Top places to dine al fresco in Cheltenham

For an up to date list head to our Cheltenham Al Fresco Dining Guide & Cheltenham Beer Garden Guide. 

With a brief return to warmer temperatures due, it's time to make the most of the last summery days with a bit of al fresco dining...

---

There’s no shortage of restaurants, pubs and cafes in Cheltenham, but it can be hard to know where to head to once the sun comes out (and those rare summer days seem to have become the norm this year!). From sunny street-side tables to bustling beer gardens, we’ve picked some of the best places to make the most of the continued sunshine whilst enjoying anything from a mid-morning coffee to a plush three-course meal.

Montpellier Cafe
The Montpellier District of Cheltenham is known for its Regency buildings, independent shops and high-end restaurants, and located right in the heart of Montpellier in the beautiful Courtyard, Montpellier Cafe is slightly more budget-friendly than its neighbours. Serving anything from a Full English breakfast to a Sunday Roast, the cafe is a peaceful place to sit outside and enjoy a bite to eat just off the bustling Montpellier Street.

Exmouth Arms
Sat right on the centre of Bath Road is The Exmouth Arms, a pub that’s a favourite of both locals and visitors alike. Not only are the light lunch and dinner menus varied and high-quality, the pub also boasts one of the largest beer gardens in town, with enough benches and tables to fit groups of all sizes. Friday and Saturday night during the summer months has also seen The Exmouth serving up wood-fired pizzas in their outside oven, making it a popular place to spend a weekend evening and soak up the last rays of sunshine.

Huffkins Cotswold Bakery
The Promenade plays host to a whole range of chic cafes and restaurants, but Huffkins is a firm favourite of many - and for good reason! Whether you’re after a quick coffee, a light lunch or a classy Afternoon Tea with handmade scones, the beautiful Georgian building is the perfect spot to stop off while in town. And with local Cotswold produce available to buy and take away, you can enjoy anything from Seville orange marmalade to handmade shortbread biscuits!

The Rising Sun
Though slightly outside Cheltenham, The Rising Sun deserves a mention purely for the stunning views over the whole town. Perfectly placed halfway up nearby Cleeve Hill, the sloping front lawn is a great place to enjoy a well-deserved pint in the sun and take in a new perspective of the town after a walk up the highest hill in the county.

The Gloucester Old Spot
This pub sits just on the outskirts of Cheltenham and is a firm favourite amongst locals, famed for its wide selection of ales, ciders and an ever more popular food menu. This summer has seen The Gloucester Old Spot serve up a brand-new Street Food BBQ menu in its idyllic garden. Perfect for groups of twelve people or more, the menu features a whole range of Indonesian, Portuguese and South African food cooked to order on their BBQ.

No. 131 The Prom
The outdoor space at No 131 is just as stunning as the inside, with seating running parallel to the picturesque Upper Promenade and views onto the beautiful Imperial Gardens. Whether it’s a full three-course meal or just casual drinks you’re after, both menus feature some excellent choices, and sat in the greenery of the leafy garden, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a great afternoon out.