The Best Pubs
in
Cheltenham

Head to the Sandford Park Alehouse for an absolute cracker of a pub experience, boasting the biggest beer garden in the town centre! With a CAMRA Pub of the Year award under its belt and 26 lines of expertly chosen beers, wines, and ciders, there’s a perfect pint for everyone. Bring the whole gang—it’s brilliantly dog-friendly, kids eat free on Sundays, and you can catch live music or the big game in a space that’s ideal for groups.

Nestled in the heart of a picturesque village, The Plough Inn Prestbury is a stunning 17th century thatched pub brimming with character and history. Its sprawling one acre garden boasts a stream, a boules pitch, and plenty of outdoor seating, while the cosy tap room with an open fire offers a perfect winter retreat. With a focus on traditional cask ales, fine wines, and cocktails, plus live music, dog friendly policies, and a menu of generous, well priced dishes, this award winning gem is an absolute must visit.

Discover the wonderfully quirky "The Bottle of Sauce," a Dodo Pub Co. gem that perfectly blends a funky, playful vibe with genuine local warmth. With a cracking lineup of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music and a buzzing calendar of events from pub quizzes to karaoke, there’s always something happening here. The outdoor seating and dog friendly policy make it a brilliant spot for groups, whether you’re catching the big game or celebrating a birthday in one of their unique, cosy private rooms.

For an unrivalled night out, The Frog & Fiddle is the place to be, a true local icon that’s been pumping out good vibes and live music since 1998. You’ll find a cracking selection of cheap drinks, from Butcombe craft beers to cocktails and wine, plus pool, darts, karaoke, and multiple screens for live sports. The massive, dog friendly beer garden is perfect for summer, and you’re welcome to bring in your own food from nearby takeaways, making it the ultimate, welcoming spot for any group.

Tucked away on a quiet street, The Railway is a gloriously independent local that feels like a proper find, serving up some of the best drinks in the region alongside authentic Thai street food. With a thoughtfully curated selection of local ales, natural wines, and craft beers, plus a buzzing lineup of live music and open mic nights, there’s always a reason to stay a while. The outdoor space with working heaters is perfect for groups, and the whole place is dog friendly, making it an absolute gem for a relaxed pint or a fiery, flavour packed meal.

Step inside The Royal in Charlton Kings and you’ll find a proper community local where log fires crackle in the cosy bar and the welcome is as warm as the hearth. Their menu shines with chargrilled steaks, burgers, and fish, all cooked fresh with real care, while the well kept real ales and curated wine list make every round a pleasure. With a lively calendar of live music, a Sunday night quiz, and a big garden party in August, plus a dog friendly policy and plenty of outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot for groups and families alike to settle in for a fantastic meal or a relaxed drink.

The Swan is a wonderfully relaxed traditional pub that serves up a brilliant surprise: incredible Indian street food alongside a handpicked selection of craft beers, natural wines, and artisan spirits. The beer garden is a lovely spot to enjoy a pint with friends, and the whole place is dog friendly, making it a perfect local for a casual catch up. With live music, plenty of space for groups, and a menu that turns a classic pub roast into something truly special, this independent freehouse is an absolute gem.

Come and raise a glass in the magnificent Old Courthouse, a truly stunning building where you can enjoy a drink in the very same courtroom that once saw justice served. The bar presides over a vast selection of local ales, fine wines, and a remarkable array of gins and whiskies, while the cosy rooms with their log fires and bookcases invite you to settle in for hours. It’s the perfect spot for any group, from pre theatre diners enjoying modern British classics to dog walkers finishing a circular route, with plenty of outdoor seating for sunny days.

If you are looking for a proper Cotswold pub with centuries of history, The Royal Oak in Prestbury is an absolute cracker. With roaring log fires, a dog friendly snug, and a spacious beer garden, it is the perfect spot for a hearty seasonal meal or a pint of award winning Butcombe ale. The menu features generous pies and fresh fish, while the friendly service and welcoming vibe make it a brilliant choice for groups, families, or a quiet drink by the fire.

For incredible value that feels like a steal, The Suffolk Arms is your new go to local, boasting phenomenal cocktails and generous, delicious food that will have you planning your next visit before you’ve even left. The welcoming team and personal touches make every occasion feel special, while the dog friendly policy and spacious setup make it a brilliant spot for groups to gather over quality drinks. Whether you’re catching the big game or settling in for a Sunday roast with a perfectly paired ale, this lively yet warmly inviting pub is an absolute gem.