In the spotlight: The Tavern

Location: 5 Royal Well Place, Cheltenham, GL50 3DN

Contact: Facebook | Website | 01242 221212

What: The Tavern is a fabulous local pub offering brilliant food, drink and good times. They have been awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand three times.

Experience:

So welcome to the first of many in our new series ‘places to drink in Cheltenham’. It may seem obvious, but Cheltenham has so many hidden gems, with new watering holes emerging all the time. In particular, there’s many a place not to miss for those who aren’t as familiar with the area.

What

The Tavern is a bar/restaurant, but it’s perfect if you just want to pop in for one drink, or pitch up and booze for the evening! Its bar staff are well known for their amazing cocktail making, so be sure to give one a try. The Tavern is not independent as such given it is part of the ‘Lucky Onion’ chain. However, the chain itself is small and the branch use local ingredients to make their cocktails, as well as offering a range of local drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. I’d say the customers at The Tavern are an eclectic mix of locals and those who have travelled from out of town.

Where

Although The Tavern is located in the heart of Cheltenham, it’s tucked away down a side street that visitors may not otherwise stumble upon. At 5 Royal Well Place, it’s a few minutes’ walk from both the sophisticated ‘Montpellier’ area of Cheltenham, or five minutes from the vibrant Regent Street strip. Regulars may know Royal Well best for end-of- the-night favourite ‘Charlie’s Chippy’. It’s a six minute taxi drive, or a 25 minute walk from Cheltenham Spa station, or if you’re travelling by bus then it’s just seconds from the bus turning circle.

When

The Tavern is open seven days a week. It serves drinks from 11:30am every day (perfect for those early starters), until 11pm on weekdays, 1am on Saturdays and 10:30pm on Sundays. In addition to their ever changing food and drinks menus, The Tavern hosts a mixture of exciting events. For those planning a day, weekend, or week in Cheltenham soon, you may be interested in the following. 

Those of you wanting to grab an early morning coffee before a day of shopping, The Tavern (and all other ‘Lucky Onion’ venues) is offering a free coffee to all customers between 6am and 10am throughout May.

If it’s something a bit more wholesome you’re after, The Tavern has recently started a morning takeaway Monday to Friday, offering a range of superfood shots and smoothies. 

For the music fans amongst you, The Tavern has two fantastic line-ups at their ‘Music Box’ throughout the remainder of May. These include ‘Other Animals’ on the 19th, and ‘Chris Smee’ on the 25th, both at 10:30pm.

If it’s the Royal Wedding that’s attracting you to Cheltenham, then fear not, as The Tavern has got you covered. From 12pm on the 19th May they’re doing a Royal Wedding special, pairing the delicious food with ‘Posh Pimm Sloshed Puppies’, mmm.

Why

If you’re visiting Cheltenham, you should definitely give The Tavern a visit. Although it doesn’t look much from the outside, the inside is cosy, trendy and friendly. If you’re just drinking, then you’ll find everything you need up at the bar. If it’s eating you’re after too, the attentive staff will serve you at your bench style tables. Unfortunately, there’s no outside seating at The Tavern which is a downside in these warmer climates.

However, there are plenty of places nearby meaning you won’t be short of outdoor seating. If it’s just drinks you’re after, then I’m sure they’ll do their best to accommodate you. If it’s food, you can book easily on line.

How

The question you’ve all been waiting for, so how much is this going to set you back? Well, if you’re a believer in you get what you pay for, then you won’t mind paying the asking price of £7.50-£9 for a cocktail. This is about average for a decent cocktail these days, especially in Cheltenham. We recommend the ‘Flora Dora’ if you’re a gin-thusiast! The ginger ale and lime complement each other perfectly whilst the raspberry syrup takes away any bitterness from the gin, delicious! If cocktails aren’t your thing, then you have a range of draught and bottled beers and ciders to choose from, ranging from £2 for a half to £6.50 for a Bottle. The wine drinkers among us are not left out, whites, rosés, reds and fizz ranging from £5.50 for a medium glass to £68 a bottle, woah! In addition, you’ll find an extensive range of spirits, such as gins, vodka, brandy’s, tequilas, rums and heaps of whiskeys, priced from £3 for a single to £20 for a double. Not forgetting the little ones and non-drinkers among us, The Tavern of course offers a range of soft drinks from £3 to £4 along with an impressive mocktail list, priced at £4.50 each. With sober heroes on the rise, I think it’s important for them to not be fobbed off with basic lemonade, and if you’re the designated driver, it’s much more fun to feel involved. Finally, if it’s hot drinks you’re after, then The Tavern offer artisan wood fired coffee and teas from £2.20 to £3, or after dinner liqueurs, sweets wines, port and sherry from £5 to £6 a glass.

So there you are, the lowdown on Cheltenham’s trendy little hideaway, The Tavern. Whatever you do, enjoy your trip and don’t forget to feedback your experience, we love to hear from you!

This blog was brought to you by our Cheltenham Champion Charlie from Gin and Supper Club. You can read more great content on her blog here, or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.