pad Thai to the coconut milk in each curry, ensuring the dishes taste just as they do in Thailand.
Heading towards Imperial Gardens and the town centre, you’ll find Victoria’s Restaurant in Cheltenham's iconic Queens Hotel. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it's a must-visit for British-inspired dishes with international twists, with a pretty garden for sunny days.
Across the street, No 131 The Terrace offers seasonal dishes made with local ingredients in a stylish, heated marquee that’s perfect for people-watching. Or their contemporary Japanese restaurant Yoku combines drama-filled décor with flavourful Japanese dishes, sakes and cocktails.
Images feature three of the many dining options along The Promenade - Victoria's at the Queen's Hotel, No 131 Terrace and East India Café.
On the other side of Montpellier Gardens, Sef Steakhouse is the place for meat-lovers to indulge in the finest cuts. And just across the street, Settebello brings a taste of Southern Italy to Cheltenham, with pizzas, pastas and mains, as well as drinks in their chic Sotto cocktail bar.
Enjoy delicious Indian flavours from the iconic British Raj era at the East India Café. Or close to the Parabola Art Centre, another of the Jazz Festival venues, is the Hotel du Vin. Their Bistro du Vin serves up classic French cuisine with a modern twist, alongside an impressive wine list.
Regent Street: Cheltenham’s independent food hub
If you’re in the mood to explore, take a 10-minute stroll from Montpellier Gardens to Regent Street, the epicentre of Cheltenham’s independent dining scene. Here you’ll find KIBOU, an award-winning Japanese sushi restaurant, and Bao + BBQ for an unusual but delicious combination of fiery Texan BBQ and Taiwanese cuisine.
Three of the delicious options to choose from on Regent Street, Cheltenham – The Cheeseworks, Kibou and The Beefy Boys
WoodKraft, run by former MasterChef champion Simon Wood, is a great spot for brunch, lunch and afternoon cakes, with a good range of vegan and gluten-free options. Or head to Pickles or Society Café for your caffeine fix.
Cheese aficionados won't want to miss a stop at The Cheeseworks, whose restaurant Upstairs at the Cheeseworks dishes up delicious cheeseboards featuring the best British and European cheeses. Meanwhile burger lovers should be sure to visit The Beefy Boys, who are known for crafting some of the UK’s best burgers.
Head over to Cambray Place where you'll find Tailors, a cosy pub and restaurant serving classic, affordable comfort food. Opposite Tailors is Mr Cambray’s Curiosity, a coffee shop by day which turns into a cocktail bar with colourful themed rooms at night.
The Brewery Quarter: Eat, drink, and be merry
Two of the many dining options to choose from in The Brewery Quarter - Pho and The Alchemist
The Brewery Quarter is the venue for some of the Jazz Festival's free 'About Town' gigs, and a buzzing place to catch a bite between sets. Enroute between Regent Street and The Brewery Quarter, you’ll find Nagomi, an authentic Japanese and Korean restaurant where you can grill meats, seafood and vegetables right at your table.
Mowgli brings you the best of Indian street food, while Pho serves up aromatic Vietnamese noodle soups. Or for something a little different, check out The Alchemist, where culinary creativity is taken to the next level in a theatrical-inspired setting.
Flight Club Cheltenham's gorgeous outdoor terrace is the ideal spot to soak up the festival atmosphere. Or for those who craving familiar high-street flavours, you’ll also find Nando’s, PizzaExpress and Five Guys in The Brewery Quarter.
Final thoughts: Food and jazz, the perfect combo
Cheltenham’s vibrant dining scene is a perfect match for the incredible music of the Jazz Festival, whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite between sets or a leisurely meal in a beautiful setting. Enjoy the music, indulge in great food and make the most of this world-class festival.
For more food inspiration, check out our comprehensive list of Cheltenham restaurants, Cheltenham cafes and pubs and bars in Cheltenham. Visitors may also find our map of Cheltenham handy.
Bon appétit and enjoy the 2026 Cheltenham Jazz Festival! 🎷
