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Good restaurants dot the region, thanks to a steady flow of fine chefs seeking to cater to wealthy locals and waves of demanding visitors. The country's food revolution is in full evidence here. Restaurants have never had a problem with a fresh food supply: excellent regional produce, salmon from the rivers Severn and Wye, local lamb and pork, venison from the Forest of Dean, and pheasant, partridge, quail, and grouse in season. Also look for Gloucestershire Old Spot pork, bacon (try a delicious Old Spot bacon sandwich), and sausage on area menus.
An artisan kitchen and coffeehouse that serves breakfast and lunch, the Find is one of the best places in Cheltenham for afternoon tea (best to prebook; £32). The drawing room is a serene spot, and the tea menu perfectly balances savory and sweet treats, incorporating British favorites, such as sausage rolls and coronation chicken sandwiches, with a contemporary twist. The fruit scones are fluffy, and you can add a glass or two of Champagne for the ultimate indulgence.
A bustling small café, the delicatessen serves breakfasts, coffee, and light lunches. You can browse local cheeses, honey, fresh fruit, and vegetables in the shop amid a constant stream of locals and visitors. Take a seat and enjoy your meal, or stock up for a picnic.
At this buzzing little café in an ancient building with wooden beams, locals drop in to discuss horses and dogs over a glass of wine, families gather around the big round table for lunch, and tired shoppers sink into armchairs for a reviving coffee. The Italian-inspired menu is filled with light dishes like antipasti, bruschetta, soups, baked potatoes, and salads. An English baker makes the cake specials on-site daily. There's also a terrace for warm days.
Located in a former pharmacy, this small independent café sources its beans from single estates, aiming to bring the best flavors to the people of Cheltenham. It also serves cakes and snacks from local suppliers. If you're not sure which coffee to purchase, the staff will "prescribe" something for you.
