Recommended places to eat near Cheltenham Science Festival

Calling all big thinkers and curious minds, it’s time to zoom over to our Regency town for the annual Cheltenham Science Festival! First held in 2002, Cheltenham Science Festival brings together the UK’s most respected scientists, writers, and artists to talk about today’s hottest topics for six epic days of discovery.  

Not only that, but the festival is also a great opportunity to indulge in Cheltenham's incredible food offerings. Home to a wide range of places to eat, from fine dining restaurants to laid-back cafes and independent hidden gems, Cheltenham is truly a foodie’s paradise.

Our food and drink guides share comprehensive lists of over 140 Cheltenham restaurants, 60 Cheltenham cafes and 100+ pubs and bars in Cheltenham. To narrow the choices down for you, we’ve shared our recommended places to eat near Imperial Gardens, the festival village for Cheltenham Science Festival below…

Food & drink options on site at the Cheltenham Science Festival

Relax and refuel in between talks and activities at the Regency Café located in Cheltenham Town Hall for a spot of light lunch and a coffee. Or, grab a bench and get out in the sunshine at the Garden Bar, serving alcohol, hot drinks and freshly baked pizzas, run by our local charity, Cheltenham Trust. 

Restaurants and cafes near Cheltenham Science Festival

There are many fantastic eateries to enjoy right on the doorstep of the Cheltenham Science Festival. Just on the corner of the gardens is the Queens Hotel, whose on-site restaurant, Victoria’s, and accompanying summer garden, is an absolute must-visit. Serving British flavours with an international flair, Victoria’s is open for breakfast lunch and dinner, while the summer garden features its own fresh, seasonal menu available from 12 noon everyday.

Across the road from the Queens is the No 131 Terrace. A popular, trendy restaurant serving delicious seasonal food in a heated marquee, this is the place to be seen! Keep your eyes peeled for celebs.

Overlooking Imperial Gardens is Cheltenham’s first rooftop restaurant and bar, Nook on Five. Experience creative and innovative menus of contemporary British cuisine with a nod to traditional French gastronomy, all while enjoying stunning vistas of our Regency town.  

Below Nook, at the bottom of the Quadrangle, you will find Italian restaurant and pizzeria BOSCO, while just down the road is Franco Manca. Not in the mood for Pizza? Head down the steps beneath Neptune Apartments to Memsahib's Lounge, for a taste of contemporary Indian cuisine and famous Memsahib Hospitality. Or, grab a group of friends and head to Santiago’s for authentic Spanish & Cuban tapas. 

Continue around the corner from Santiagos, onto Clarence Street, to find Mr Souvlaki’s, a Greek street-food eatery serving traditional souvlaki, skepasti and baklava. Nextdoor to Mr Souvlaki is Pyesta, a colourful, inviting Filipino restaurant, and Nagomi, a unique Korean barbeque / Japanese grill-style restaurant.

Restaurants and cafes in Montpellier

Head the other way from Imperial Gardens towards Montpellier Gardens and the district of Montpellier for a plethora of stylish eats and chic boutiques. Visitors are spoilt for choice in Montpellier for places to wine and dine.

You can’t miss the iconic Ivy Montpellier Brasserie, a stunning grade I listed building, which features a private dining room and bar, offering relaxed yet sophisticated all-day dining. Just a few doors down from the Ivy you can find the newly refurbished All Bar One, perfect for a post-dinner tipple, as well as the Urban Fox, a cosy little spot to enjoy a cocktail with a cupcake in the evening.

There are many independently run eateries in Montpellier, we wish we could mention them all! A few highlights include Chaplais Kitchen, serving fresh pizza and pasta spare ribs and salad bowls. John Gordon's is a whisky and wine bar, offering an exemplary selection of wines, gins and whiskies to sample with a light lunch in the Montpellier Arcade. Just down the road is an artisanal café, Clementine, serving delicious coffee, homemade cakes, breakfast & lunch, and a new espresso bar For The Saints serving antipasto.

Behind Clementine’s is Montpellier Courtyard. Home to a great little café, tucked away in the corner and known only to those in the know, called Lazy Graze. An incredible patisserie - Edible Art Patisserie Macron Boutique, and two independent restaurants serving delicious food with a friendly smile – Gallimores Kitchen and Sam's of Montpellier

Popular multi-chain restaurants in Montpellier include Cote, Brasserie Blanc one of Raymond Blanc's restaurants, Ask Italian and Giggling Squid. 

Restaurants and cafes in Regent Street

We could go on and on recommending great places to eat in Cheltenham, we truly are spoilt for choice. We will are leave you with some great places to eat in Regent Street, the epicentre of the independent food scene in Cheltenham.

Located just a short ten minute easy walk from Montpellier Gardens, head towards the town centre and take a right as you walk by Beards the Jewellers on the Promenade. Here you’ll find an independent popular Japanese and sushi restaurant - KIBOU, WoodKraft owned by Simon Wood, MasterChef Champion, independent coffee shops - The Find and Coffee Dispensary, and for cheese fans, an unmissable treat – Domaine 16.

Whereever you choose to eat during Cheltenham Jazz Festival we wish you bon appétit!

For more food inspiration visit - Cheltenham restaurants, Cheltenham cafes, pubs and bars in Cheltenham.

Visitors you may find our map of Cheltenham handy.