The Cotswolds... More than just a view!

One of England’s most popular holiday destinations, the Cotswolds is famed for it’s fabulous honey-coloured limestone cottages and its picturesque views. The area is perfect for walking and cycling, with an abundance of trails that are surrounded by beautiful scenery and winding river valleys. Two popular areas that can be found within the Cotswolds district are the towns of Cheltenham and Stroud; they play a key role in its definition holding a number of fantastic attractions and a plethora of historical artifacts. The area is also home to a marvelous array of bars, pubs and clubs that make for an extravagant nightlife and really do add to the inspiration of the place.

 

Cheltenham

Cheltenham is seen to be the most complete regency town in Britain, one of the few in England where contemporary architecture is complimented by tradition. The town was originally designed as a pleasure health resort for wealthy visitors in its 18th and 19th century heyday, allowing for the development of several quality entertainment complexes. It has since become England’s premier destination for festivals, holding several throughout the year, with subjects ranging from Literature to Music to Food and Drink; the festivals are held in and around the Montpellier Gardens area and are surrounded by a multitude of bars that will really add to the experience. Set away in large gardens away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, take in the traditional, cosy pub atmosphere of The Railway Inn, perfect for warming up on a cold day; or make your way to trendy wine bar ‘The Retreat’, which offers a more rousing evening that involves loud music, a busy atmosphere and shots galore. An Art Deco dream, The Daffodil offers a very elegant night out with an extensive wine and cocktail menu that is accompanied by live jazz performed from some of the finest artists in the UK. Meanwhile, Soho bar combines an elegant and chic interior, accentuated by a state of the art lighting and sound system, with a cocktail menu that fuses tradition and innovation using exclusive champagnes, spirits and liqueurs. Ski lodge inspired bar and eatery ‘Apres’ can be found just down the road from Cheltenham’s premier destination for restaurants, retail and leisure; it brings a continental atmosphere to the heart of Cheltenham’s social area; and with a happy hour between 3pm and 8pm, there is ample time to take advantage of some fantastic offers! Be sure to come on a Thursday night and take in a spot of Salsa dancing with Salsa del Sol.

 

There is also a fantastic selection of nightclubs that give you the perfect excuse to carry on into the evening and well into the night (not that you’ll need one). Take a trip to everybody’s favourite vodka bar ‘Revolution’; or relax in the safe hideaway of ‘Thirteen Degrees’, where you can sit at an intimate table and listen to some live music, or dance the night away. Yates’s is always worth a visit, whether you’re looking to pre-drink from their vast, value-for-money cocktail menu, chatting over a few beers with friends, or enjoying one of their many spirits and having a boogie. With an incredible sound system, and often frequented by the best DJs and live bands, Subtone offers everyone a great night in one of their five bars. Move through the eras at Bar Fever, a two-floor bar offering tunes from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s alongside the latest top 40 anthems; or enjoy the vibrant party atmosphere of The 21 Club, with an upbeat mix of modern day chart music and feel good anthems played by their resident DJ’s who are more than happy to take requests.

Stroud

Known as the ‘Covent Garden of the Cotswolds’, Stroud sits against the dramatic backdrop of the beautiful five valleys. It is the least commercialised and explored area within the Cotswolds, and with a dramatic landscape working alongside a unique arts and crafts heritage, can certainly be considered as one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. The Stratford Park area of the town is home to a number of traditional British pubs and eclectic bars and clubs that combine to create the perfect mix to compliment the amazing scenery. Make your way to the Ram Inn for a typical Cotswold’s welcome, with a great home-cooked food menu and a comprehensive selection of wine and real ales. Or enjoy an impressive range of spirits and fine wines in the relaxed and decadent atmosphere of The Retreat on Church Street (not to be mistaken for the Cheltenham-based bar). Amazing panoramic views over the Stroud valley can be witnessed from the beer garden and refurbished restaurant of The Carpenters Arms, where Real Ales such as Sharps Doom Bar and Greene’s IPA are regular visitors. If that’s not your idea of a great night, why not indulge in the exhilarating atmosphere of The Warehouse, a hugely popular venue that attracts over 850 people every Saturday night; chill out with a cocktail in the balcony bar, or take to the dance floor and rock! For those that fancy themselves as a dancer (or are just up for a laugh), there is an illuminated glass floor stage and a number of podiums from which to strut your stuff!

 

By Calum Dewsbury