Recommended places to eat at Cheltenham Literature Festival

It’s that time of year again to come together and celebrate the written and spoken word. The longest-running festival of its kind in the world, Cheltenham Literature Festival celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024 with a packed schedule of talks, activities and workshops with some of the best new voices in fiction and poetry alongside literary greats. 

The festival also presents the perfect opportunity to indulge in delicious food and drink. 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 Montpellier Gardens, the festival village for Cheltenham Literature Festival below…

Food & drink options on site at the Cheltenham Literature Festival

Food and drink on-site at Cheltenham Literature Festival

Relax and refuel in between talks with hot and cold food and drinks from the buzzing Feast Café and Festival Bar. Support Cheltenham Festivals as a charity by stopping at one of the street food vendors serving culinary treats from around the world.

Restaurants and cafes in Montpellier near Cheltenham Literature Festival

For the Saints, John Gordons, The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie

Just across the road from Montpellier Gardens is the district of Montpellier, the home of stylish eats and chic boutiques. Visitors are spoilt for choice in Montpellier for places to wine and dine.

You cannot miss the iconic Ivy Montpellier Brasserie, a stunning grade I listed building with a private dining room and bar, offering relaxed yet sophisticated all-day dining. Just a few doors down from the Ivy you can find espresso bar For The Saints, for your morning pick-me-up, and whisky and wine bar John Gordon's, perfect for a post-dinner tipple.

Cote Brasserie, Chaplais Kitchen, and Clementine Cafe

There are many independently run eateries in Montpellier, we wish we could mention them all! A few highlights include Chaplais Kitchen, featured above with its outdoor dining space, serving fresh pizza and pasta, spareribs, and salad bowls. Just down the road is an artisanal café, Clementine, serving delicious coffee, homemade cakes, breakfast & lunch.

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 near Imperial Gardens

The Nook on Five, No. 131, Victoria's

Continue walking towards Imperial Gardens and the town centre and you’ll come to another Cheltenham landmark, the Queens Hotel. Open to both residents and visitors, the onsite restaurant, Victoria’s, is an absolute must-visit. Serving British flavours with an international flair, Victoria’s is open for breakfast before your Literature Festival event, a leisurely lunch and an unforgettable evening meal.

Across the road from the Queens is the No 131 Terrace. A trendy restaurant serving delicious, seasonal food created with local products in a heated marquee. Keep your eyes peeled for celebs! Opposite, overlooking Imperial Gardens from atop the Quadrangle building, is The Nook on Five, Cheltenham’s first and foremost rooftop bar and restaurant.

Go the other way, away from Imperial and towards Cheltenham Ladies College for two more fabulous hotel restaurants, the Malmaison Bar & Grill and the Bistro Du Vin. Or, for something a little more low-key, check out The Tavern on Royal Well Place for delicious pub grub in a cosy, rustic-chic setting.

Restaurants and cafes in Regent Street

Beefy Boys, KIBOU, Cake Alchemist

We could go on forever recommending great places to eat in Cheltenham. We are truly spoilt for choice! We will 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 walk from Montpellier Gardens, head towards the town centre and take a right as you walk by Molton Brown on the Promenade. Here you will find the extremely popular Japanese and sushi restaurant - KIBOU. WoodKraft, owned by Simon Wood, MasterChef Champion. Independent coffee shops - The Find and Coffee Dispensary, The Beefy Boys, home of the UK’s best burger, and for cheese fans, an unmissable treat – Domaine 16. Finally, those with a sweet should check out the new Alfonso Gelateria for true Italian gelato, Guilt Trip for delicious doughnuts, and the Cake Alchemist for, you guessed it, incredible cake! 

Wherever you choose to eat during Cheltenham Literature 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.