Updated 4th. May 2008

Cheltenham has an abundance of excellent restaurants, causal dining and bars, all within a short walk or taxi journey. We do recommend making a reservation as early as possible - especially at weekends!

From the famous Michelin starred to more modest choices - there is a cuisine and price to suit most.

Le Champignon Sauvage
David Everitt-Matthias and his wife Helen have been running the restaurant since 1987. In that time they have been quietly amassing a range of accolades including:-2 stars - Michelin Red Guide.
2 stars - Harden’s Guide.
4 AA rosettes.
Good Food Guide 2007, 8/10 rating.
(GFG County Restaurant of the Year 2005).
Catey Chef of the Year 2007.
National Chef of the Year.
Egon Ronay Dessert Chef of the Year.
Decanter Restaurant of the Year.
18/20 Matthew Fort, "The Guardian"
[book well in advance 01242 573449, or visit www.lechampignonsauvage.co.uk]

Lumiere
If you had set your heart on dining at Le Champignon Sauvage, and were unable to obtain a reservation, try Lumière and be impressed.For that special occasion, a small intimate restaurant offering an interesting menu, with dishes prepared to a very high standard, try Lumiere. It is personally run by the owners Lin and Geoff Chapman. Whilst expensive [not silly prices], it certainly exceeded our expectations when we visited in June 2007 and is therefore good value for money. We revisited in June 2008 and the quality of cuisine, if anything has improved.Tel: 01242 222200 www.lumiere.cc

Merlot Brasserie
We can recommend the Merlot Brasserie [tel: 01242 574008]. The menu is small, the result is that each dish is prepared with care. We do recommend that you check that they have no large parties booked and that you reserve a table on the ground floor which has better atmosphere than the first floor dining area.

The Daffodil
The Daffodil [tel: 012424 700055], a fine dining restaurant located in an old cinema with an open kitchen located on the stage. Food standards are constant, but service can be slow at busy times. Just reopened after extensive refurbishment. Initial guest response from 16th February 2008 – excellent!

The Reservoir
Situated on the Oxford Road about 3.5 miles [15 minutes drive], from Beaumont House, The Reservoir has just reopened after extensive renovations. [tel: 01242 529671]. The menu is small, very small, but the quality achieved is beyond what we would expect from a pub – even a gastro pub. We visited for the first time [and not the last], on 11th April. Notable dishes from the changing menu were the wild garlic soup, Reservoir chicken and the slow roast belly of pork. The bill for 3 starters, 3 mains with 3 side dishes of vegetables and 4 drinks amounted to £72.90 without service. Unfortunately we had no appetite left for desserts or cheese.

The Langton
The Langton [tel: 01242 258941], a gastro style pub located outside the town centre and 10 minutes drive from Beaumont House. Interesting varied menu [but avoid the lasagne - very heavy!], offering appropriate value for money. Always enjoyable. Good off street parking.

Morans Eating House
Morans Eating House [tel: 01242 581411]. We always receive positive comments from guests about Morans. It is the nearest Western style restaurant within walking distance.

Exmouth Arms
A local pub for reasonable meal for the business traveller is the Exmouth Arms which is a 10 minutes walk from the Beaumont. The menu is limited, but the quality is appropriate for what is charged. You are not served with reconstituted indifferent quality frozen food.

The Muffin Man
The best place for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea in town, hidden away in a lower ground floor location close to the bus station, is the Muffin Man one of Cheltenham's best kept secrets.

Thatchers
Another recommendation for an informal lunch, morning coffee etc. whilst shopping is Thatchers 101 Montpellier Street [behind the Ladies’ College]. Service is quick but not too professional. Food quality very good. Their fluffy omelettes are excellent! Open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

Gupshill Manor
Between Cheltenham and Tewksbury [on the A road], is Gupshill Manor [tel: 01684 292278]. Providing excellent pub food, to a higher standard than you may expect. Their Sunday roasts are excellent value for money.

Ethnic:


The Mayflower
probably the best Chinese restaurant in Cheltenham. However, on occasions service can be very slow, although the quality of food makes it worth the wait. [tel: 01242 522426].

Indus
Indian [very close to Beaumont House tel: 01242 516676]. Indus maintains a consistent quality and remains a favourite of many of our return guests.

Thai Emerald
This is our favourite Thai restaurant situated in the town centre offering very authentic Thai food, and good service. Always popular and advisable to book. [01242 522004].

Gianni Ristorante and other Italian Restaurants
We find it difficult to recommend a good Italian restaurant. The best of the independents is Gianni Ristorante, 1 Royal Well Place. Tel: 01242 221101. The menu reminds us of the 1980’s. A lot of heavy sauces and cream. However, the food quality is good for the prices charged. Tends to be little noisy – so not the place for a quiet romantic meal for two.

We have recommended other independents in the past, but on return visits they have disappointed and more importantly disappointed our guests. The chains such as Strada in Montpellier and Zizzi [tel: 01242 252493] located in a deconsecrated church, between Beaumont House and the town centre offer reasonable value and a more casual environment. Zizzi is child friendly.

La Tasca
A Spanish tapas restaurant and bar located in the town centre at 70 Regent Street, 01242 220775. Part of a small chain offering a wide inexpensive menu which represents good value for money. Best described as a fun family restaurant which features live music on some nights. If you crave authentic Spanish food, La Tasca is NOT the place to visit.

Spice Lodge
Unusually located for such an ethnic restaurant in a smart Regency Villa at the foot of Eagle Tower and within 15 to 20 minutes walk of Beaumont House [01242 226300] offering an exotic blend of Thai and Indian dishes.

Indian Voojan
Situated in fashionable Montpellier, approximately 20 minutes walk from Beaumont House, a cut above other Indian Restaurants for food quality, décor and service. Tel: 01242 228882

These are just a small selection. There are many other excellent restaurants in Cheltenham. We will be pleased to send you a dining out guide when you book accommodation. Please do ask!