10 top outdoor dining destinations in Cheltenham for summer 2025

When the sun's shining you want to soak it up! SoGlos rounds up the tastiest sun traps in Cheltenham to enjoy a delicious alfresco bite to eat this summer.

By Emma Luther  |  Published
When the sun is shining there are plenty of delicious options for an alfresco meal in Cheltenham.
In partnership with Cheltenham BID  |  cheltenhambid.co.uk
Cheltenham BID

Cheltenham BID is a business-led, not-for-profit organisation delivering services which make Cheltenham a great place to work, live, visit, study and do business. The BID zone covers Cheltenham town centre, including the High Street, The Promenade, Montpellier and The Brewery Quarter.

With the great British weather often tricky to predict, you want to make the most of the sunshine when it is shining bright.

Partnering with Cheltenham BID, SoGlos takes a sunny stroll through town to pick out some of the nicest spots to enjoy some food in the great outdoors. 

Take in the spectacular views at The Nook

High up above Imperial Gardens, diners on the terrace at The Nook can soak up, arguably, the best alfresco views in Cheltenham.

With comfy seating, an extensive menu and a stunning setting, it's the perfect sunny spot for a special occasion.

Soak up the sunshine outside of The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie

While the interior of The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie is a beautiful draw, the tables outside enjoy lovely views across Montpellier Gardens.

With crisp white tablecloths and beautifully dressed tables, it's a lovely spot to make the most of the summer sunshine.

Dabble in some darts as well as dinner at Flight Club

The pretty outdoor terrace at Flight Club in The Brewery Quarter is the ideal spot for a lunchtime escape after-work drinks, and weekend great vibes.

With festoon lighting hung below stripy awning, colourful flower planters and uplifting tunes, you can tuck into light bites and pizza paddles with plenty of cocktails on the menu too.

Enjoy the elegance of No.131 terrace

The outdoor space at Julian Dunkerton's No.131 hotel, bar and restaurant is soon to be transformed with an all-weather metal pergola installed for an alfresco bite to eat, protected from the elements.

Meanwhile, the marquees offer a cosy spot on cooler days and there are stretches of tables under the sky to enjoy a bite to eat in stunning and sophisticated surroundings.

Get cosy in Settebello's orangery

Settebello's orangery is a new addition to Cheltenham's alfresco dining scene. Filled with natural light, it's the perfect spot for catch ups — whatever the weather.

The menu includes brunch, pasta and risottos along with meat and fish dishes and lighter bites – and there are plenty of refreshing cocktails to choose from, too.

Embrace some peace in The Queens Hotel garden

A proper hideaway, The Queens Hotel garden is a serene spot to enjoy an alfresco meal surrounded by leafy trees.

There's afternoon tea on the menu too and a lunch offer includes two courses for £22 and three courses for £28. A great excuse to get outside!

Make the most of Sam's Montpellier courtyard

Choose your favourite plates from Sam's casual dining menus to enjoy in the outside dining space, or inside with bifold windows open to make the most of lovely weather.

Tucked away in the heart of Montpellier Courtyard, you can drop in just for drinks, too. The select range of cocktails at Sam's Montpellier are a fantastic way to enjoy a sunny afternoon or evening.

Feel a hint of continental conviviality at Franco Manca

What's better than a freshly fired pizza? An alfresco pizza — bathed in sunlight! Sitting in the heart of Cheltenham town centre, you can choose from tables on The Promenade to watch the world go by or opt for a parasol covered spot up on the balcony.

There are also plenty of salads and sweet treats to enjoy, while Franco Manca's coffee comes all the way from Verona with traditional Italian cocktails to sip and savour, too.

Tuck into a vibrant taste of Japanese cuisine at KIBOU

Cheltenham’s popular Japanese eatery KIBOU is the perfect spot to enjoy sushi, ramen and bao buns alfresco, with its colourful Regent Street terrace beautifully adorned with blushing pink cherry blossoms.

For a special treat, try its popular afternoon tea that's available most afternoons, with a choice of Japanese teas and infusions alongside tasters of the most popular dishes and finished off with traditional Japanese sweets in the sun.

Grab a slice of a pizza perfection at Bosco Pizzeria

With beautiful views across Imperial Gardens, Bosco Pizzeria is a bright, airy and buzzy spot for something to eat. 

It's a lovely spot for lunch and also has a warm atmospheric vibe in the evenings. The wood fired Neapolitan style pizza and classic Italian dishes are all inspired by the best pizzerias of Naples and New York City.

In partnership with Cheltenham BID  |  cheltenhambid.co.uk

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