Make the most of outdoor dining in Gloucestershire, whether you're looking for a country pub gardens, sunny restaurant terrace or table overlooking the river, these are some of the most sought-after spots to eat in the Cotswolds, Cheltenham and beyond.
From relaxed lunches by the water to golden-hour dinners in beautiful garden settings, discover some sensational Gloucestershire pubs and restaurants offering alfresco dining experiences designed to be enjoyed all summer long.
Alfresco dining in Cheltenham
Outdoor dining at The Brewery Quarter
The lowdown
As well as a central Cheltenham location and modern surroundings, The Brewery Quarter has an eclectic mix of restaurants to satisfy almost every taste.
With everything from beers and burgers to fragrant curries and steaming bowls of noodles to slurp, there's plenty to choose from – with many restaurants offering dedicated kids menus for family dining, too.
Menu highlights
Enjoy English garden vibes at The Botanist, with fruity and floral cocktails to drink, picnic-inspired small plates and sharing boards, 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, then Brewhouse & Kitchen and Hub Box 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 curries and Indian street food at Mowgli; Pho serves up steaming bowls of Vietnamese cuisine; while The Alchemist offers Asian fusion dishes like crispy gyoza, Korean pork tacos and tempura fish and chips, alongside impressive cocktails.
Nando's and Five Guys serve up crowd-pleasing family favourites, while SOHO Coffee Co. and Starbucks offer outdoor spots to enjoy an iced latte and a sandwich at lunchtime, too.
SoGlos loves
As well as the fantastic selection of food and drink, The Brewery Quarter offers loads of entertainment options, too, ideal for an active date night or fun-packed family day out.
There's Cineworld for movie lovers; Flight Club for adults' social darts, Mr Mulligans for golf and Hollywood Bowl for a bit of friendly ten-pin competition; while Escape Hunt gives a brainteasing challenge that's sure to work up an appetite.
How to book
To book activities or restaurant tables, visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Outdoor dining at The Brown Jug
The lowdown
The Brown Jug in Cheltenham blends classic pub charm with a relaxed, bohemian feel, offering a versatile neighbourhood spot in Leckhampton for everything from morning coffee to evening drinks. Serving food all day, from breakfast through to dinner, it’s a laid-back destination popular with locals.
When the sun’s out, there are two distinct alfresco options to choose from at The Brown Jug – sociable tables at the front of the pub perfect for watching the world go by on the bustling Bath Road or the tucked-away courtyard garden at the back, complete with trailing wisteria, the smell of fresh herbs and boho-style furnishings for a more peaceful, sun-dappled escape.
Sipping an Aperol spritz or a freshly pulled pint outside The Brown Jug is one of Cheltenham’s simplest summer pleasures, add in a game of pool or darts and it’s the perfect place for a sociable afternoon get together.
Menu highlights
Diners at The Brown Jug can enjoy all-day options, with breakfast, lunch and dinner all on offer. Lunchtime brings particularly good value, with a £12.50 main course available from Monday to Saturday.
The bar also serves a wide range of drinks, from freshly brewed coffees to a well-stocked selection of beer, real ale and wine. Sundays are another highlight, too, with its popular roast dinners served from 12pm to 4pm.
SoGlos loves
The Brown Jug’s calendar of pop-up events and kitchen takeovers adds another reason to visit this already buzzing pub.
Expect everything from pop-ups from street food traders including Phai's Kitchen, Sri-Licious and Yardpit, as well as themed food nights, live music sessions and seasonal parties spilling out into the courtyard – with booking in advance highly recommended.
How to book
For more information or to book a table, visit thebrownjugcheltenham.co.uk.
Alfresco dining in the Cotswolds
Alfresco dining at The Farmers Arms in Guiting Power
The lowdown
Tucked away in one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest villages, The Farmers Arms at Guiting Power is a quintessential country pub. A true community hub, it pairs a warm, family-run welcome with classic British hospitality – think local ales, hearty home-cooked food and a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere.
Outside, a spacious countryside beer garden offers plenty of seating for sunny lunches or laid-back evening drinks. Whether you’re refuelling after a long walk or gathering with friends at the weekend, The Farmers Arms is perfect for all get togethers, big or small.
Menu highlights
Expect a crowd-pleasing lineup of home cooked pub classics at The Farmers Arms made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Start with baked camembert or hot honey and chilli pork belly bites, before moving on to comforting mains like beer-battered haddock and chips, homemade pies or a double smash burger stacked with bacon and cheese.
SoGlos loves
There are lighter options too, such as goats’ cheese salad; plus, there's plenty for little diners to tuck into, with classics like fishfingers and chips, sausage and and mash and mac 'n' cheese to keep fussier eaters happy. On Sundays, traditional roasts with all the trimmings take centre stage – a must if you’re visiting for a leisurely alfresco feast.
Vegetarians and vegans don't miss out either, with starters such as rosemary and garlic baked camembert with crusty bread and red onion chutney; mains such as vegan spiced cauliflower, spinach and lentil pie with chips, fresh greens and vegan gravy; and delicious desserts such as sticky toffee pudding, chocolate brownie and 'trillionaire' tart.
The Farmers Arms' generous beer garden is a real hidden gem, perfect for soaking up the sunshine with a pint of local ale. The family-friendly pub also welcomes well-behaved pups and their owners, with dog treats tucked away behind the bar for each four-legged visitor.
How to book
Walk-ins are welcome, but booking is recommended for weekends and sunny days, when the garden fills up fast. Tables can be reserved at farmersarmsguitingpower.com or by calling 01451 850358.
Alfresco dining at The Seagrave Arms
The lowdown
The Seagrave Arms near Chipping Campden is a classic honey-coloured Cotswold coaching inn with bags of charm. Owned by a farmer's daughter, the pub has a fantastic reputation for its food, with a seasonal menu that puts great British produce front and centre.
Its sunny garden provides a glorious spot for alfresco dining on long summer evenings, watching the sun set over the Cotswold countryside with a drink in hand.
Menu highlights
Outdoor diners wanting to enjoy a main meal can get their teeth into a six-ounce beef burger with smoked bacon and cheese, or beer-battered haddock and chips with tartare sauce, as they soak up the sun at The Seagrave Arms.
Its Summer Sizzler offer means a burger and a pint are just £15 every Wednesday – perfect for an after-work dinner as the evenings get longer.
Or for lighter bites, there's a sophisticated selection of bar snacks including rarebit crumpets, sausage roll with brown sauce, classic Ploughman's lunch, or sandwich of the day with skinny fries.
The bar and garden menu is served from 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 8pm Monday to Thursday and from 12pm to 6pm Friday and Saturday – with burgers and fish and chips served from 12pm to 3pm Monday to Saturday.
SoGlos loves
The Seagrave Arms isn't just a great spot for outdoor dining, its a la carte menu offers a fabulous selection of dishes that really show off the very best produce the season and the county have to offer, from Cotswold lamb to Wye Vale asparagus.
Its lunch menu is great value, too, at £24 for two courses or £29 for three.
How to book
To book a table, visit theseagravearms.co.uk/eat.
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 menus at The Dial House are carefully considered, catering to a wide variety of eclectic tastes and flavours with plenty of vibrant, fresh dishes to enjoy.
For lunch, choose from indulgent mains like Moules mariniere or potato gnocchi; options from the grill like 28-day, dry aged 10oz ribeye steak or a Cajun style chicken burger; and Asian street food dishes, including crispy duck pancakes and Korean fried chicken.
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.
Come the evening, enjoy plentiful choice from its dinner menu from starters like chargrilled asparagus or pan-fried scallops; mains including oven roasted lump of lamb, or thyme and lemon pork tenderloin; and decadent desserts like dark chocolate and blood orange crémeux, or rhubarb and ginger almond torte.
SoGlos loves
Both the vibe and eclectic decor of the hotel marks The Dial House out as a charming independent Cotswolds 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 Bourton-on-the-Water, so 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 book ahead by visiting dialhousehotel.com/dine or call 01451 822244.
Alfresco dining at Cowley Manor Experimental
The lowdown
Cowley Manor Experimental in the Cotswolds is a dreamy spot for outdoor dining, with its sunny terrace having views over its lush, Italianate gardens which date back to the 19th century.
Celebrated chef, Jackson Boxer, heads up the kitchen, blending French flair with fresh Cotswold produce – including fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in the hotel's own kitchen garden – to create a menu that's as inventive as it is appetising.
Menu highlights
Cowley Manor Experimental's sophisticated menu includes snacks that range from garden vegetables with whipped stracciatella through to Gloucester Old Spot croquettes, single Gloucester and truffle gougères, sturgeon caviar with sour cream and potato chips, and that smoked honey and potato brioche that's had Instagram going wild!
More substantial starters include raw beef with fried shallots and foie gras or fresh peas and Wye Valley asparagus with poached egg and Hollandaise; for the main course, choices include wood-fired monkfish with brown shrimp, tomato and basil, Elkstone lamb with baby gem and pistachio or a showstopping Hereford côte de boeuf with smoked bone marrow and baby onions to share.
And, for an indulgent finish, there's 70 per cent Guanaja chocolate souffle, Caprese cake with lemon and almonds, coconut sorbet with apple and sorrel, or a cheese plate, for a savoury option.
SoGlos loves
While Cowley Manor's heated outdoor pool is usually reserved for hotel guests and C-Side Spa members, its series of summer pool parties featuring cocktails, alfresco food and live DJs are open to the public, promising a glamorous evening under the stars.
Between dips in the pool, guests can sip sundowners like the Saturn Slushie, Singapore Sling or classic G&Ts; nibble on elevated bar snacks like garden crudites with whipped burrata, raw Bibury trout with tomato, ginger and olives, flatbread with trout eggs and charcoal cream, or bresaola pizza with hot honey and basil; and dance the night away to their favourite tunes.
How to book
To book a table, visit cowleymanorexperimental.com/restaurant.
Alfresco dining at The Old Boathouse
The lowdown
Set on the edge of Lake 6 at De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel, near Cirencester, The Old Boathouse gives Gloucestershire diners a laid-back lakeside destination.
Its spacious outside decking seats up to 70 guests, making it a standout spot for alfresco get togethers in the Cotswolds. Surrounded by tranquil lakes, wildlife and wide open skies, the waterside setting creates a relaxed holiday atmosphere that brings a touch of the Italian lakes to Gloucestershire during the warmer months.
Whether guests are gathering for long lunches in the sunshine or lingering over evening drinks as the sun goes down, the peaceful backdrop makes it easy to settle in for the afternoon.
Menu highlights
The Old Boathouse serves an Italian-inspired menu built around seasonal ingredients and relaxed sharing-style dining. Guests can tuck into dishes including salmon and prawn linguini, pea and mint tortellini and 21-day dry-aged steak, alongside lighter lunch options, hand-stretched pizzas, stacked burgers and classic fish and chips made using local Hawkstone IPA batter.
Seasonal specials and generous grazing dishes add even more variety, making it equally suited to casual lunches, group dinners and long afternoons by the lake. Seafood dishes pair particularly well with the waterside setting, while hearty Sunday roasts and indulgent desserts make it a popular choice for leisurely weekend dining. Drinks range from crisp wines and classic cocktails to chilled prosecco and Champagne, perfect for sipping out on the decking in the sunshine.
SoGlos loves
The Old Boathouse's Italian-inspired afternoon tea adds a playful Mediterranean twist to the traditional British experience with savoury bites, sweet treats and sparkling drinks served overlooking the lake, Mondays to Saturdays from 12pm to 5pm. Combining elegant presentation with peaceful waterfront views, it makes a memorable choice for celebrations, catch ups with friends or relaxed summer afternoons in the Cotswolds.
How to book
To book a table, visit devere.co.uk/cotswold-waterpark-hotel.
Alfresco dining in Gloucester
Alfresco dining at Greek On The Docks
The lowdown
Greek on the Docks in Gloucester brings a vibrant slice of the Mediterranean to the city’s historic waterside, with a prime spot at Gloucester Docks. Known for its warm hospitality and lively atmosphere, this popular independent restaurant has been serving up authentic Greek dishes for ten years.
Its waterside terrace is a standout for alfresco dining seating up to 50, with a conservatory seating up 80, both offering relaxed views across the docks, ideal for soaking up the sunshine with friends, sharing plates and enjoying a taste of Greece in Gloucestershire.
Menu highlights
Outdoor diners can dive into a feast of Grecian favourites at Greek at the Docks, from sizzling souvlaki skewers and generously filled gyros to traditional moussaka layered with slow-cooked meat and velvety béchamel. A colourful spread of mezze – creamy tzatziki, golden saganaki and delicately wrapped dolmades – brings a relaxed, sociable feel to the table, perfect for sharing overlooking the docks.
Seafood dishes such as grilled seabass and lightly crisped calamari add a coastal note, while vegetarian options spans the likes of spinach-filled spanakopita, offering plenty of choice. While a well-matched list of beer and Greek wines complements the extensive menu.
SoGlos loves
Greek on the Docks fully embraces relaxed family-style dining with one of the most extensive selections for different dietary requirements in the area – ensuring everyone around the table can enjoy an authentic taste of Greece together.
The dedicated vegan and dairy-free menus span plant-based gyros, stuffed vegetables, fresh salads, pasta dishes and indulgent desserts. Gluten-free diners are equally well looked after, with options including grilled meats, mezze plates and gluten-free pitta available. From dairy-free souvlaki and lamb chops to colourful vegetable dishes and mixed grills served with simple sides like rice and baked potatoes.
How to book
To book a table, visit greekonthedocks.co.uk.
Alfresco dining at Banchina Italian
The lowdown
Recently opening at Gloucester Quays in spring 2026, Banchina Italian brings the warmth, flavour and laid-back elegance of Italy to the city’s waterside dining scene.
Created by the team behind Cheltenham's popular steakhouse, Sef, this stylish new restaurant draws inspiration from travels across the Amalfi Coast, Naples, Lake Como and the Dolomites, blending classic Italian dishes with a relaxed yet polished atmosphere.
Banchina Italian's large outdoor seating area places diners in the heart of the Quays, making it an ideal place to relax after a day of shopping, with views across the bustling dockside creating a lively atmosphere.
Inside, the interiors continue the Riviera feel, with warm textures, contemporary finishes and a welcoming ambience designed for everything from laid-back lunches to celebratory dinners with friends and family.
From pre-dinner aperitifs in the afternoon sun to espresso-fuelled catch-ups and relaxed evening cocktails beside the docks, the Banchina drinks menu is designed to bring a little taste of Italian piazza culture to Gloucester Quays.
Menu highlights
The à la carte offering at Banchina Italian spans fresh Mediterranean favourites, from comforting handmade pasta dishes to generously topped stone-baked pizzas through to seafood and seasonal specials.
The menu blends rustic flavours with a more refined dockside dining experience, with classic Italian-inspired sweet treats providing the perfect finish to a meal.
There’s plenty designed for sharing too, with antipasti, small plates and sides lending themselves perfectly to date nights and group gatherings.
Families are well catered for too, with a children’s three-course menu, making it a nice option for family days out at Gloucester Quays.
The carefully curated cocktail list, meanwhile, features classic serves including Bellinis and house Negronis, alongside a broad wines list, and, of course, Italian coffee options.
SoGlos loves
Sitting outside Banchina Italian when the sun is shining is a wonderfully transportive experience – especially with a chilled spritz or crisp beer in hand.
For a wallet-friendly lunch, Banchina Italian serves up a weekday set menu from 11.30am to 5pm, with two courses for £14 or three for £17.
How to book
To book a table at Banchina Italian, visit banchina.co.uk.
