The Best Places to Eat in Cheltenham: A Foodie’s Guide

David Everitt-Matthias of two Michelin-starred Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham gives us his top picks…

If you’re heading to Cheltenham Festival (13-16 March) you won’t want to miss out on the best foodie spots in town. Victory tastes even sweeter when it’s combined with delicious food so book ahead for one of these restaurants, whether you’re looking for a memorable Michelin-starred meal or something a little more casual. David Everitt-Matthias, head chef of Cheltenham’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant Le Champignon Sauvage, selects his favourite spots (and he sure knows his stuff…)

Check out our comprehensive guide to Cheltenham Festival 2018

David Everitt-Matthias

David Everitt-Matthias has been the co-owner and head chef of two Michelin-starred Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham since 1987, which he runs with his wife Helen. This year the restaurant celebrates 30 years at the top end of Cheltenham’s food scene, in which time Helen and David have never missed a service. Now that’s dedication!

Described as ‘the epitome of what a truly great modern chef should be’ and a ‘gastronomic visionary’ by none other than Heston Blumenthal, David has won numerous high-profile accolades over the years and the restaurant has retained two Michelin stars since 2000. A bit of a celebrity in his own right, David has appeared on Saturday Kitchen, Hairy Bikers and MasterChef Professionals, and is held in high regard by the country’s top (and toughest) critics.

Marina O’Loughlin’s review in the Guardian Weekend awarded the restaurant an extremely rare 10/10 for food and 9/10 for money, adding: ‘Chef David Everitt-Matthias is a remarkable chap …a remarkable dinner. Wow, just wow’. A rave review if ever we saw one. 

Looking for somewhere to stay during your soujourn? Check out our Hotel Guide for the best in the area

So, who better than Cheltenham’s most renowned foodie to give us his top recommendations? These are his pick of the bunch…

David’s Pick: The Best Food & Drink Spots in Cheltenham

Prithvi

Prithvi is a real favourite of David’s, serving refined and sophisticated Indian food. Do try the tasting menu – it’s superb. prithvirestaurant.com, 37 Bath Road, GL53 7HG

The Bradley Hotel

A beautiful independently run 5 star Regency period B&B which does a smashing breakfast. thebradleyhotel.co.uk, 19 Royal Parade, GL50 3AY

The Daffodil

Dining in its glamorous room is itself a must – it used to be an art-deco cinema so it has a real Great Gatsby feel to it. They also host fantastic live jazz during Jazz Week. thedaffodil.com, 18-20 Suffolk Parade, GL50 2AE

No. 131

A newish addition to Cheltenham’s hotel scene, No. 131 has a great central location overlooking Montpellier Gardens and a handy bar far late night drinks. theluckyonion.com/no-131, 131 Promenade, GL50 1NW

Baker & Graze

A deli/cafe that bakes quality sourdough, cakes and snacks – it’s fiercely popular, especially at breakfast. Make sure you leave time to try it. bakerandgraze.com, 48 Suffolk Road, GL50 2AQ

Read more: Foodie’s Guide to St Ives, Cornwall | Best Places to Eat in Oxford | Foodie’s Guide to Manchester | Best Places to Eat in Bristol