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 at The Old Stocks Inn
The lowdown
The Old Stocks Inn is a 17th century country hotel and restaurant that has been elegantly and sympathetically restored and refurbished by the current owners. With original beams, Cotswold stone walls and quirky room layouts, the inn is a wonderful mix of heritage charm and modern luxury. Located in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, one of the Cotswold's most picturesque market towns, the inn prides itself on being 'luxurious, but not stuffy; elegant, but not pretentious; and quaint, but not twee.'
Over in the restaurant, head chef Ian Percival works tirelessly to ensure the regularly refreshed menus showcase the best ingredients the Cotswolds has to offer. The restaurant team create hearty, British dishes with a modern twist, taking inspiration from the seasons and locally-available produce. While outside, the private walled garden at The Old Stocks Inn is one of its best-kept secrets. This idyllic secret garden, which is more than two hundred years old, is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch, an afternoon drink or even an early supper.
Menu highlights
The Old Stocks Inn relishes in serving up seasonal British cuisine with a touch of its signature quirkiness. Diners can feast on tantalising delights such as ham hock terrine with pineapple and chilli chutney; smoked cheddar and soft herb gnocchi with roast asparagus; pan fried fillet of fish with ham hock choucroute and creamed potato; and poached apple with vanilla wine poached pear and apple sorbet.
With vegetarian and vegan options available; a brand-new six-course tasting menu; dedicated children's options; as well as specially selected wines, ales and expertly mixed cocktails, this is an alfresco dining experience not to be missed.
The restaurant is open evenings throughout the week from 6pm to 9.30pm, with lunch served on Saturdays from 12pm to 2.30pm and on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm.
SoGlos loves
The Old Stocks Inn's head barman is renowned for his bespoke cocktails that you won't find anywhere else. We're obsessed with the Resting Spritz Face, with Penrhos rhubarb gin, fresh pink grapefruit, elderflower and prosecco; and the Cotswold Mule made with Blacklion vodka, stem ginger, fresh lime, ginger beer and bitters.
How to book
Visit oldstocksinn.com.
Alfresco dining at Téatro
The lowdown
The stylish Téatro Bar and Restaurant is one of the Cotswolds' chicest spots for alfresco dining, with a summer à la carte menu; 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 tuck into dishes like beetroot carpaccio with whipped goat's curd and crispy walnuts; pan fried scallops with Jerusalem artichoke and radicchio; or crispy shredded duck with Asian salad, honey and soy to start with, and moules marinere with fries; crispy pork belly with sweet potato puree and Asian slaw; garden pea risotto with crispy tenderstem broccoli; or the Téatro burger with bacon jam, cheddar and onion mayo for the main course.
Or there's the Josper grill menu, where diners can choose from native breed pork chop, flat iron steak, sirloin, ribeye or chateaubriand served with watercress and a roscoff onion, with a selection of sauces including blue cheese and mushroom, peppercorn or garlic butter and sides like garlic and goat's curd courgettes, chilli buttered broccoli, or truffle and pecorino fries.
Its award-winning cocktails are not to be missed either, with everything from a classic mimosa or aperol spritz, to more creative drinks like the Bakewell Burst with amaretto, lime, raspberry, soda and prosecco; or the Oscar with peach schnapps, triple sec, coconut, prosecco and soda. There's two for one cocktails every day from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, too.
For early risers, Téatro also offers a breakfast menu until 10am during the week and until 10.30am at weekends.
SoGlos loves
For something a little different to your usual Sunday roast, Téatro serves up its Chill Grill menu for £19.95 every Sunday from 12.15pm to 2.30pm, with main dish options including spatchcock poussin with lemon, garlic, chilli and thyme; harissa halloumi and Mediterranean vegetable kebabs; peppered bavette steak; and gilt-head bream en papillote, served with a selection of salads including heritage tomato, basil and mozzarella; potato and caper; and simple leafy salad — ideal for a relaxed Sunday lunch in the sunshine.
How to book
Visit teatro-ciren.co.uk.
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.
