Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2018: Top 10 Places to Eat and Drink 

The Cheltenham Jazz Festival is under way and whilst we know it’s all about the music, its also definitely all about the food and drink too.

Here are LewisLoves top ten places for topping up your tank during the Cheltenham Jazz Festival…

(1) The Bottle of Sauce / Ambrose Street

Dirty burgers, cocktails and stonebaked pizzas are the order of the day at this fabulous pub. They’ve got live jazz across the festival weekend so take advantage of their sunny courtyard and get your toes tapping.

(2) Koj / 3 Regent Street

If you’ve not heard of Koj yet then you need to listen up. This is Japanese food at its absolute best. The brainchild of Masterchef finalist Andrew Kojima, you can enjoy pokedon, hirata buns, ramen and so much more. It’s so good that on fully booked nights we’ve even chosen to stay for taster plates eaten at the bar upstairs rather than miss out. Jay Rayner is a big fan too.

(3) The White Spoon / 8 Well Walk

A hidden treasure serving seriously good food; you could probably tell that head chef Chris has worked with Heston Blumenthal given the exciting and varied menu. Thankfully, he’s dialled it down a notch though, so your meal is unlikely to invoke memories of a science lesson gone wrong. The set lunch menu offers incredible value at £15 for three courses; you can sneak a peek at what’s on offer over on their Instagram.

(4) The Find, 20 Regent Street

One of Cheltenham’s newest venues, The Find is open all day offering delicious brunches, lunches, coffee and cake. On weekend evenings though, they deliver an exceptional experience. The food is outstanding, the staff led by the charming David and Claire deliver impeccably relaxed and friendly service, and the surroundings make for a truly special night out that feels a bit like the perfect night staying in at home with friends. Try it and you’ll wish you’d found The Find sooner! You might even find some live jazz during the Cheltenham Jazz Festival to accompany your dinner.

(5) Wild Beer at Jessop House / 30 Cambray Place – next to the Cambray Stage

If you fancy discovering the next big thing on the Cambray Stage, you’ll handily find yourself next to Wild Beer. You might well have seen their distinctive beers gracing the shelves of your local beer shop as they’ve got a strong following. Either way, don’t miss this three storey Georgian townhouse and sunny courtyard filled to the brim with their wild fermented and barrel-aged beers. Beer beginner or saison-ed expert, there’s bound to be something to challenge your taste buds. They’ve got a decent rotation of interesting world beers too as well as top notch wine, spirits, bar food and even their own “Sleeping Lemons” gin – Mrs L is a big fan!

(6) The Tavern / 5 Royal Well Place

Burgers, fiery meatballs and the most incredible banana split; if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, the Tavern is the place for you. After a revamp late last year, it’s back and better than ever. Go for the burgers, stay for the beer.

(7) The Daffodil / 18-20 Suffolk Parade

With its art deco aesthetic and authentic jazz bar atmosphere, The Daffodil is an obvious choice for those seeking something a little bit special. Head Chef Tom Rains’ carefully curated menu is varied and enticing, whilst the cocktails are fabulous and inventive. Plus, if you’re a fan of Sherlock you’ll know this place already, as it previously featured in an episode. It’s also host to several Jazz Festival events this year, including food critic Jay Rayner and his jazz quartet.

(8) The Ox / 10 Cambray Place

A brilliantly inventive cocktail menu accompanies the tastiest steak around, cooked to perfection on a josper grill. The Ox is one of the best additions to Cheltenham in recent years and is a must for meat lovers. Check out their deep fried pig’s head for a real treat! With the Cambray Stage just outside, you can dine to the sounds of live jazz too.

(9) John Gordons / 11 Montpellier Arcade

As an independent wine and spirits merchant and bar on the doorstep of Montpellier Gardens, John Gordons will definitely hit the spot if you fancy a gin or whisky. They have a massive selection ranging from your typical bar options up to some very pricey but undoubtedly delicious rare specimens. Even better, if you find one you like, why not treat yourself in the shop and try the whole bottle at home just to make sure? Last year their covered arcade was absolutely rocking with its own jazz gigs and this year promises to be no different!

(10) The Coffee Dispensary / 18 Regent Street

If you’re looking for a coffee and a slice of cake during the Cheltenham Jazz Festival then The Coffee Dispensary is where you need to be.  The coffee is the real deal, even down to choosing the beans yourself. They serve incredible Hetty’s Tea Party brownies too. We’d recommend a Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese iced coffee) to refresh and revive you!