There are a wide selection of huge events staged in Cheltenham throughout the year, meaning it is a hot spot for visitors looking to have the best possible experience in the town.
No event on the schedule is as popular as the Cheltenham Festival, which attracts record crowds annually in March. If the Kentucky Derby results in a lot of visitors to the American state, the same can be said for the town of Cheltenham in the UK, probably one of the capitals of horse racing in England.
It is a huge global event to be staged in the town, with visitors coming from far and wide to watch the best jumps horses in action.
The town is also known for its excellent food options, with there being something for everything around Cheltenham. But, what are some of the best restaurants that all visitors should try next time that they are visiting the town?
Restaurant Journey
There are few more illustrious restaurants in Cheltenham than Journey. This Michelin star establishment is located in the heart of the town, and it focuses on giving visitors a journey that they will never forget.
The restaurant takes inspirations from traditions and practises from around the world to deliver an immersive experience that can’t be found anywhere else. Jeff Lewis is at the forefront of the dining revolution, combining the very best ingredients from leading local suppliers.
The establishment opens every evening at 6:30 p.m for pre-dinner drinks, before the journey gets underway at 7pm. The tasting experience for visitors lasts three and a half hours every Friday and Saturday, with the six-course experience between Wednesday and Thursday lasting for two and a half hours.
The Mahal
The best way to end any day around Cheltenham town centre is by going for a local curry at one of the best Indians in the region. That can be found at The Mahal, which is located on Montpellier Street.
The name of the restaurant comes from ‘mansion’ in local language, and visitors can expect to enjoy a glamorous experience at the curry house. Furthermore, there are excellent dishes that can’t be found anywhere else, with visitors felt like royalty as soon as they walk through the door. Experienced servers are on hand at the establishment to offer their insights into the meals on the menu, and they are only too happy to share recommendations depending on the taste of the visitors.
The menus at the restaurant are inspired by progressive Indian means, and they are brought to life using the finest British ingredients. One of the preferred options for visitors is the seven-course tasting menu, which will enable all guests to experience all the amazing dishes on offer at The Mahal. There is no better curry house on offer in Cheltenham.
L’Artisan
One of the finest French restaurants in the town is L’Artisan, which is the perfect spot for food throughout the day. The bistro is run by Elisabeth & Yves Ogrodzki, who have a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry following stays at some of the leading restaurants and hotels in France.
After deciding to move to England from France, the duo set up a base for themselves in the little village near Avignon. The restaurant has been honoured on a number of occasions in recent years, with the duo celebrating ten years of L’Artisan in 2021. Yves also achieved a distinguished honour in March 2023, as he was named the Casual Dining Chef of the Year at the Gloucestershire Foodie Awards. One of the most popular options for visitors is the Tour de France set menu, which has been available since January 9.
The lunch menu enables visitors to pick from either two or three courses, with the latter costing £25.95 per person. A treat for all visitors should come in the form of the Le Cremeux de Chocolat, which is divine.
Lumiere
Another Michelin star restaurant that is worth paying a visit to in Cheltenham is Lumiere. The star was awarded a couple of years ago, but inspectors revealed that they were most pleased with the hard work completed at the restaurant in the 14 years that they have been in operation. Jon Howe is the chef patron, who delivers some of the most unique dishes available in the town.
Howe learned his craft at Bath College, and his menus demonstrate his creativity when producing dishes. He has a trusted network of suppliers, which have been used for the last 20 years. The menu at Lumiere offers something for everyone, including an excellent Creedy Carve Duck and Line Caught Cornish Day Boat Sea Bass. There are three different menus available to visitors, labelled ‘four’, ‘six’ and ‘eight’.
The latter costs the visitors £180, and is available between Wednesday and Saturday evening. Furthermore, it is an excellent restaurant for vegetarian visitors, with an excellent range of selections. This includes Gardeners Pie, Blue Vinny, and King Oyster. Overall, it is one of the most well-rounded restaurants in the town.