When it comes to eating out in Cheltenham, the menus are delicious and varied. The gastronomic capital of the Cotswolds has an impressive collection of restaurants, bistros, pubs and cafés to choose from.
If you don’t want to stray too far from the train station but are keen to sample the fabulous foodie delights, read on to discover the best dining options that the town has to offer. All the places in this article are either within a 30-minute walk or a short cab ride from the station.
Bistro Du Vin
Address: Parabola Road, Cheltenham GL50 3AH
Phone: 01242 370584
Budget: £££
Distance from station: Five minutes by taxi, 19-minute walk
To sample hearty French dining in a stunning Georgian setting, head straight to Bistro Du Vin. Part of the luxurious Hotel Du Vin, it’s a taste of rural France in the Cotswolds.
You’ll enter a light and airy space that combines rustic chic with sink-in leather chairs, dark wooden floorboards and mellow lighting. The emphasis is very much on chic but friendly dining. The menu is bursting with seasonal, British and Gallic-style dishes accompanied by an excellent selection of wines. There’s even a resident sommelier to help guide you through an admirably exhaustive wine list. A typical lunch menu for two might include seaweed cured salmon, Moules à la bière and a Lancashire bomb cheese and Eccles cakes, all polished off with a chilled glass of something crisp, dry and white.
And if you fancy a continental take on Sunday lunch, how about a French market table filled with fresh seafood, charcuterie, pâtés, rillettes, salad, vegetables and freshly baked breads? And that’s just for starters!
The bistro offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with regular seasonal promotions and offers. If you’re curious about trying a few French staples alongside some traditional British fare, then the Bistro Du Vin won’t disappoint.
The Railway
Address: New Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3QL
Phone: 01242 522925
Budget: ££
Distance from station: Five minutes by taxi, 17-minute walk
If sausages are your thing, then look no further than The Railway. It’s the gastropub with a love for all things banger-related. With 14 different award-winning varieties to choose from, including flavours such as pork, apricot and brandy as well as venison and redcurrant, you’re sure to get your sausage fix here.
All of The Railway's sausages are supplied by the legendary O’Hagan’s sausages, which are renowned for their motto: ‘no artificial anything’. Every sausage is handcrafted using only the freshest of ingredients and natural seasonings.
The Railway’s menu offers everything form a quick sandwich or a classic sausage and mash, to gourmet hotdogs featuring spicy sausages and frankfurters. There’s also a great selection of relishes and mustards to go with the main meal.
It’s not just a meat fest either, as vegetarians can tuck into meat-free Lincolnshire and Cumberland options. There are even some gluten-free varieties on offer. The pub also has non-sausage seasonal alternatives, along with a selection of real ales and wines.
The interiors are bright and inviting with dark wooden panelling and a cheerful mix of traditional and modern elements. Located just off the high street but still tucked away from the hustle and bustle, the location is central yet spacious with a large beer garden at the back.
The Railway has earned a reputation for being the best place in Cheltenham for sausages, so if you want more banger for your buck, you know where to go.
Prithvi
Address: 37 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG
Phone: 01242 226 229
Budget: £££
Distance from station: Seven minutes by taxi, 28-minute walk
Discover South Asian food with a continental twist at Prithvi. Regularly named as one of the best curry houses in the country by the national press, Prithvi has steadily been impressing critics and customers with its own unique take on Indian and Bangladeshi standards.
A trip to Prithvi is a fine dining experience that combines star service, a fusion of flavours and fine attention to detail. From the unfussy interiors – think crisp, white linen and simple but smart decor – to the imaginative and delicious interpretation of South Asian classic, this is not your run-of-the-mill curry house.
A case in point is a typical lunch main with cod, broccoli, mustard and coconut jus, all served with rice and naan and followed by coffee mascarpone cream. Every dish is presented beautifully with seasonal ingredients, including salads and flowers.
Curry-lovers can still get their fix of favourites such as tandoor king prawns and garlic naans, but be prepared for the twist - such as rice with lemon and chives. The taster menu is a popular option, with staff happy to explain each course.
For an all-out fine dining fusion experience, you won’t go wrong with Prithvi.
The Daffodil
Address: 18-20 Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham, GL50 2AE
Phone: 01242 700055
Budget: £££
Distance from station: Six minutes by taxi, 20-minute walk
If you fancy a touch of Hollywood glamour with your meal, The Daffodil deserves top billing. This charming restaurant sits inside a 1920s-style art deco cinema in the heart of Cheltenham. The building has been refurbished by Changing Rooms star Laurence Llewellyn Bowen and still retains its charming original features, including an imperial staircase, antique film projectors, and stained glass panels.
The menu is a mix of traditional and modern British, Continental and Asian influences, with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. Grills, steaks and decent seafood, vegetarian and vegan selections mean that most tastes are catered for.
There’s also a wide variety of menu options including a lobster dinner, afternoon tea and a special children’s selection.
This sumptuous setting has a special bar area at the top of the imperial staircase – perfect for sipping a stylish drink before your meal. There’s a well-stocked cellar boasting an impressive collection of whites, reds, rosés and Champagnes, as well as range of cocktails and beers.
The Daffodil has also evolved into a cultural space with regular live music, including a jazz club on Monday evenings. It’s worth remembering that The Daffodil is only open on Fridays and Saturdays for lunch.
The Green Coffee Machine
Address: 71 Queen’s Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2NH
Budget: £
Distance from station: One-minute walk (directly opposite the train station)
If you’re short on time and looking for great coffee near the station, just stroll over the road and head into The Green Coffee Machine. This coffee house started out selling coffee from a van and has now earned itself a reputation for its quality brews. With great green credentials (Organic, Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance Certified), the coffee itself is sourced from Ethiopia, Honduras, Peru and Indonesia. It’s made from 100% Arabica beans roasted to a medium dark spec making for a uniquely strong, aromatic blend.
There are also light bites including soups, paninis and cakes. The interiors are bright and welcoming with plenty of seating. A great place to grab a quick bite and coffee!
With so many great places to eat close to Cheltenham train station, you’ll be spoilt for choice, whether you want to grab a quick bite or sit down for a three-course meal. Check out our Advance Tickets service and let CrossCountry make your trip to Cheltenham easier and more affordable.
Written by Abby