Popular Cheltenham cocktail bar is reopening – with an exciting new foodie residency

Just months on from its closure, Cheltenham cocktail bar The Clarence Social announces it is reopening its doors in March 2026, with a new food offering from a renowned Cotswolds chef.

By Jake Chown  |  Published
The Clarence Social cocktail bar in Cheltenham is reopening this March 2026.
Known for its impressive cocktail range, The Clarence Social announced its closure at the end of 2025 – but it's now set to reopen, in time for race week this March 2026.

To the delight of its regulars, Cheltenham's The Clarence Social has revealed it is reopening in March 2026 – with a new foodie residency from a Cotswolds dining company.

The popular cocktail bar on Clarence Parade has revealed a collaboration with Cotswolds-based caterer, Lowdell's, that will see it re-launch in time for Cheltenham Festival next month.

It comes after the popular venue announced its closure at the end of 2025, citing rising costs facing the UK hospitality industry in its socials.

While regulars enjoyed a final night out at The Clarence before Christmas, a cryptic Instagram post in January 2026 stoked hopes of a new beginning.

And last week, The Clarence and Lowdell's broke the news of their collaboration, which will see the caterer take up residency at the venue in time for race week.

Created by experienced chef James Lowdell, private dining and events catering company Lowdell's prides itself on serving up 'exceptional, authentic' food, made with 'the finest' seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

Lowdell's said in an Instagram post: 'We’ll be cooking with seasonal British produce, the spoils of our native woodlands, day-boat fish and rare-breed meats, using the best the UK has to offer, all guided by a zero-waste philosophy'.

A second post from The Clarence also featured its upcoming race week breakfast menu, which includes a classic full English, veggie breakfast, bacon baguette and kippers, with a selection of drinks including Champagne and cocktails.

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