Gloucestershire alfresco dining guide

With longer days and warmer weather on the way, pull up a table in a sunny spot and enjoy outdoor dining in Gloucestershire. 

From riverside inns to sun-kissed terraces, head to a Gloucestershire pub or restaurant offering alfresco dining options to make the most of the summer season. 

Alfresco dining in Cheltenham

Outdoor dining at The Brewery Quarter

The lowdown

With an eclectic mix of restaurants to satisfy almost every taste, The Brewery Quarter offers a central spot for alfresco dining in Cheltenham. 

From Asian-inspired dishes at The Alchemist, Mowgli and Pho, to British classics at Brewhouse & Kitchen and The Botanist, not to mention a cheeky Nando's, there's a wide variety of cuisines to choose from and plenty of sunny spots to enjoy them in. 

Menu highlights

Enjoy English garden vibes at The Botanist, with fruity and floral cocktails to drink, picnic-inspired small plates like Scotch eggs, arancini and hummous to share, plus its signature hanging kebabs for the main event; and Flight Club, with classic cocktails, pizza paddles and sharing platters to tuck into in its flower-filled outdoor seating area. 

If burgers and wings are your thing when the weather heats up then Brewhouse & Kitchen, BrewDog, Hub Box and Five Guys have you covered, with everything from beer-can chicken and buffalo wings to beefy and plant-based burgers; while Son of Steak serves up, you guessed it, freshly grilled steaks, as well as chicken and burgers, too.

Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Cheltenham, Prezzo Italian and Pizza Express are ideal for Italian food fans; spice lovers can enjoy fragrant curries and Indian street food favourites at Mowgli; Pho serves up steaming bowls of Vietnamese cuisine; and The Alchemist offers Asian fusion dishes like crispy gyoza, 'ultimate' bao buns, duck pancakes and tempura fish and chips.

And when you're on the go, SOHO Coffee Co. and Starbucks offer outdoor spots to enjoy an iced latte and a sandwich, too. 

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As well as plenty of food and drink options to choose from, The Brewery Quarter offers loads of entertainment, too, ideal for anything from a date night to a family day out.

There's Cineworld for movie lovers; Flight Club, Mr Mulligans and Hollywood Bowl for a bit of friendly competition; and Escape Hunt for a brainteasing challenge that's sure to work up an appetite.

How to book

To book activities or restaurant tables, visit thebreweryquarter.com/venues.

Alfresco dining in the Cotswolds

Alfresco dining at KNEAD Bakery Elkstone

The lowdown

One of the top 10 most popular bakeries in the UK, set in a scenic rural location in between Cheltenham and Cirencester, KNEAD Bakery Elkstone is home to a team of chefs and bakers with exceptional backgrounds, from Michelin and AA Rosette awarded kitchens — providing everything from freshly baked pastries to croque monsieur and crispy haddock goujons, all to enjoy alfresco. 

And with a lavender and olive tree-lined courtyard, the site offers a gorgeous backdrop for a catch up with friends, with plenty of heated outdoor seating available.

Menu highlights

Founded on a few key principles: tradition, quality and seasonality, brunch menu highlights include shakshuka, crispy duck waffles and eggs Benedict; carbonara French toast and truffle cheese toasties; with vegan options spanning refreshing smashed avocado, bubble and squeak and curried red lentil saag aloo pasties.

Children can opt for waffles and maple syrup, honey roasted ham with poached egg and skin on fries or Bircher muesli.  

Alternatively, discover the joy of afternoon tea with an assortment of savouries such as seasonal vegetable Danishes and Gloucester old spot sausage rolls, fruit scones with jam and clotted cream and sweet treats including mini Bakewell tarts. Options for vegetarians or vegans, as well as gluten free or dairy free diners are available upon request, too. 

KNEAD also offers varied supper clubs such as Italian Night, with dishes including risotto Milanese and tiramisu gateaux; flame-grilled prawns, espresso-rubbed salmon, grilled pineapple and mango salsa at BBQ Night; and plenty more. 

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Ideal for the warmer days, check out the outdoor Tipsy Baker Bar, offering a selection of wine, beer, spirits, cocktails and mocktails.

And furry friends can get involved with some alfresco fun too, with ice cream for the dogs on the menu!

How to book 

Visit kneadbakery.co.uk or call 01242 505036.

Alfresco dining at The Dial House Hotel

The lowdown

Nestled in the heart of picture perfect Bourton-on-the-Water, The Dial House offers a little piece of alfresco paradise. 

Boasting an expansive front terrace that overlooks the River Windrush, streaming through the centre of the village, it also has two back garden levels serving drinks and an exclusive range of beers from Cotswolds farmer and TV personality Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone Brewery. There are deck chairs to recline in as well as parasols to keep you cool, too.

Menu highlights

The menu is carefully considered, serving a modern British menu with an Asian twist — offering plenty of vibrant, fresh dishes to enjoy. 

These include Hat Yai fried chicken with sticky rice, Asian slaw and Sriracha mayo; alongside crispy duck pancakes, hoisin, cucumber and spring onions too.

Choose from monkfish, beef burgers and ribeye steak from the grill or for a lighter bite in the daytime, grab a Cotswold Bakery sub with fillings of goat's cheese, caramelised red onions, rocket and roasted peppers or cold roast beef with rocket, Parmesan shavings and crispy fried onions. The fish goujons, with tartar sauce and watercress salad is a popular choice, too.

For a bit more of an alfresco party vibe, there are wood-fired oven pizzas blazing away from Friday to Sunday serving up the good stuff from the garden kitchen.

There's also some added variety in the form of a street food menu that's served from Friday to Sunday in the garden kitchen too.

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The vibe and eclectic decor of the hotel marks it out as a charming independent offering rather than a cookie cutter replica of a chain. 

The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming and the hotel has a real buzz. Its location is superb too, tucked away just moments from the centre of the village, you're close to all of the action just outside the hotel's front door.

How to book

There's plenty of room for walk-ins but to ensure your table call 01451 822244.

Alfresco dining at Téatro Bar & Restaurant

The lowdown

Téatro Bar and Restaurant is one of the Cotswolds' chicest spots for alfresco dining, with spring and summer à la carte menus, award-winning cocktails and a prime location near the centre of Cirencester.

Menu highlights

Known for serving up modern British cuisine using the very best locally sourced ingredients, Cotswold foodies can expect grilled seasonal ingredients, flavour-packed small plates and crowd-pleasers from the Josper grill.

Featuring vibrant mains made for 'sunshine and sharing', including griddled watermelon with pickled melon rind; barbecued crevettes; and pulled lamb flatbreads with spicy yogurt, diners can also add tasty sides like truffle parmesan fries made with punchy local truffle dust; and a choice of desserts, including house-made ice creams, to finish.

Its award-winning cocktails are not to be missed either, with everything from classic mojitos and negronis to more creative drinks, like the Gin Jam with raspberry gin, raspberry syrup, lemon juice and raspberry jam; or the Cucumber Crush with Absolut Blue vodka, St Germain and cucumber slices. There's two-for-one cocktails from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Monday to Thursday, too.

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For early risers, Téatro also offers a breakfast menu until 10am during the week and until 10.30am at weekends, featuring a range of dishes from a traditional full English, to avocado and poached egg on sourdough with chilli and lime, or shakshuka, with sweet options including sourdough French toast with yoghurt and seasonal compote, granola and cinnamon porridge.

And on Sundays, Téatro puts its own twist on a traditional roast for lunch, with small plates from goat's curd toast and baked camembert to beef shin croquettes; and a choice of mains including native breed pork belly, 28-day dry-aged striploin, chicken supreme and smoked cauliflower, all served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and red wine gravy.

How to book

Visit teatro-ciren.co.uk.

Alfresco dining at The Ebrington Arms

The lowdown

For those who love the cosy pub vibe but are looking to take the vibes alfresco, The Ebrington Arms is an excellent destination combining pub grub favourites with added sophisticated flavours in a stunning setting near Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds — and its newly updated gardens make it a must-visit for outdoor dining this summer!

Menu highlights

The menu at The Ebrington Arms celebrates the Cotswolds' farming community, making the most of the exceptional crops produced for pubs and restaurants — and diners can expect light and vibrant dishes in warmer months.

Guests can snack on nibbles like marinated olives, Ebrington sausage rolls, rarebit crumpets and sourdough with whipped salted butter, while perusing starters that include pea soup topped with poached eggs; charred mackerel with pickled fennel and dill oil; crispy lamb sweetbread with goats curd; and Devonshire crab souffle with crab bisque and spring onions.

The main course options are just as impressive, with choices to tuck into including spring vegetable risotto with pea puree and pine nuts; battered haddock with chips and crushed peas; rack of lamb with pea and broad bean fricassee and rosti potatoes; a broad bean, beetroot and vegan feta salad; and a classic double patty cheeseburger with fries.

And why not top it off with something sweet from the puddings menu? Featuring a vanilla panna cotta with rhubarb and pistachio; gingerbread sponge with blood orange, honey and ginger ice cream; banana parfait with chocolate mousse; and a lemon posset with meringue and a chocolate crumb.

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Alfresco dining is done in style at this Cotswolds gem, as the pub gardens have recently undergone a fabulous makeover.

The 17th-century pub boasts an authentic Cotswold stone exterior that comes alive in the spring and summer seasons, accessorised with colourful blooms and fresh green foliage across each of its walls.

Plus, the best seat in the house can be found throughout, as there's brand new garden furniture to settle into and enjoy a super summertime feast in the sunshine.

How to book

Visit theebringtonarms.co.uk or call 01386 593223.

Alfresco dining in Gloucester

Alfresco dining at Brickhampton Court

The lowdown

Everyone is welcome at Brickhampton Court.

It's child and dog friendly, with stunning views across the golf course and lots of free on-site parking. It's also very easily accessible with the 200-acre site situated between Cheltenham and Gloucester, just five minutes from Junction 11 of the M5.

Menu highlights

Grab a breakfast baguette, breakfast eggs, a toasted teacake or tuck into a hearty full English to start your day with wonderful green views.

At lunchtime, a new range of noodle bowls and salads offer perfect lighter bites for sunny days. Or choose from jacket potatoes, burgers, sandwiches or pizza.

Main meals include sweet potato and chickpea curry; scampi and chips; and smoked beef chilli nachos, as well as omelette; ham, egg and chips; and sausage, egg and chips. 

There's also a kids' menu with a 'build your own' option, so little ones can mix and match their favourites, with lots of ice cream options to finish off the meal, too.

When it comes to a Sunday roast, there's beef, turkey and pork on the menu, along with an option to have all three meats, plus a nut roast for veggies, too.

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Overlooking the eighteenth green, the patio is the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine — relax and unwind on summer evenings with an ice cold drink and tasty food.

Brickhampton Court also screens all the major sporting events throughout the year so you'll never miss out on any of the action.

How to book

There's no booking needed for breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Clubhouse Bar but it's best to book for Sunday lunch. Visit brickhampton.co.uk/reservations to secure your table.

Alfresco dining in Stroud

Alfresco dining at Foston's Ash Inn

The lowdown

Countryside pub Foston's Ash Inn is not only one of the Cotswolds' cosiest inside, it has a welcoming garden where diners can enjoy its luxurious, modern take on traditional pub food, as well as cocktails, wine or local brews in the summer sun or evening shade – with special foodie events to enjoy throughout the spring and summer, too.

Menu highlights

Food at Foston's Ash is made with seasonal, local produce, with its spring and summer menu offering a range of dishes from familiar favourites to inventive specials to enjoy alfresco.

Diners can whet their appetite with snacks like marinated Nocellara olives, lasagna fritta or smoked haddock croquettes whilst sipping a cocktail – with summery options including a pink basil sour or Port of Spain; before tucking into a tasty starter like Cotswold chicken terrine with preserved truffle emulsion, or BBQ grelot onions with whipped English feta and romesco sauce.

Mains include aged 8oz steak with beef shin stuffed red onion, spinach and celeriac; Cornish red mullet with spring vegetables and n’duja and crab bisque; and creamy parmesan polenta with soft boiled egg, Wye Valley asparagus and green olives – with 'Foston's Favourites' like an 8oz Gloucester beef burger, Slad Valley fried mushroom burger and fish and chips also on the menu.

And for dessert, there's options like chocolate mousse with honeycomb and pistachio; lemon and elderflower jelly, marinated English strawberries and vanilla; and affogato with Jess’s Ladies milk ice cream, raspberry and chocolate truffles.

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Offering more than just its carefully curated, unique seasonal menu, there's a host of foodie events to enjoy at Foston's Ash this summer, too, with a three course set menu of dishes cooked over fire in its June BBQ Series; a summer solstice party with live music; a celebration of Spanish wine in collaboration with London specialist Bancroft Wines in July; food and a fiercely fought pétanque tournament in July and August; and more to look forward to!

How to book

To book a table or a space at one of the events, visit fostonsash.co.uk or call 01452 863262.