Although Cheltenham is a relatively small city, it packs a decent punch when it comes to finding stylish bars to get a great cocktail. A big plus point for Cheltenham cocktail bars is that many of them are situated in beautiful old heritage buildings that just adds to the experience.
From great classics to a range of experimental beverages dreamed up by keen mixologists, Cheltenham, where we opened our barbers last year, really has it all.
Additionally, it is summer, after all, so despite the perpetual rain, a great cocktail can really help to brighten up the week or kick-start the weekend.
We’ve rounded up some of the best places to get a cocktail in Cheltenham. (And there are many more).
Lily Gins
Nestled away over on Ormond Terrace in a swanky period townhouse, Lily Gins cocktail bar is a must for cocktail lovers. The experienced mixologists here can rustle up a mean classic, from a great old-fashioned to a cracking martini, but they also show a passion for the more experiential type cocktails.
Despite the chic look of the building’s facade and smart interiors, they insist that this is a place that is “extroverted and unashamedly awesome”. Indeed, it’s a great place for a late night.
See what events they have on here
The Fire Station
It’s impossible to talk about Cheltenham’s Fire Station bar without noting the gorgeous old Victorian building it’s in. There are some small details that speak volumes about the attention-to-detail going on behind the scenes. The 1906 cocktail, for example, pays homage to the year the building was originally built; it consists of bourbon, lemon, bitters, mint & ginger ale.
Trying a cocktail from their Twists on the Classics is always a good option, the mixologists do them justice with some nice details. as with the rum Old Fashioned: Eldorado 15-year-old rum, chocolate bitters & demerara sugar.
See their menu here
John Gordon's
Brought to you by John Gordon’s, an independent wine and spirit merchant since 2006, No.13 Cocktail Bar situated on Montpellier Street is a fine establishment that boasts comfortable Chesterfield sofas and a seriously strong array of spirits. Here you will meet the friendly and talented mixologists who can rustle up some brilliantly tasty cocktails.
They also run various events, and with their impressive gin collection, it would be foolish to pass on their July gin tasting.
See event details here
The Daffodil
Decent cocktails are often a given at high-end restaurants, and that’s exactly what The Daffodil is. Its upstairs cocktail bar is plush and the mixologists experienced. What is nice about The Daffodil, is that, given the beautiful building it’s in, all art deco and ‘Hollywood’ glamour, it does exude a sort of air of exclusivity — which can be a fitting environment to enjoy a fine cocktail, as does the regular live jazz events they host.
Every Monday they host their Jazz Club at The Daffodil…live jazz and buy one get one free on the range of fine martinis. It’s certainly not a hard sell.
Check out their events here
Door 4
Also on Montpellier Street is Door 4, another swank joint to enjoy a range of excellent cocktails, from spot-on classics to a wide range of experimental beverages, such as the superb Rose Gold Margarita they concocted for the launch of the Sali Green Skincare range.
The mixologists here clearly love what they do, they have a flair for top-notch presentation and their refined pallets ensures great (and sometimes unexpected) flavours.
Check out their events here