At Red Kite Hosts we love sharing the best of Cheltenham with our guests and owners, and food and drink is no exception. To celebrate the town’s thriving independent scene, we’ve teamed up with April from @whereaprileats, a Cheltenham local who has lived here for ten years and built a loyal following for her foodie reviews across the South West. Over the next few weeks, April will be guest writing a five‑part blog series that explores the places she loves most in Cheltenham.

We’ll start with Cheltenham’s best coffee spots, from flat whites to house-roasted blends, before moving on to independent bakeries and pastry shops worth queuing for. Part three highlights April’s favourite brunch and lunch venues, while part four dives into standout restaurants for dinner. Finally, part five rounds things off with the town’s top pubs and bars, including wine flights, craft beer, and cocktails. Whether you’re a holiday let owner keen to see the kind of local recommendations we provide, or a guest planning your stay, this series highlights the flavour of Cheltenham and what makes our town such a great place to eat, drink and relax.

Okay, let’s start with some coffee! From here on, we’ll hand over to April. She says the town is spoilt for choice, but these are the spots she personally rates highest, the ones she keeps going back to, and the ones she thinks should be at the top of your list.

Best Coffee in Cheltenham: April’s Top Picks

‍SLO Coffee 

Location: Opposite Cheltenham Spa train station. 257 Gloucester Road

Really friendly staff and the tastiest flat whites, stay for dog spotting and the relaxing vibes. 

Ritual Coffee 

Location: Unit 31 Lansdown Industrial Estate

Roasting their own coffee in house, Ritual offers a great drinks menu and brunch dishes with a little difference. 

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Scandinavian Coffee Pod

Location: Royal Well Place

A small yellow pod loved by Cheltenham locals for their consistently great coffees and tasty pastries.

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Society Cafe

Location: Just off the Promenade. 2 Ormond Place

A great mid-shop stop with lots of options for those who take their hot drinks seriously. 

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That wraps up part one of April’s Cheltenham food and drink series. We’ll be back soon with part two, where she shares her favourite independent bakeries and pastry spots, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.

If you’d like to see more of April’s recommendations, you can follow her on Instagram at @whereaprileats.

At Red Kite Hosts, we want every guest who stays with us to discover the very best of the area, whether that’s the perfect flat white, a fresh loaf, or a brilliant dinner reservation. Our local recommendations don’t stop at coffee, and they’re not limited to Cheltenham, we’ve built guides full of ideas across the Cotswolds, Bath, Oxford, and beyond.

For holiday let owners, this is all part of how we work. We care deeply about the guest experience, and it shows in the details, from professional housekeeping to thoughtful local tips. It’s what helps secure five-star reviews and repeat bookings, and why owners trust us to manage their homes.

Stay tuned for the next instalment, and if you’d like your property to benefit from the same level of care, we’d love to chat.