Cheltenham

AIR BALLOON
Crickley Hill, Birdlip, GL4 8JY
Tel: 01452 862541
Great family pub with a cracking and expansive menu and what must be one of the best views on the Cheltenham/Gloucester border. Plenty of outdoor space, including a play area for the kids, and great Greene King ales, too. Open all day every day, serving food from midday, but if you drop by before then you can still get a coffee and a pastry.

ARMAGNAC
15 Rotunda Terrace, Montpellier, GL50 1SW
Tel: 01242 525230
Restaurant owned and run by Gloucester rugby player Olivier Azam, and named after the area of France he grew up in. Opened last February, it replaced his former venture, Quinze, offering modern fine dining from a kitchen overseen by head chef Barry Williams. Dishes are exquisitely prepared, ingredients top quality and the staff really know their stuff. Proper French cooking at its best.

BEEHIVE
1-3 Montpellier Villas, GL50 2XE
Tel: 01242 702270/579443, web: www.thebeehivemontpellier.com
Neighborhood pub with locally sourced real ales and a decent wine list. This place can proudly boast of being the only pub in Cheltenham featured in the 2008 Michelin Eating Out in Pubs guide. The Beehive’s newly refurbished and highly acclaimed a la carte restaurant, above the main bar, serves up traditional British classics with a modern twist, with all produce where possible sourced by head chef John Clarke from local farms and suppliers. Open Restaurant: Wed-Sat eves & Sun lunchtime (food also available in bar daily lunch & eve)

BOTTELINO’S
44-48 St James St, GL52 2SH
Tel: 01242 224761, web: www.bottelinos.net
Another branch of the West Country-based traditional Italian restaurant chain, which underwent an extensive refurbishment a couple of years back and now includes an open pizzeria where you can see your pizza being prepared to your order, and the introduction of a first-floor dining area. Good lunch offers, takeaway also available. Open Daily for lunch, Mon-Sat eves

BRASSERIE BLANC
Queen’s Hotel, The Promenade, GL50 1NN
Tel: 01242 266800, web: www.brasserieblanc.com
Formerly Le Petit Blanc, but rebranded in line with the maestro’s other outlets, the Brasserie Blanc ethos is best explained by the kitchen god himself: “Brasserie Blanc is a place for relaxed enjoyment, where I can offer you simple, high-quality food that comes as close as possible to the meals that my mother prepared for me at home.” This informal and friendly brasserie, nestled in the same building as the imposing Queen’s Hotel, has a bustling, warm atmosphere perfectly complemented by the open kitchen and relaxed, stylish, contemporary surroundings. The Dine with Wine two-course meal (lunch £11.35, dinner £14.85) offers surprisingly good value for such an elegant and renowned eatery, and even the a la carte mains start at under £10. Half-portions available for under-12s.

BROSH
8 Suffolk Parade, Montpellier, GL50 2AB
Tel: 01242 227277, web: www.broshrestaurant.co.uk
Eastern Mediterranean specialties, with everything freshly made on the premises, as far as possible from local, natural, free-range and organic ingredients. Menus reflect owners Ravvi and Sharon’s different backgrounds and lifelong travels (Ravvi was born in Israel, Sharon in Cheltenham), and the mix of mezze, freshly baked sourdough breads and mains including roast quail with quince & herb couscous and chargrilled veal with olive oil mash, chestnut & black trompette mushrooms and spring onions is garnering praise from some very influential people, including Jay Rayner of the Observer and Tracey MacLeod in the Independent.

BROWN JUG
242 Bath Rd, GL53 7NB
Tel: 01242 521736, web: www.brownjug-cheltenham.com
Unassuming, friendly street-front pub which had a rather tasteful makeover a couple of years back and now serves quite remarkable food. A recent change of chef and the introduction of a larger menu based on local, seasonally available produce has upped the ante, and the Sunday roasts are not to be missed (book in advance to secure a table) – although if you’re feeling homesick, you can also choose from a selection of Pieminister pies. At the heart of the Bath Road renaissance – there are more new delis, food and coffee shops along this strip than in any other part of Cheltenham. Bar manager Sid Jordan keeps an excellent selection of Wadworth’s ales and a small but carefully chosen wine list.

BURGER BURGER
The Brewery, Unit 14 Henrietta St, GL50 4FA
Tel: 01242 248886
Just about as far removed from the average high street fast-food joint as is possible, this gourmet burger restaurant is part of Cheltenham’s Brewery shopping and dining complex. Owner Simon Hall spent time munching through burgers on both sides of the Atlantic to perfect his recipe, claiming that his are the best in Cheltenham, if not the world. Meat is all sourced locally, burger buns come from Venue favourites Hobbs House Bakery, and chips, relishes, desserts and milkshakes are made fresh on the premises daily. Burgers come in all shapes and sizes: 7oz regular, the 10oz stopper and the slider - a unique combination of three mini burgers perfect for those who can’t make up their minds.

CAFE ROUGE
31-41 Promenade, GL50 1NW
Tel: 01242 529989, web: www.caferouge.co.uk
Lively French-themed cafe-bar/brasserie/restaurant franchise serving high-quality food, from morning coffee and continental pastries right through until dinner. Huge menu to suit most tastes, alongside daily specials board, classic French delights (moules/steak frites, tarts, salads, etc), and an excellent bar. Regular events include a live music night on the first Thur of every month and the opportunity to brush up your French at their French Chat Evening on the first Wed of every month.

DAFFODIL
18-20 Suffolk Parade, GL50
Tel: 01242 700055, web: www.thedaffodil.com
Converted from an art-deco cinema and former bingo hall, the Daffodil is a stylish restaurant that retains many original features and houses some wonderful movie ephemera. Fish and seafood are a bit of a speciality, and the Dailies offer gives lunchtime and early evening diners the chance to sample three courses of locally sourced, seasonal dishes for around £15. On Mon evenings, sample the head chef’s choice menu accompanied by live jazz (£22.50).

DAPHNE
2 Crescent Place, GL50 3PJ
Tel: 01242 577299
Brand spanking new (launched Jan 2009), family-run Mediterranean restaurant (owner Ilhan Bingol and his wife also do the cooking), where everything is prepared from scratch. A tasty mixture of Turkish, Greek and Italian cuisines (pastas, risottos, mezze platters), with plenty of vegetarian options as well as balanced meat, fish, seafood and chicken dishes. Set lunch deal (2 £6.95, 3 £8.95) is a real steal. Open Daily 12noon-3pm & 6pm-late (closed Sun lunch)

GEORGE’S ORGANIC CAFE
10 Bennington St, GL50 4ED
Tel: 01242 238733
Whether you eat in or take away, you’ll wind up with great food made from the freshest, local and wholly organic ingredients. The cafe is run by local charity the St George’s Association, and offers adults with learning disabilities the opportunity to gain work experience, learn about customer services and gain catering skills. The charity also runs workshops in drama and arts and crafts, and many of the pieces made are on sale in the cafe. Sandwiches, ciabattas, wraps and panini as well as homemade quiches,
lasagnes, cakes and more. Catering service also available. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-3.30pm

GREENWAY
Shurdington, Gl51 4UG
Tel: 01242 862352, web: www.thegreenway.co.uk
Stunning Elizabethan manor house hotel extensively refurbished last year to create the feeling of a luxurious home from home. In keeping with the bedrooms, the restaurant, lounges and bar are cloaked with an air of sophisticated elegance, all warm ambience and even warmer welcome. The Greenway’s restaurant has won lots of prestigious national and international awards for its modern British cuisine, and menus concentrate on using the best locally sourced ingredients, including Gloucestershire beef, Welsh ham and local cheeses.

GOLDEN HEART
Nettleton Bottom, Birdlip, GL4 8LA
Tel: 01242 870261, web: www.thegoldenheart.co.uk
Gorgeous country pub that’s incredibly busy come lunch or dinner thanks to the huge selection of dishes and something-for-everyone approach (gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options always available), bolstered by the use of rare-breed, exotic, prize-winning and game meats. The wild boar pudding is deeply satisfying suet filled with juicy chunks of meat in deep, rich gravy. With an excellent real ale selection, open fires, comfy nooks and crannies, a big back garden and a dog-friendly attitude, it’s worth trekking a few miles out of town for.

HOLLOW BOTTOM
Guiting Power, GL54 5UX
Tel: 01451 850392, www.hollowbottom.com
Privately owned free house with a long-established connection to the Cheltenham Races: originally called the Ye Olde Inn, the name was changed when the 17th century building was bought by a group including Peter Scudamore. But there’s so much more to the place than just the racing theme - most notably the food. Scots lads Hugh Kelly and Charlie Pettigrew purchased the freehold of the pub in 2002, with Charlie, a former Young Scottish Chef of the Year, having spent time in the kitchens of Claridge’s, Gleneagles and the Savoy. Specials are changed frequently, the Sunday carvery is so popular that every seat is booked at the weekend, and you’ll find such imaginative dishes as duck in ginger wine sauce, sea bass with prawns and pine kernels, and even kangaroo and crocodile alongside a wide variety of local produce and game.

HOTEL DU VIN
Parabola Rd, Montpellier, GL50 3AQ
Tel: 01242 588450, web: www.hotelduvin.com
The former Carlton Hotel has been transformed into a chic, luxury boutique hotel with 49 exquisite bedrooms and suites, all decorated in inimitable Hotel du Vin style. The bistro serves a sumptuous menu of modern European cuisine – expect mains of the calibre of pan-fried john dory with spinach, salsify and bisque sauce, or venison with red cabbage, fondant potatoes and piquant sauce. Extensive alfresco dining area, along with two bars, several private dining rooms and even a private spa to chill out in before or after your meal.

KILKENEY INN
Andoversford, GL54 4LN
Tel: 01242 820341, web: www.kilkeneyinn.co.uk
On the edge of the Cotswold village of Andoversford (just a few miles west of Cheltenham), it’s the perfect spot to enjoy fabulous views across the rolling hills while relishing excellent food (lunch and evenings), sampling a pint of real ale or sipping on a glass from the extensive wine list. Try the Kilkeney Special (slow-roasted shoulder of lamb with creamy mash, roasted root vegetables and mint jus) or something from the daily changing specials board – all made from locally produced ingredients wherever possible. Lighter bites are available at lunchtime, fresh fish is delivered daily, and a traditional roast served on Sundays. If you fancy leaving the car and staying the night, they’ve a lovely king-size suite available.

LANGTON
189-191 London Rd, Charlton Kings, GL52 6HT
Tel: 01242 258941, web: www.thelangton.co.uk
This historic Regency building, three minutes from Cheltenham town centre, combines new and old features throughout. Open-plan, stylish interiors feature teak, copper, leather and granite, with light oak wood and flagstone floors throughout the large bar and dining areas, and there’s alfresco seating on the terrace for the summer months. Menu offers+ freshly cooked pizzas, pasta, meat and fish dishes, plus daily specials, and 10 different beers on tap.

LE CHAMPIGNON SAUVAGE
Suffolk Rd, GL50 2AQ
Tel: 01242 573449, web: www.lechampignonsauvage.co.uk
Superior quality assured at this two-Michelin-starred restaurant, which serves the finest French cuisine in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. David Everitt-Matthias and wife Helen have been running the restaurant since 1987, offering fabulous food and service. The lunchtime menu (excellent value at £25 for two courses, Tue-Fri), will give you a chance to sample some of David’s extraordinary cuisine, but if you feel like splashing out, the table d’hote dinner menu will set you back £50 for three courses. Extensive wine list to accompany your gourmet delights. A clutch of top awards and excellent reviews - the Telegraph called it ‘one of the most remarkable restaurants in Britain’. Well worth a visit. Open Tue-Sat

LUMIERE
Clarence Parade, GL50 3PA
Tel: 01242 222200, web: www.lumiere.cc
Modern British fine dining restaurant run by chef Jon Howe and his partner Helen. Menus are simply priced and unfussy, with two courses £18/£34 (lunch/dinner) and three £21/£39. For a real gastronomic experience, try the tasting menu: seven courses of Jon’s latest and favourite creations, using the finest local ingredients where possible, for £50 a head.

MATCHAM’S RESTAURANT
Everyman Theatre, Regent St, GL50 1HQ
Tel: 01242 572573
Situated on the second floor of the theatre, and named after the designer of the Everyman’s breathtaking auditorium, Matcham’s is modern, light and elegant, serving fresh British cuisine alongside a decent wine list. Perfect for a pre-theatre supper, although non-theatre-goers should take advantage too, as the prices are a steal (two courses £13.50, three for £16.50) and the food - breast of wood pigeon in sherry sauce with green beans; roast pork with caramelised apple and grapes served with sauteed potatoes – is definitely a cut above what you’d normally expect from such a venture.

MONTY’S BAR & BRASSERIE
41 St Georges Rd, GL50 3DZ
Tel: 01242 266800, web: www.montysbraz.co.uk
Awarded two AA rosettes in recognition of the high quality and consistently good food, Monty’s is modern and stylish, with luxurious leather seating and warm contemporary decor. The menu is a mix of world flavours – Thai crispy duck, pequillo peppers, veal saltimbocca - and, as it seats just 40 people, perfect for an intimate lunch or dinner assignation. Open Daily from 10.30am for morning coffee, lunch, dinner

OVERTON
88 St Georges Rd, GL50 3EA
Tel: 01242 523371
Attractive restaurant and bar with extensive gardens and a nice alfresco terrace. Lunch menu features a few British classics alongside some better-than-standard pub grub options, with evening diners treated to a more wide-ranging selection. All dishes are made using the best fresh, local, seasonal produce. The traditional bar stocks local beers and ciders, and there’s a carefully selected wine cellar, too.

PARKERS THE BRASSERIE
Hotel on the Park, 38 Evesham Rd, GL52 2AH
Tel: 01242 518898, web: www.thehoteluk.co.uk
Winner of the Cotswold Life Restaurant of the Year Award 2006, Parkers is part of the Hotel on the Park, one of Cheltenham’s most elegant and luxurious hotels, with its hand-detailed cornice work and pleasant views over Pittville Park. Parkers the Brasserie offers fine dining at its best: head chef Kevin Harris and his team use as much local, seasonal produce as possible. You’ll find an abundance of locally reared meat, poultry and game on the menu (Gloucester Old Spot pork belly, Cotswold lamb) as well as the freshest fish. The Sunday lunches (3 £16.95) are worth every penny. Open Daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner

PIRANDELLO
103 The Promenade, GL50 1NW
Tel: 01242 234599
Unassuming Italian ristorante, tucked away in a basement on The Promenade and presided over by chef Mauro Lamanuzzi. It’s a proper family affair: Mauro opened Pirandello – named after the famous Italian playwright - a decade or so ago with his brother Emanuelle after he moved to England from Bari. Very traditional menu, replete with loads of pasta, meat and fresh fish dishes.

RESERVOIR INN
London Rd, Charlton Kings, GL54 4HG
Tel: 01242 529671, web: www.thereservoirinn.co.uk
Fabulous country pub with a fabulous garden and equally fabulous food. Hardly surprising, as it’s owned and run by super-chef Martin Blunos with Andy and Sue Proctor, who met at Bath’s Moody Goose before going on to work for the great Heston Blumenthal at his pub, The Hind’s Head, in Bray (Susan had formerly worked as assistant restaurant manager at the Fat Duck). The menu is a good deal simpler than Martin’s earlier eateries - you’ll find beer-battered fish with mushy peas and triple-cooked chips, Gloucester Old Spot sausages with mash & onion gravy, and slow-cooked, honey-glazed belly of pork on offer, but there’s no sign of his signature dish of scrambled duck egg with caviar, blinis and iced vodka. Says Martin: “You don’t need to mess around with ingredients to get the best out of them.” Open Tue-Sun

ROYAL WELL TAVERN
5 Royal Well Place, GL50 3DN
Tel: 01242 221212, web: www.theroyalwelltavern.com
Another Cheltenham eatery with a Gloucester Rugby connection (see Armagnac above), the Royal Well Tavern is owned by former Gloucester rugby player and Cheltenham College pupil Sam Pearman, who’s installed River Cafe chef Humphrey Fletcher to head up the kitchen team. Refurbished to an unbelievably high standard (especially for anyone who remembers the pub’s former incarnation) and reopened last May, the cuisine is probably best described as French-influenced modern British - seafood like lobster, oysters and herring are sent by courier from Cornish fishing boats every morning, while the meat is British and bought locally. Quality food without pretensions, which you can chose to dine on traditionally (no bookings, just turn up and hope there’s a table free) or just graze as the mood takes you. Open Mon-Sat 11am-3pm & 6-11pm Food served 12noon-3pm & 6-10pm

STORYTELLER RESTAURANT & WINE ROOM
11 North Place, GL50 4DW
Tel: 01242 250343, web: www.storyteller.co.uk
Storyteller has to be one of Cheltenham’s most unusual eateries. Hiding behind a Georgian facade, this huge South American restaurant spans across three main rooms, including a spacious and bright conservatory, all decorated in a traditional, captivating south-west American style – not to mention the unique, walk-in wine room with over 100 different bottles to choose from. The menu is full of crowd-pleasing, south-of-the-border specials: quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and plenty of dishes to keep the less exotically minded happy. The daily changing lunchtime special (2 £7.95) is an absolute steal.

STRADA
6-7 Montpellier St, GL50 1SX
Tel: 01242 253410, web: www.strada.co.uk
Since Strada opened in Cheltenham in 2005, it’s proved to be one of the city’s most popular Italian restaurants. Style is contemporary, with a warm, inviting interior, and the menu’s full of the kind of rustic, traditional dishes you’d expect to find when travelling around Italy: handmade pastas with fresh sauces, risottos, chargrilled meat and seafood, and classic Italian desserts. Great range of traditional pizzas - each one theatrically spun by hand - and a wine list focusing on regional Italian wines, beers and spirits, all carefully chosen to complement the menu.

TIFFINS
4 Montpellier Walk, GL50 1SD
Tel: 01242 222492
Delightful, unpretentious cafe, with the added bonus of a few tables and chairs on the pavement. Open daily for breakfast specials, freshly made sandwiches, ciabattas, baguettes, filled wraps, salads, jacket spuds, cakes and pastries. Lots of great teas and coffees too. Open Daily from 8am

VANILLA RESTAURANT & BAR
9/10 Cambray Place, GL50 1JS
Tel: 01242 228228, web: www.vanillainc.co.uk
Stylish interior, ambient lighting and contemporary furnishings – all as carefully considered as the first-class menu and wine list. Hardly surprising, as the restaurant is attached to one of the spa town’s best (and longest-established) hair and beauty salons. A varied a la carte menu with an international flavour, plus a selection of daily specials. Dishes use the best, fresh produce, speciality breads are baked daily, and everything is hand-selected or homemade. Open Tue-Sat 12noon-2pm, Mon-Fri 7-9.30pm, Sat 7-10pm

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