First look: Inside Cheltenham's new McDonald's restaurant and play land

It's a bright new chapter for the former TGI Fridays in Cheltenham as a new McDonald's restaurant transforms the space this August 2025 — including a colourful new outdoor play area for children.

By Emma Luther  |  Published

Cheltenham's newest McDonald's is now open and it's full of fun for families.

The latest restaurant in Cheltenham has replaced the former TGI Fridays on Gloucester Road which closed in October 2024. 

The expansive new restaurant, with seating for 167 diners, has created 120 new jobs and includes a brightly coloured children's play zone.

The new Golden Arches site joins the restaurant in Cheltenham High Street and out-of-town drive-through off Tewkesbury Road at Kingsditch Retail Park — bringing the total of McDonald's restaurants in Cheltenham to three. 

Cheltenham diners can now tuck into all of its fan favourites including the Big Mac, McPlant, McNuggets, cheeseburgers, McFlurries, milkshakes and fries.

McDonald's opened at 11am on Wednesday 27 August 2025. The restaurant is open for dine-in, takeaway and delivery from 6am to midnight.

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