With longer days and warmer weather on the way, there’s never been a better time to eat outside.
From sunbathed terraces to riverside hotspots, head to a Gloucestershire pub or restaurant offering alfresco dining options.
Alfresco dining in Cheltenham
Alfresco dining at Hotel du Vin
The lowdown
Soak up the sun at Hotel du Vin this summer, where guests can indulge in a whole range of alfresco party packages — including everything from delicious food and gin stations to fabulous barbecues and DJ's — available throughout June, July and August 2023.
Menu highlights
Sure to make for a memorable gathering for friends, families and colleagues throughout the warmer months, Hotel du Vin has two packages on offer as part of its Summer Soirées.
Package one offers guests exclusive use of Bistro du Vin and the terrace, with a barbecue, glass of Pimms or prosecco each and a DJ; while package two offers welcome canapés, a glass of Pimms and either an ultimate buffet or three courses from the prix fixe menu, along with exclusive use of the Bistro du Vin and terrace.
Party hosts can also choose from a selection of add-ons including a gin station featuring a kilner jar of gin and tonic with a selection of summer fruits to garnish; a bucket of 12 mixed beers; and a bucket of 12 mixed soft drinks.
SoGlos loves
Summer Soirées can be booked all week long, with package prices starting from £50 per person from Sunday to Thursday and £55 on Friday and Saturday.
How to book
Call Hotel du Vin on (01242) 370584 or email events.cheltenham@hotelduvin.com.
Alfresco dining in the Cotswolds
Alfresco dining in the Forest of Dean
Alfresco dining in Gloucester
Alfresco dining at Nineteen at Brickhampton
The lowdown
Overlooking the eighteenth green, the patio at Nineteen at Brickhampton is the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine, relax and unwind on summer evenings with an ice-cold drink and fabulous food. It also screens all the major sporting events throughout the year, so you’ll never miss out on any of the action.
Menu highlights
Serving breakfast in the sunshine, diners can enjoy everything from a posh breakfast buttie with smoked bacon, sausage, mushrooms, hash browns, fried egg and cheese in a toasted brioche roll, to a plate overflowing with a hearty full English or vegetarian breakfast.
For lunch, try the barbecue options including charred pork belly rib and melt-in-the-mouth 10-hour pulled pork roll. There’s also an appetising selection of beef, chicken, dirty and veggie burgers, margherita and meat-topped pizzas, omelettes and chicken salad, as well as lots of lighter bites like sandwiches and baguettes with a variety of tasty fillings.
The French dip, featuring thinly sliced overnight roast topside of beef warmed in a rich beef gravy inside a toasted brioche roll topped with cheese and served with a side of fries, is definitely a must-try!
SoGlos loves
Vegetarians aren’t neglected or an afterthought at Nineteen, with creative dishes including buttermilk-fried Quorn burgers, plant-based burgers, no meat buffalo fries, smoked jackfruit rolls and vegan nut roasts on Sundays.
How to book
Call (01452) 858602.
Alfresco dining at Gloucester Quays
The lowdown
Enjoy dockside drinks and dining at Gloucester Quays, with a fantastic selection of restaurants offering pasta, pizza, noodles, tapas and plenty more – with outdoor seating right by the waterside.
Menu highlights
Packed with popular restaurant chains, there’s plenty of options for diners of all persuasions. Those with globe-trotting tastes can enjoy Italian-inspired pizza, pasta and salads at Zizzi and Pizza Express; steaming bowls of ramen, bao buns and spicy katsu curries at Wagamama; classic French cuisine like confit duck, beef bourguignon and moules frites at Côte; or moreish mezze at The Real Greek.
There’s classic pub fayre matched with its very own beers at Brewhouse & Kitchen; American-style comfort food like burgers, ribs and wings at TGI Fridays; while Bill's, Coal Kitchen and Portivo Lounge offer relaxed, all-day dining from brunch to dinner – with Portivo Lounge offering tapas boards ideal for sharing and Coal Kitchen hosting bottomless brunch at the weekend, too.
High street favourites Five Guys and Nando's are always a hit with families. Vegetarians and vegans have lots to choose from, too, with dedicated veggie menus at Côte, Portivo Lounge, Pizza Express, TGI Fridays and Wagamama.
SoGlos loves
Once a month, Gloucester Quays also plays host to some of the south west’s very best artisan food and drink producers at Orchard Street Market, giving foodies the chance to sample and buy everything from handcrafted spirits, local cheeses and delicious baked goods to tasty street food.
How to book
Visit gloucesterquays.co.uk.
