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 The Brewery Quarter
The lowdown
The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham offers everything from fragrant Asian dishes and juicy burgers to craft beer and cocktails – with plenty for vegetarian and vegan diners to tuck into and lots of places to dine with little ones, too.
Menu highlights
With outdoor dining and meaty, veggie and vegan options at many Brewery Quarter restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every tastebud. Grab a table outside Pho to enjoy a taste of Vietnam, with the country’s national dish, pho, as well as creamy curries, fresh summer rolls and plenty more on the menu.
Burger and beer fans are spoilt for choice, with BrewDog serving up burgers, buffalo wings and its cult craft beer; Hub Box offering burgers, hot dogs and beers with Cornish produce taking centre stage; and Brewhouse & Kitchen dishing up pub classics like burgers, beer-battered fish and chips and beer-can chicken with a drink pairing recommendation to wash it down with.
Try something a little different at The Alchemist, with its creative food menu offering quirky dishes like chorizo and cheddar dough balls, cheeseburger bao buns and Korean fried chicken burgers, as well as boozy brunches. Or head to The Botanist to try one of its famous hanging kebabs; enjoy classic Italian dishes at High Street favourites Prezzo and Pizza Express; or sink your teeth into prime cuts at Son of Steak. There are tasty toasties and lunch options on offer at SOHO Coffee Co. too, ideal for an alfresco working lunch.
SoGlos loves
It’s not just the fantastic food that makes Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter a must-visit: there’s plenty of entertainment for before, during and after dinner – including social darts at Flight Club; adventure golf at Mr Mulligans; nostalgic fun at Hollywood Bowl; the biggest blockbuster movies at Cineworld; and even escape rooms at Escape Hunt.
How to book
Visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Alfresco dining at Ellenborough Park
The lowdown
Just a short drive from Cheltenham, Ellenborough Park is a 15th-century country estate that offers alfresco dining in rural surrounds – complete with heaters and blankets to keep diners cosy on chillier days.
Its five show-stopping carriages provide sheltered outdoor seating for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner for up to four people; while larger parties can soak up the rays on the suntrap Taittinger Terrace or relax on the South Lawn.
Menu highlights
Ellenborough Park’s seasonal lunch and dinner menus have been designed with alfresco eating in mind, focusing on classic and creative flavours. Vegetarian highlights include herb risotto, smoked tomato balsamic, pine nut and Ragstone goats cheese; while meat-eaters can tuck into spring lamb rump and confit lamb belly, turnip, pea and confit cabbage with lamb jus.
Vegan dishes also take centre stage, with the cep risotto with pine nuts and truffle, sure to impress diners; and the soy glazed tofu, coconut, haricot beans, pak choi and sesame with ponzu dressing delivering on umami flavour.
Diners can enjoy dairy and vegan ice creams and sorbets in the sunshine as well as snacking on a selection of British cheeses served with crackers, quince and chutney.
Meanwhile, the afternoon tea option proves ever-popular for special occasions.
SoGlos loves
Ellenborough Park is perfectly positioned to soak up the most stunning sunsets across Cheltenham racecourse. Festoon lighting and wooden tables help to create a rustic atmosphere, while the setting itself also boasts spectacular views over Cleeve Hill.
How to book
Visit ellenboroughpark.com.
Alfresco dining at StarBistro
The lowdown
Not only a tasty spot for an alfresco bite, StarBistro on the outskirts of Cheltenham is a fantastic social enterprise that provides valuable hospitality and catering experience for young people with disabilities.
Run by students from National Star, the restaurant is based at the charity site in Ullenwood and benefits from a covered terrace, offers free on-site parking and is fully accessible for guests with mobility issues – welcoming diners from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
It was recently named Food or Community Hero of the Year in the 2023 Gloucestershire Foodie Awards and has previously taken home the SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Award for Café of the Year, too!
Menu highlights
The menu changes regularly at StarBistro and includes breakfast served from 9am to 11am; warming soups, sandwiches and loaded chips from 12pm to 2.30pm; and affordable lunch dishes from 12pm to 2pm.
Dishes include stir-fried noodles with marinated strips of beef or saucy broccoli and cashew nuts; a trio of fluffy steamed bao buns; and hearty spring salads, packed with roasted butternut squash and red pepper houmous or beetroot, goats cheese and walnuts.
Traditional afternoon tea is a StarBistro speciality, served from 2.30pm each day — and there's always a delectable assortment of cakes to satisfy your sweet tooth. Vegan and gluten-free diners are well catered for, too.
SoGlos loves
The perfect pitstop for walkers and families, StarBistro is approximately a mile from Crickley Hill Country Park in one direction and Leckhampton Hill in the other, ideally situated between the two Gloucestershire beauty spots. Muddy boots and well-behaved dogs are welcome on the sunny terrace – and there's always a bowl of water waiting for thirsty four-legged friends.
How to book
Visit nationalstar.org/star-bistro to reserve a table. Please note, afternoon tea needs to be booked 72 hours in advance but walk-ins are welcome for breakfast, lunch and snacks.
Alfresco dining at The Queens Hotel
The lowdown
More than 180 years old and located in the heart of Cheltenham, The Queens Hotel is an elegant, upmarket venue offering alfresco dining in its gorgeous garden – reopening for the summer season on Thursday 4 May 2023.
Menu highlights
With dishes made for sharing, including succulent platters of build-your-own Chinese barbecue pork bao buns, The Queens Hotel is an ideal spot for friends to gather in the summer sun.
Choose from Thai style mussels served in a spicy coconut, coriander and lemongrass sauce, with crusty bread for dipping; cous cous salad with beetroot, pumpkin seeds, preserved lemon, spring onions and parsley aioli; lemon fried tiger
prawns; and filled feta parcels.
Plus, serving drinks from a selection of local British and Cotswold suppliers, sip on English wine from Cotswold vineyard, Woodchester Valley; signature spirits from Cotswold Distillery; and Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone lager, brewed with ingredients from his famous Chipping Norton farm. There's also a special vodka spritz menu from the award-winning Edwards Vodka.
SoGlos loves
Throughout May 2023, enjoy bottomless prosecco on tap, served every Monday to Friday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. The experience costs £20 per person and includes nibbles – with a good chance it'll be extended into the summer months, if popular!
Don't miss live music in the garden from from 4pm to 8pm every Saturday in May, too.
How to book
Visit queenshotelcheltenham.co.uk.
Alfresco dining at The Nook on Five
The lowdown
Presenting 'modern British dining with an iconic vista', enjoy panoramic views and impressive food at The Nook on Five as its rooftop terrace finally opens for alfresco dining.
A real sun trap on a hot day, the terrace has 14 covers — with an indoor table guaranteed in the super stylish restaurant and bar if the weather changes. The Nook on Five is located on the fifth floor of the Quadrangle, overlooking Imperial Gardens.
Menu highlights
The Nook's new spring à la carte menu boasts sumptuous starters like lobster ravioli served with lobster bisque and herbs; rabbit and chicken ballotine with chicken liver parfait, charred baby onions and a kumquat gel; and for vegans and veggies, there's a wild garlic and chive pancake, served with salt baked artichoke, charred asparagus, cashew nut cream and walnut ketchup.
Equally opulent main courses includes herb crusted lamb with miso aubergine puree and seasonal vegetables; Skrei cod in chorizo beurre blanc, served with mussels, salty fingers, tapioca crisp and salmon roe; and a classic five-ounce dry aged fillet steak, with glazed short rib, truffled mushrooms, a pickled onion ring and pommes anna.
Vegetarian diners are well catered for, too, with the choice of a pan-fried gnocchi dish, plated up with wild garlic, baby carrots, asparagus and a perfectly-poached egg; or the vegan-friendly soy, chilli and garlic tofu option, served with chargrilled purple sprouting broccoli and a kimchi fritter.
SoGlos loves
At Cheltenham's only rooftop restaurant, it's all about the view! Looking out over Imperial Gardens, across Cheltenham's Regency skyline and towards Cleeve and Leckhampton Hills, The Nook offers an alfresco dining experience like no other.
How to book
Simply walk in for a chance get a table on the rooftop terrace. Online booking is unavailable, but you can call The Nook on Five on (01242) 650948 to check availability each day.
For more information, visit thenookcheltenham.co.uk.
Alfresco dining in the Cotswolds
Alfresco dining at Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden
The lowdown
Nestled within the grounds of the picturesque Cirencester Park, Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden is a family-friendly dining experience which champions homegrown and local produce, with a passionate and inventive team.
The beautiful new spot offers breakfast, lunch, coffee, cocktails and dinner made from the very best ingredients the Cotswolds has to offer, with two outdoor courtyard dining areas promising spectacular sunset views on summer evenings.
Menu highlights
Start your day in style with a freshly ground coffee and a hearty breakfast served from 9am all the way through to 3.30pm, with dishes including a classic full English or vegetarian breakfast; eggs benedict or royale; wholewheat scones and yoghurt; rhubarb custard and granola; or one of Roots + Seeds more creative options, like tenderstem broccoli with dukkah, poached eggs and toasted sourdough, or black pudding, potato and chive hash with fried egg and sherry vinaigrette.
At lunchtime, tuck into dishes like burgers made with local beef; pan roasted pork chops with crushed new potatoes, spring greens and blue cheese sauce; nettle gnocchi with wild garlic sauce and woodland mushrooms; or lighter bites like soup of the day with sourdough, kitchen garden salad or flatbread topped with pea, asparagus, wild garlic and fried egg; rainbow chard, bacon and dandelion greens; or Cotswolds-based Salty Pig salami and Roots + Seeds own homegrown chillies.
Then for dinner, Roots + Seeds offers what it describes as 'elevated service and style', with starters like duck liver parfait, orange chutney and brioche; potted pork with apple and crackling salad, sage butter and spelt toast; or Bibury trout with chive crème fraîche and garden herbs. Mains like chicken, wild girolles and pistachio pie with asparagus; honey glazed steak onglet with potato and buttermilk waffle and chive butter; and spring vegetable tart with white bean hummus, pickled mushrooms, homemade feta and lemon gel. Then for dessert, there's rhubarb crème brulée, cherry bakewell tart, sticky toffee pudding or chocolate and honeycomb brownie.
Vegetarians and vegans are well catered-for and the regularly changing specials board offers an additional selection of dishes inspired by the seasons and the best local produce available.
SoGlos loves
The cocktail menu at Roots + Seeds is as innovative and tempting as its food menu, with co-founder Sam Lawson-King's own King Stone Gin, homemade syrups and shrubs taking centre stage. The Garden Collection features the likes of the Bathurst Spring Garden Spritz with thyme-infused gin or a rosemary-inspired twist on a refreshing sour; the Bathurst Classics section features a negroni, a rhubarb margherita and a light and stormy, but if you want our pick of the drinks, go for the chocolate orange espresso martini. Trust us, you won't regret it!
How to book
Visit rootsandseeds.co.uk.
Alfresco dining at The Old Boathouse at De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel
The lowdown
Offering relaxed dining coupled with tranquil lakeside views, The Old Boathouse is a unique eatery based at De Vere's luxury Cotswold hotel, located near Cirencester.
The family-friendly venue offers an impressive menu and stunning scenery, making for a truly outstanding setting for drinking and dining.
Menu highlights
With menus making the most of seasonal ingredients, showcasing a mix of classic British dishes, sharing platters and lighter meals, diners can tuck into salt and pepper calamari, St James smoked salmon and pressing of game, pistachio and apricot, to start.
Mains include pork belly with sweet potato purée, pak choi and balsamic jus; dry-aged Dukesmoor steak with chunky chips, portobello mushroom, tomato and watercress; flaked hot smoked salmon salad with French beans, olives, sun-blushed tomato and poached egg; and carrot, chickpea and vegan feta strudel with tenderstem broccoli, spring onion and soya cream.
Finishing with desserts such as vanilla crème brûlée and shortbread; banoffee bar with caramel syrup; or for those without a sweet tooth, a local artisan cheese selection with biscuits and seasonal chutney.
The Old Boathouse also offers family Sunday lunches with meaty mains such as sirloin of beef, turkey breast, pork belly and a nut roast for vegetarians and vegans, too.
SoGlos loves
Diners at The Old Boathouse's waterfront restaurant can enjoy picturesque views of the Water Park from the lakeside tables and outside decking, seating 50 alfresco guests — ideal for soaking up the sun throughout the summer months!
How to book
To book, visit devere.co.uk.
Alfresco dining at Wild Thyme and Honey
The lowdown
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, near Cirencester, Wild Thyme and Honey offers a selection of stylish and welcoming private dining spaces.
They're perfect if you're planning something a little special, including three alfresco dining domes, situated along the babbling Ampney Brook.
Wild Thyme and Honey sits snugly next to its stylish pub, The Crown at Ampney Brook, both of which have been lovingly restored to create a beautiful space for the local community.
Enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding countryside as you dine on seasonal, farm-to-table dishes from considerately curated menus.
Whether you’re stopping for a lunch with friends, enjoying a three-course dinner with the family, or an afternoon tea for two, the domes are an idyllic way to create everlasting memories.
Menu highlights
The team takes pride in serving hearty farm-to-table menus that roll with the seasons and make eating out feel like a proper treat.
Inspired by the great Cotswolds countryside and local farmers, diners can expect everything from Tunworth cheese soufflés to Butts Farm sharing steaks cooked to perfection on a dedicated Robata Grill.
At the centre of the action is a good-looking open copper kitchen, where chefs cook up hearty dishes such as jazzed up classics like prawn cocktails and crème brulées.
Thirsty? Perch at the bar to watch cocktail shakers mix classic and bespoke recipes, or take advantage of the enomatic machine and get stuck into fabulous fine wines by the glass.
SoGlos loves
Where else can you while away an afternoon or evening, tucked away in your own crystal maze style dome?
With gorgeous views of Ampney Brook, these light-filled, cosy spaces are a unique treat for an occasion to remember.
How to book
Visit wildthymeandhoney.co.uk/eat-at-the-crown/.
Alfresco dining at The Dial House
The lowdown
A picturesque paradise offering charming Cotswolds views, guests of The Dial House Hotel in picture perfect Bourton-on-the-Water can now dine alfresco in its beautiful airy new tipi venue, Maxi’s Tipi Lounge.
Whether you love basking in the breeze during the day or prefer to get cosy under a starry sky, the spacious outdoor tipi is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a drink and let the world go by with some delicious gastronomic delights.
Savour an array of tapas style street food, delectable sharing boards or a delicious stonebaked pizza in the garden.
Menu highlights
Enjoy a street food inspired menu and experience flavours from around the world with family and friends, by the fire, inside the cosy tipi.
Served from midday to 8pm from Wednesday to Saturday or midday until 4pm on Sunday, the all-day menu is packed full of flavour.
Choose from smoked duck breast, celeriac and apple remoulade charred gem lettuce; Moroccan spiced lamb, tabbouleh, toasted cumin crème fraîche served on a warm freshly baked flat bread; soft tacos, chipotle glazed shredded pork, chopped salad, mojo verde sauce; wood fired sourdough pizza and classic charcuterie boards.
Classic cocktails are on the menu, ranging from punchy espresso martinis through to refreshing Aperol spritz and delicious negronis.
There's an extensive wine and gin list as well as beers, ciders and soft drinks to sip in the sunshine.
SoGlos loves
The gorgeous new tipi is an idyllic outdoor oasis and is perfect for summer gatherings and parties.
Dotted with comfortable seating
areas, protective umbrellas and sparkling with fairy lights throughout the magnificent garden, Maxi’s Tipi makes for an extra special venue for any occasion.
How to book
Visit dialhousehotel.com
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 in the Forest of Dean
Alfresco dining at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel
The lowdown
Once a working farm set in 14 acres of ancient grassland, the Tudor Farmhouse Hotel is now a beautifully-converted luxury boutique hotel with an award-winning restaurant. Open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, the Tudor's head chef, Gavin Roberts, offers diners the very best local, seasonal produce, with much of it grown in its very own kitchen garden. When the weather is good, visitors can eat outside in the delightful garden, with blankets available for chillier days.
Menu highlights
The restaurant boasts what it calls a '20-mile menu' featuring incredible produce from local artisan suppliers such as Huntsham Court Farm beef, Trealy Farm Charcuterie cured meats and Severn & Wye Smokery fish — all from within a 20-mile radius.
For breakfast, tuck into a full English or choose lighter options such as smoked salmon and scrambled egg, or eggs benedict, Florentine or royale, with coffee sourced from Greenhill Coffee Roasters in Cinderford; jams from The Preservation Society in Chepstow; and honey from Wye Valley Apiaries in Redbrook.
Book a table for lunch and choose from main courses such as roast celeriac, wild mushrooms, leeks and truffle; sandwiches with fillings including Severn & Wye Smokery smoked salmon and cream cheese; and sumptuous afternoon teas with everything you'd expect, like finger sandwiches, warm scones and patisserie cakes.
Then for the evening, diners can tuck into options like wild garlic and potato soup with croutons to start; roast lamb rump, lamb shoulder boulangère, spiced aubergine, watercress pesto, baby turnips, goat’s curd and lamb sauce for their main; and tonka bean panna cotta with pear and ginger compote, pear sorbet and granola for pudding. The restaurant also offers a huge selection of drinks, including many delicious alcohol free options, from cocktails to wines and beers.
SoGlos loves
The Tudor Farmhouse Hotel's picturesque location in the Wye Valley lends itself to the most spectacular walks through the woods and surrounding countryside. The hotel has no less than eight circular walks from its doorstep — with diners able to pick up a map from the hotel and then stride off for a trek, before returning for a hearty meal.
How to book
Visit tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk.
Alfresco dining in Gloucester
Alfresco dining at Coal Kitchen
The lowdown
One of the hottest dining spots at Gloucester Quays, waterside restaurant Coal Kitchen is located in the Pillar and Lucy Warehouse and has a large south-facing terrace, perfect for alfresco dining.
Proudly independent, many of its ingredients – including its bread, meat, flour, eggs and coffee – are all sourced from suppliers in Gloucestershire and the south west.
Menu highlights
Coal Kitchen's popular bottomless brunch is back – and it's bigger and better than ever before, with a menu refresh and extended dining hours for spring.
From Monday 1 May 2023, diners can sit down for 90 minutes of brunch time to feast on a dish from each section of the updated bottomless brunch menu, plus a selection of drinks. From sourdough pizzettes and chicken tacos, to Asian noodles, full English breakfast or vegan flatbreads – finished off with a mimosa fizz, cappuccino or maybe even both – the Coal Kitchen brunch won't disappoint, whatever your culinary tastes.
The bottomless brunch is available from Sunday to Thursday all day, and Friday and Saturday until 4.30pm, costing £35 per person.
The eatery's latest set menu is also available throughout the day, featuring two- or three-course options, with tantalising choices like beef koftas, beetroot hummus, courgette and spinach linguine, steak frites and ice cream for pudding. Rest assured, there's something for all tastebuds and dietary requirements, including vegetarians, vegans and little diners. The set menu costs £14.95 for two courses and £15.95 for three.
SoGlos loves
It's not only the food that's fantastic — Coal Kitchen's cocktails are sublime, too. Relax in the cosy cocktail bar or on the waterside terrace with glass of fizz, a mocktail, or — new for the sunny season — a 'Springtime Spritz', a delightful mix of rhubarb and ginger gin, elderflower and pink grapefruit, finished off with a garnish of edible flowers.
How to book
Visit coalkitchen.co.uk.
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.
