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 drink, discover the rich history of the Grade I listed Pump Room, and share their ideas for its future - all while soaking up free live music and talks in one of Cheltenham’s most atmospheric spaces.
To launch the pop-up, Lord Irving will perform on Thursday 30 October, 1 - 3pm, bringing Carey Andrews’ captivating progressive folk-fusion sound to the Pump Room’s stunning setting. The following day, Friday 31 October, 1 - 3pm, audiences can enjoy the soulful reggae stylings of Onika Venus from 1 - 3pm.
Curated and designed by the team from The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, visitors will be greeted by not only the aroma of freshly brewed coffee but also by the story of Pittville in six chapters. Celebrating its Georgian history, the design of the café is a playful nod to the Pump Room’s past. As part of this month-long pop-up, The Cheltenham Trust are inviting visitors to have their say on the next chapter for this much-loved community landmark.
The pop-up café will host a programme of free live music and talks, giving local musicians the opportunity to perform in the historic Pump Room and offering the community a chance to enjoy free performances in this inspiring space. Showcasing an eclectic mix of local talent and musical styles the programme includes laid back jazz with Ben Hands and Hallam Kite, Cheltenham Open Mic sessions, and virtuosic percussive fingerstyle guitar from Dan Lewis.
Jessica Brewster, CEO of The Cheltenham Trust, said “The Pittville Pump Room Pop-Up is the perfect opportunity to invite our community back into this magnificent building to celebrate its fascinating past and look ahead to the future. The pop-up gives us an opportunity to try something new and reimagine what the future could look like. Pump Room sits in the heart of the park, and I would like it to sit in the heart of the community too. Whether you come in for a cuppa, a concert or simply curiosity, we’d love to hear your views on what an exciting future at the Pump Room would be for you”.
The café’s menu blends creativity and comfort with freshly made brunches, light bites, seasonal dishes and homemade cakes. Visitors can enjoy quality artisan coffee, luxury hot chocolate and an inspiring range of loose-leaf teas available to eat in or take away. The Pittville Pump Room Pop-Up runs from 30 October – 29 November. Every day, 9.30am – 4.30pm (opening hours subject to change). For more information and the full events line up, visit pittvillepumproom.org.uk/pop-up.
Music programme
- Thursday 30 October, 1 - 3pm – Lord Irving (Carey Andrews): progressive folk-fusion vocals in the stunning acoustics of the Pump Room.
- Friday 31 October, 1 - 3pm - Onika Venus: soulful reggae and uplifting rhythm from the Forest of Dean-based artist.
- Thursday 6 November, 6 - 10pm – Cheltenham Open Mic: hosted by Jack and Bella, offering a relaxed evening of local voices and creativity.
- Friday 7 November, 12.30-1.30pm – Francis Sanville: lunchtime jazz swing and imaginative arrangements of popular tunes, played by accomplished pianist Francis Sanville
- Saturday 8 November, 1 - 3pm – Ben Hands and Hallam Kite: laid-back jazz inspired by Chet Baker, John Coltrane and Bill Evans.
- Friday 14 November, 12.30 - 1.30pm – Francis Sanville: lunchtime jazz swing and imaginative arrangements of popular tunes, played by accomplished pianist Francis Sanville
- Saturday 15 November, 1 - 3pm – Lord Irving (Carey Andrews): a return performance filled with expressive vocals and folk fusion.
- Sunday 16 November, 1 – 4pm – Cheltenham Open Mic: another open session of live music and local talent.