Prepare for a spicy new addition to Cheltenham's bustling foodie scene as brand-new restaurant COALHOUSE Brew & Que opens this October 2025.
Founded by chef-restaurateur Lewis Spencer and co-owned by Jay Rahman of JM Socials, doors open on Friday 17 October 2025 at the former Mayflower site on Clarence Street.
The menu celebrates bold, smoky flavours with stacked burgers, barbecue plates and locally sourced meats from Toddington butcher Martins Meats.
Dinner and lunch dishes range from 18-hour smoked brisket and St Louis pork ribs to cedar-plank salmon and miso aubergine, while the brunch menu features French toast, deep-fried Oreos and oatmeal pancakes alongside a hearty brekkie burger consisting of dry-aged beef, smoked belly bacon, fried egg and salsa rojo inside a soft muffin bun.
Food is paired with rotating regional brews, including two exclusive COALHOUSE beers from Cornwall's Harbour Brewery.
The drinks menu champions the region’s artisanal brews and cider scene, too, with a rotating selection of guest taps and local favourites from DEYA Brewery and Dunkertons Cider.
The new eatery's interior design features reclaimed wood and industrial touches, creating a modern, laid-back space for daytime and evening dining.
With a layered palette of earthy colours and textures with rustic-industrial touches, a long open bar serves as a focal point, allowing guests to watch the action from a stool at the bar. There's also an upstairs speakeasy-style cocktail bar with its own distinct vibe, offering a more intimate spot to sit and sip.
The concept of the restaurant has been inspired by Lewis’ travels in the USA and Mexico, where he developed a passion for barbecue cuisine and an admiration for the culture surrounding it.
Lewis, who owns Elote and Chuck at Gloucester Food Dock, said: 'Barbecuing, as a craft, has always been about getting together to share and create memories around food.
'At COALHOUSE, we’ve built the restaurant with that spirit at its heart, incorporating live-fire cooking, smoky flavours and dishes that are meant to be enjoyed together.'
Co-owner, Jay said: 'It's a space that feels alive, welcoming and social.
'I’m very excited to bring this new culinary venture to Cheltenham.
'It’s an opportunity to introduce flavours and techniques Lewis has honed from years of travel and collaboration, while creating a place where people can come together and get stuck into the simple joy of great food and drink.'
COALHOUSE will be open from 10am to 11pm daily and the cocktail bar is open from 5pm to 11pm from Monday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday it's serving drinks from midday to 1am. On Sunday, sipping hours are from midday to 10pm.
