The Tavern

A recent makeover has transformed this Cheltenham bistro into a cool, light, buzzy hangout that's considered by many locals as one of the places to eat and drink in town right now. Just five minutes' walk from the town centre, its less than salubrious location (sandwiched between a chippy and taxi office) is made up for by the lovely interior: massize windows fold back against the wall, facilitating a sense of outdoor dining for those bagging window seats on a nice day. A great place to meet friends for coffee, drinks or food, the menu is always interesting without being too challenging, with fabulous salads, steaks and burgers alongside lovely surprises like devilled scotch eggs, braised octopus and (I kid you not!) brilliant spam fritters.