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Good restaurants dot the region, thanks to a steady flow of fine chefs seeking to cater to wealthy locals and waves of demanding visitors. The country's food revolution is in full evidence here. Restaurants have never had a problem with a fresh food supply: excellent regional produce, salmon from the rivers Severn and Wye, local lamb and pork, venison from the Forest of Dean, and pheasant, partridge, quail, and grouse in season. Also look for Gloucestershire Old Spot pork, bacon (try a delicious Old Spot bacon sandwich), and sausage on area menus.
An artisan kitchen and coffeehouse that serves breakfast and lunch, the Find is one of the best places in Cheltenham for afternoon tea (best to prebook; £32). The drawing room is a serene spot, and the tea menu perfectly balances savory and sweet treats, incorporating British favorites, such as sausage rolls and coronation chicken sandwiches, with a contemporary twist. The fruit scones are fluffy, and you can add a glass or two of Champagne for the ultimate indulgence.
Sit in this casual, bustling café, part of a chain, and watch the comings and goings of the Bath square outside as you choose from the all-day menu. Impressive choices include everything from a full English breakfast to toasted sandwiches, and there's a wide range of teas, coffees, and smoothies. Another café is on Alfred Street.
At this buzzing little café in an ancient building with wooden beams, locals drop in to discuss horses and dogs over a glass of wine, families gather around the big round table for lunch, and tired shoppers sink into armchairs for a reviving coffee. The Italian-inspired menu is filled with light dishes like antipasti, bruschetta, soups, baked potatoes, and salads. An English baker makes the cake specials on-site daily. There's also a terrace for warm days.
This sophisticated and popular restaurant on the corner of the Circus has an enticing, seasonally changing menu that covers everything from morning coffee to late-night dinners. The husband-and-wife team prioritize locally sourced ingredients, and wines come from old-world small growers. The colorful modern art on the walls always makes for a great conversation topic.
Set in an opulent Regency building with a statement bar, the Ivy serves first-class food with British and European specialties. In its heyday, the Rotunda building was a bathing pool with spa water on tap, and its domed roof and seating area have been exquisitely restored to house the smart restaurant. Racehorse murals line the walls in a nod to Cheltenham's equestrian heritage. Choose from dishes such as apple and Stilton salad, aromatic duck curry, or crab linguine. The Ivy also serves a classic afternoon tea. Reservations are advised, especially when there are race meetings and festivals.
Chef and restaurateur Michael Alexiou bought Woolmarket House in 1986 and transformed it into this charming restaurant serving traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The mezes and fresh seafood are particularly good, and there are seasonal daily specials. The atmosphere is laid-back and the service is friendly. There's also a B&B in the building.
The 18th-century Pump Room, with views over the Roman baths, serves morning pastries and brunch, as well as afternoon tea (from noon until late afternoon), to music by a pianist or string trio who play every day. The stately setting is the selling point rather than the food, but do sample the the house-made cakes and pastries, including scrumptious scones.
Small and slightly twee, this longtime tourist magnet near Bath Abbey occupies the oldest house in Bath, dating from 1482. It's famous for the Sally Lunn bunn, a semisweet bread served here since 1680. You can choose from more than 30 sweet and savory toppings to accompany your bunn, or turn it into a meal with salmon or a steak. There are also economical lunch and early-evening menus. Daytime diners can view the small kitchen museum and shop in the cellar (30p for non-dining visitors).
A 15th-century inn just five minutes from Lacock Abbey, Sign of the Angel serves traditional food in a cozy and intimate setting. Some dishes, such as the roast loin of beef with Yorkshire pudding or the seasonal savory pie of the day, are as traditional as the decor, but modern touches—orange butter sauce, for instance—add an extra dimension. Enjoy the dish of the day for lunch or relax in the garden with a cream tea. When you creak open the heavy door and are greeted by the hearty fire in the huge chimney, you could be forgiven for thinking that you stepped back a few centuries. Upstairs are five beautifully rustic rooms in which to stay.
This popular pub and inn dating from the 17th century specializes in updated British cuisine with choices ranging from local venison to fresh fish. Its decor successfully combines traditional features with modern style and comforts. The courtyard garden is a delight in summer, and there's also a snug coffee lounge. The inn offers 14 stylish, uncluttered bedrooms and a spa.
