Best pre-theatre dining

There’s nothing quite like an evening at the theatre. The lights, the costumes, the glamour of it all!

With three fantastic historical theatre venues to choose from, Cheltenham is blessed with a year-round calendar of fantastic theatrical entertainment.

And there’s no better way to step your night out up a notch than with a pre or post-show bite to eat. Read on for a few of our suggestions of the best local spots to dine in before your next performance.    

Restaurants and cafes near Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

Located on Regent Street, The Everyman Theatre finds itself smack dab in the epicentre of Cheltenham’s independent food scene.

Here you’ll find popular independent Japanese kitchen and bar, KIBOU, an eclectic day-to-night eating den that has been serving up award-winning Japanese food in Cheltenham for over 10 years. Plus, BAO + BBQ, a new restaurant concept fusing smoked Texan BBQ with Taiwanese cuisine.

Beefy Boys, meanwhile, can be found at the upper end of the street and is home of the UK’s best burger, while just round the corner is The Old Courthouse. A traditional pub restaurant housed in the beautifully renovated, Grade II listed Old Courthouse building.

Cut through Ormond Place to the Promenade and keep an eye out for Memsahib’s Lounge. It’s easy to miss, tucked away beneath Neptune Apartments. But this hidden Cheltenham gem, serving a signature Indian experience menu and house-crafted gin, should certainly be on your radar for an exquisite pre-theatre dinner. 

Finally, a little further afield but absolutely worth the walk is Nook on Five, Cheltenham’s premiere rooftop restaurant. Turn left from Ormond Place and head towards Montpellier Gardens and you will find the Nook perched atop the Cheltenham Quadrangle building. Pairing innovative seasonal cuisine with unparalleled views across Cheltenham and beyond.

Restaurants and cafes near Cheltenham Playhouse

Situated just across the way from Bath Parade car park, Cheltenham Playhouse is perfectly positioned for both parking and dining before your show.

For a memorable dining experience, look no further than Prithvi. Located mere meters away from the theatre, Prithvi offers fine dining flair with South-Asian flavours. Restaurant Journey, meanwhile, located only a little further down the road, promises a luxurious culinary adventure with an incredible tasting menu inspired by the owner’s worldly travels.

For a tempting taste of Thailand, head on to the High Street and make a right to The Vine, a Green-tiled Victorian pub serving local real ales and delicious Thai staples. Or continue down that road to Bangkok Thai, for the most authentic Thai cuisine experience in Cheltenham.  

Meanwhile, those looking for a cosy Cotswold pub atmosphere with classic, affordable comfort foods should head back the other way to Tailor’s Pub & Restaurant on Cambray Place. A few doors down you will find The Ox, which has a reputation for having some of the best steak in the Town. While the nearby Petite Coco, which can be easily missed much like Memsahib, is an intimate bistro serving traditional French fare.

Restaurants and cafes near Bacon Theatre

Being a bit further out of the centre than the other two venues means that dinner and a show can require a bit more planning for the Bacon Theatre. But there are still lots of lovely nearby restaurants to enjoy if you are willing to travel a little further.  

The Montpellier District of Cheltenham is a roughly 20-minute stroll or five-minute drive from the Bacon Theatre. The home of stylish, independent eateries and familiar favourite restaurants, theatregoers 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. While opposite is the recently reopened Montpellier Wine Bar & Bistro, whose new menu is set to launch this spring.

A few doors down you’ll find Chaplais Kitchen, for tasty, uncomplicated deli-fresh fare, and just beyond that is the Montpellier Courtyard. Home to local favourite café, Lazy Graze, and two independent restaurants Gallimores Kitchen and Sam's of Montpellier. Serving delicious Mediterranean staples with ingredients from the earth, land, and sea. 

There is also a variety of popular chain restaurants in Montpellier, including Cote, Brasserie Blanc, Ask Italian, and Giggling Squid. All of which are near one another.  

Of course, these are just a few suggestions for pre-theatre dining. Cheltenham has heaps of incredible restaurants all over town. So, wherever you choose to eat before your next show, we're sure it will be delicious!

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