From chic cocktails and fine wines, to real ales and stiff spirits, Cheltenham’s bar scene is thriving.
With everything from a selection of cocktail concoctions to the finest wines, there’s sure to be something to whet your whistle.
1. The Botanist
Sample creative cocktails featuring unusual ingredients at The Botanist, a stylish bar and restaurant located in The Brewery Quarter. With a focus on using subtle, delicate and sometimes strong flavours from greenhouse herbs, you can expect a true sensory experience.
Whether you fancy a fruity concoction, a gin-based creation, or a unique smoking flower pots, there’s something for every palate, along with delicious alcohol-free cocktails.
2. Malmaison Cheltenham
Malmaison in Cheltenham’s Montpellier area promises plenty of style and substance when it comes to cocktails. Its menu features traditional classics and tasty seasonal specials created by the talented mixologists.
Its ‘Malchemy’ cocktail menu changes seasonally with new creations added by its ‘Malchemists’ all the time. Based on the passionate story of Napoleon and his wife, Josephine, the menu has four ‘chapters’ – Love, Infidelity, Forgiveness and Power, each one containing fun, aptly-named cocktails.
3. Gin & Juice
Superbly sophisticated Gin & Juice is a trendy bar which forms part of hotel and restaurant, No.131, located at the top of Cheltenham’s Promenade.
Boasting over 300 gins, Gin & Juice is sure to offer something for even the most discerning drinkers – whether you’re looking for a velvety vermouth, bold brandy or glorious gin.
4. The Daffodil
Complete with its 1920s art deco design, The Daffodil is one of Cheltenham’s
most iconic bars that’s nestled in The Suffolks. There’s a whole host of tipples to peruse at The Daffodil’s signature curved Circle Bar.
From elegant champagne cocktails and espresso martinis, to rum-based creations and classic favourites, you’ll find plenty to tempt.
5. Lily Gins
Inspired by the Victorian era, Lily Gins serves up a whole host of tasty drinks and boasts plenty of space to party the night away as the music keeps on coming.
With experienced bartenders creating both classic and original cocktails, Lily Gins also offers cocktail making masterclasses, for those celebrating on a night out.
6. Montpellier Wine Bar
Standing proudly on the corner, Montpellier Wine Bar offers cosy interiors as well as an inviting alfresco space for warmer summer drinking.
Cocktail-lovers can peruse the menu of classic combinations including a Mojito, Espresso Martini and Cosmopolitan or, enjoy a glass of bubbles from the bar’s extensive Champagne selection.
7. Memsahib Gin & Tea Bar
With 55 gins to choose from, Memsahib Gin & Tea Bar in Cheltenham offers something a bit different for gin lovers. The bar even crafts its own gin, providing quality drinks with quirky flavours and interesting combinations.
There’s a range of cocktail options, too. Perhaps a Cucumber Teapot for Two will take your fancy, made with Memsahib Cucumber Gin, mint, lime and cucumber tonic, or maybe you’ll opt for Princess Peach, made with Memsahib Lime and Lavender Gin, fresh rosemary and grapefruit topped up with tonic.
8. The Fire Station
Paying homage to its former use, The Fire Station boasts exposed brick walls and original features as well of plenty of space to enjoy a crafted cocktail.
Covering just about every palate, cocktail connoisseurs will be spoilt for choice with refreshing drinks including Collins, which combines a spirit of your choice with citrus, soda and sugar.
By Sophie Bird
