Spotlight on Cheltenham

Solomon Prescott

Join us as we dive deep into the local favorites of Cheltenham, showcasing unique places to eat, drink, and explore. From the best brunch cafes to vibrant nightlife spots and live music venues, this podcast is your ultimate guide to experiencing the heart of Cheltenham. Tune in for insider tips on the latest Cheltenham events and discover why this town is a cherished gem in the UK!

  1. Locals Only: Six Cheltenham Favourites Visitors Rarely Find

    15H AGO

    Locals Only: Six Cheltenham Favourites Visitors Rarely Find

    Discover the hidden treasures of Cheltenham in this episode of Spotlight on Cheltenham, where we unveil "LocaJoin your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 33: Locals Only. In this episode, we share six places that Cheltenham residents quietly love — spots that don’t always make visitor lists but play a big role in everyday local life. These are dependable, familiar, and rooted in routine rather than hype — the kinds of places locals recommend to friends, not guidebooks. Places featured: Petit Social Website: https://www.petitsocial.co.uk Address: 1 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG Highlights: A low-key neighbourhood favourite with loyal regulars. Roots & Fruits Website: https://rootsandfruitscheltenham.co.uk Address: 250 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7NE Highlights: A long-standing local shop woven into daily life. Sandford Park Alehouse Website: https://sandfordparkalehouse.co.uk Address: 284 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 3HQ Highlights: A true locals’ pub with community feel. Curious Café Website: https://www.curiouscafe.co.uk Address: 204 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7NE Highlights: A café locals return to again and again. John Gordon’s Menswear Website: https://johngordons.co.uk Address: 51 Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1PJ Highlights: Trusted by generations, rarely visited by tourists. The Railway Cheltenham Website: https://www.therailwaycheltenham.co.uk Address: New Street, Cheltenham GL50 3QL Highlights: A relaxed local staple with regulars and character

    10 min
  2. Slow Cheltenham: Six Calm Places to Switch Off and Take Your Time

    MAR 8

    Slow Cheltenham: Six Calm Places to Switch Off and Take Your Time

    Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 31: Slow Cheltenham. In this episode, we explore six calm, low-key places where the pace naturally drops — perfect for quiet reflection, solo wandering, or simply stepping out of the rush. These are spaces designed for breathing room rather than buzz. Each location is currently accessible and well-known locally, making it easy to plan a slower kind of Cheltenham day. Places featured: Imperial Gardens Address: Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QB Highlights: Formal Regency gardens with benches and symmetry, offering a peaceful pause right in the town centre. Lansdown Crescent Address: Lansdown Crescent, Cheltenham GL50 Highlights: A quiet architectural walk showcasing Cheltenham’s elegance, best enjoyed slowly with no agenda. Cheltenham Rare Books Website: https://cheltenhamrarebooks.co.uk Address: 12 Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QB Highlights: A calm, unhurried bookshop where browsing is encouraged and silence is respected. St Gregory’s Churchyard Address: St James Square, Cheltenham GL50 3LB Highlights: A hidden green pocket just off the busy centre — ideal for sitting, reading or decompressing. The Wilson Café Website: https://www.wilsonmuseum.org.uk Address: Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT Highlights: A relaxed café space welcoming solo visitors looking for a quiet coffee without pressure. Cheltenham Ladies’ College Grounds Address: Bayshill Road area, Cheltenham GL50 Highlights: Calm perimeter walks and open views around historic college buildings.

    10 min
  3. Late-Opening Cafés: Six Places for Coffee After Hours in Cheltenham

    FEB 8

    Late-Opening Cafés: Six Places for Coffee After Hours in Cheltenham

    Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 28: Late-Opening Cafés in Cheltenham. In this episode, we highlight six relaxed venues that stay open later than the typical café crowd — ideal for evening catch-ups, post-dinner coffee, quiet conversations, or a low-key alternative to bars. Each place listed is currently active and has a clear online presence so you can check opening hours before heading out. Places featured: Curious Café & Bistro Website: https://www.curiouscafe.co.uk Address: 204 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7NE Highlights: Café by day, bistro by night — open into the evening with coffee, desserts and a relaxed neighbourhood feel. The Find Coffee House Website: https://www.thefindcoffeehouse.co.uk Address: 1 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG Highlights: Independent coffee house known for later openings, calm atmosphere and a loyal local crowd. No.131 The Terrace Website: https://www.no131.com Address: 131 The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW Highlights: A hotel lounge that works well as an evening coffee spot, with comfortable seating and a quiet, grown-up atmosphere. Hotel du Vin Cheltenham Website: https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/cheltenham/ Address: Parabola Road, Cheltenham GL50 3AQ Highlights: A refined indoor space serving coffee and desserts into the evening — ideal for slower, post-dinner conversations. Côte Brasserie Cheltenham Website: https://www.cote.co.uk/restaurant/cheltenham/ Address: 14–16 Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NB Highlights: Open late and happy to accommodate coffee and dessert-only visits in the evening, making it a reliable after-hours option. The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie Website: https://theivycheltenhambrasserie.com Address: Montpellier Walk, Cheltenham GL50 1SW Highlights: A comfortable, stylish setting that remains open late — popular for post-meal coffee, dessert, and relaxed evening chats.

    10 min
  4. Creative Cheltenham: Six Classes & Workshops to Learn Something New

    FEB 2

    Creative Cheltenham: Six Classes & Workshops to Learn Something New

    Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 27: Creative Cheltenham — Six Classes & Workshops to Learn Something New. In this episode, we explore six creative spaces offering hands-on classes, courses, and workshops — from pottery and painting to photography, dance, and craft. Whether you’re looking to try something new, build a skill, or meet like-minded people, these places provide structured, welcoming ways to get creative. All venues are currently active and have clear booking information online. Places featured: Cheltenham Art Studio Website: https://www.cheltenhamartstudio.co.uk Address: 26 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham GL50 2AQ Highlights: A friendly studio offering painting, drawing and mixed-media classes for beginners and experienced artists alike. Cotswold Pottery Website: https://www.cotswoldpottery.co.uk Address: Cambray Place, Cheltenham GL50 1JN Highlights: Hands-on pottery workshops and courses where participants can learn throwing, glazing and ceramic techniques in a relaxed studio environment. Create Cheltenham Website: https://www.createcheltenham.org Address: Various Cheltenham venues (see website) Highlights: A creative organisation hosting workshops, talks and community art projects across disciplines — ideal for exploring creativity beyond traditional classes. The Playhouse Theatre Website: https://www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk Address: Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG Highlights: Alongside performances, the Playhouse offers drama groups, acting workshops and creative opportunities for all ages. Cheltenham Photography School Website: https://www.cheltenhamphotographyschool.com Address: Cheltenham (workshops at various locations) Highlights: Photography courses and workshops covering camera skills, editing, and creative composition for beginners and enthusiasts. The Wilson Creative Workshops Website: https://www.wilsonmuseum.org.uk Address: Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT Highlights: Artist-led workshops and creative sessions hosted by Cheltenham’s museum and gallery, blending culture, learning and hands-on creativity.

    11 min
  5. Under-£15 Cheltenham: Six Great Experiences That Won’t Break the Bank

    JAN 25

    Under-£15 Cheltenham: Six Great Experiences That Won’t Break the Bank

    Join your host, Solomon Prescott, for Episode 27: Under-£15 Cheltenham. In this episode, we spotlight six enjoyable, low-cost experiences that prove you don’t need a big budget to enjoy the town. From free culture and green spaces to affordable entertainment and simple pleasures, every place featured here can be enjoyed for £15 or less. Each location is currently active, has a clear online presence or official listing, and a physical location so you can plan an easy, budget-friendly outing. Places featured: The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum Website: https://www.wilsonmuseum.org.uk Address: Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT Highlights: A free-entry museum and gallery offering fine art, Arts & Crafts collections, local history and rotating exhibitions — ideal for a relaxed, cultural afternoon without spending a penny. Pittville Park Website: https://www.visitcheltenham.com/things-to-do/pittville-park Address: Pittville Park, Cheltenham GL52 3AA Highlights: One of Cheltenham’s most iconic green spaces, perfect for walking, people-watching, picnics, and lakeside strolls. Completely free and ideal in any season. Holst Victorian House Website: https://holstvictorianhouse.org.uk Address: 4 Clarence Road, Cheltenham GL52 2AW Highlights: The former home of composer Gustav Holst. Entry is typically under £10, offering a fascinating glimpse into local musical history and Victorian life. Cheltenham Farmers’ Market Website: https://www.farma.org.uk/markets/cheltenham Address: The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW Highlights: A lively weekly market where browsing is free and even a small budget can stretch to local treats, street food or fresh produce — a great sensory experience without overspending. Sherborne Cinema Website: https://www.sherbornecinema.co.uk Address: 16–18 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 1DZ Highlights: An independent cinema with regular screenings priced under £15, offering a more intimate and relaxed alternative to big multiplexes. Montpellier Gardens Website: https://www.visitcheltenham.com/things-to-do/montpellier-gardens Address: Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1SD Highlights: Beautifully kept public gardens right by Montpellier Walk — perfect for a calm stroll, sitting with a book, or pairing with a low-cost coffee nearby.

    10 min

About

Join us as we dive deep into the local favorites of Cheltenham, showcasing unique places to eat, drink, and explore. From the best brunch cafes to vibrant nightlife spots and live music venues, this podcast is your ultimate guide to experiencing the heart of Cheltenham. Tune in for insider tips on the latest Cheltenham events and discover why this town is a cherished gem in the UK!