Cheltenham’s café culture thrives with character-filled independent coffee shops scattered across its elegant streets.
From the bustling heart of Regent Street to tucked-away gems near Bath Road, this Regency town has become a haven for coffee enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Whether you’re a speciality coffee connoisseur hunting for the perfect pour-over or simply craving a cosy corner to unwind with a latte, Cheltenham’s vibrant coffee scene delivers.
Local roasters, passionate baristas, and welcoming atmospheres define these independent spots, each offering its own distinct personality and approach to the art of coffee-making.
Short Answer
The best cafes in Cheltenham are The Coffee Dispensary, Clementine, The Find, Scandinavian Coffee Pod, and Baker and Graze. Most are located on Regent Street, in Montpellier, and near Bath Road.
The Coffee Dispensary
Positioned on Regent Street, The Coffee Dispensary treats coffee with the reverence it deserves.
This stylish establishment showcases beans from around the world while offering everything needed to recreate café-quality brews at home.
Their açai breakfast bowls pair beautifully with an oatmilk dirty chai latte, making it a favourite among those who appreciate both excellent food and exceptional coffee.
The space supports local traders through carefully selected cakes and bakes, while their toasted sandwiches have earned a devoted following.
It’s where coffee obsession meets genuine expertise.
Clementine
Housed within a former Regency butcher’s shop in Montpellier, Clementine captivates visitors with its stunning original features-period tiling, marble window counters, and a characterful cashier’s booth remain intact.
This artisan café bakes exquisite cakes in-house daily, complementing their impressive brunch menu.
Sourcing from Gloucestershire suppliers like Cacklebean eggs from Stow-on-the-Wold and Jessie’s Ladies Organic Farm for their homemade gelato, Clementine champions local quality.
Their ice cream ranks among Cheltenham’s finest, making it equally perfect for morning coffee or afternoon indulgence.
The Find
A Regent Street institution, The Find welcomes guests with genuinely warm smiles and an extensive menu that goes far beyond standard café fare.
Their made-to-order artisan afternoon teas are marvellous, while their luxury hot chocolate-crowned with honeycomb and marshmallows-has become legendary, particularly the kids’ version that’s a huge hit with families.
When coffee won’t quite do, their espresso martini offers the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
This feel-good spot embodies everything a neighbourhood café should be: reliably excellent, unfailingly friendly, and utterly comforting.
Scandinavian Coffee Pod
Tucked behind Royal Well bus station since 2014, The Scandinavian Coffee Pod has earned its reputation as one of Cheltenham’s best-kept secrets.
This petite, chic space embodies a “simple, well” philosophy-focusing on warming, sustaining, and rejuvenating every visitor through exceptional coffee.
The gorgeous minimalist interiors create a chilled-out atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends or working quietly.
Their oat milk comes with no extra charge, a thoughtful touch that regulars appreciate.
Though slightly hidden, this unique speciality coffee destination is absolutely worth the short walk.
Baker and Graze
This award-winning establishment in The Suffolks seamlessly blends café, bakery, and restaurant into one sophisticated space.
Exposed redbrick walls and stylish interiors frame an impressive menu featuring:
- Braised courgettes with mint, peas, toasted pine nuts, and burrata on their famous sourdough • Squid ink and fresh crab linguine with crab bisque
Their sourdough bread creates genuinely the tastiest toast you’ll encounter.
During hot summer days, the great outdoor seating area becomes irresistible-perfect for trading hot coffee for their iced varieties while admiring those Instagram-famous cruffins.
Botanica Coffee Kitchen
Found on an industrial estate off Alstone Lane in the Lansdown area, Botanica Coffee Kitchen feels like discovering a little slice of paradise.
This true hidden gem has thrived for years thanks to welcoming staff, a bustling open kitchen, and next-level coffee-their chai latte ranks among the best you’ll taste.
The unique atmosphere features tumbling leaves suspended from the ceiling, creating a canopy under which to enjoy your latte.
With parking available and a menu showcasing the best local produce, it’s an ideal alternative for those preferring to avoid the town centre hustle.
Havanas Coffee
Near Pittville Park, this colourful, cosy neighbourhood favourite stays perpetually busy for good reason-it’s bursting with character.
Walls peppered with witty Ernest Hemingway quotes create a literary atmosphere, while the menu delivers what so many run-of-the-mill coffee shops miss: a vast array of gluten-free and vegan options.
Their Brazilian coffee beans serve as the foundation for creative drinks, including unicorn hot chocolate that little ones absolutely love.
Havanas proves that an inclusive, character-filled café can satisfy everyone from coffee purists to families seeking something special.
Woodkraft
Created by 2015 Masterchef winner Simon Wood, this “artisan eatery” on Regent Street stands as an absolute favourite any time of day.
Whether craving savoury or sweet brunch options, Woodkraft delivers an amazing choice, with food that somehow manages to outshine even their delicious coffee-quite an achievement.
The Masterchef credentials shine through in every carefully crafted dish, making this not just another café but a genuine culinary destination.
From morning through evening, it’s a spot that consistently exceeds expectations and absolutely cannot be missed.
Boston Tea Party
Though technically a chain, Boston Tea Party on Clarence Street makes you feel like a local from the moment you walk through the door.
Excellent service and a brilliant brunch menu complement the great cup of coffee you’d expect, but what sets them apart is their environmental commitment.
They’re actively minimising single-use cups-bring your own for takeaway, or choose from plenty available to buy or loan on-site.
This eco-conscious approach, combined with genuinely warm service, proves chains can deliver both quality and community values.
Cocolina Coffee
Nestled in the courtyard of Bath Road car park, Cocolina Coffee represents one of Cheltenham’s best-kept secrets.
Owner Megan has created a beautiful space that includes a bonus secret garden, transforming an unexpected location into something magical.
Their dirty chai with oat milk stands out as an absolute favourite, while delicious cakes and pastries from local bakeries provide another compelling reason to visit.
This tucked-away spot proves that extraordinary coffee experiences can emerge from the most unlikely locations when passion and community spirit combine.
Arc Espresso Deli
Positioned opposite the train station on Gloucester Road, Arc.Espresso.Deli serves commuters perfectly while remaining well worth visiting regardless of train schedules.
Their speciality coffee menu pairs with incredible-looking pastries and cakes, including their famed babka that draws devoted followers.
This isn’t just a grab-and-go station café-it’s a destination in its own right, where quality takes precedence whether you’re catching the 7:15 or simply exploring Cheltenham’s coffee scene.
The deli element adds further depth to an already impressive offering.
The Urban Meadow
Hidden in plain sight on Rodney Road, The Urban Meadow offers a quiet retreat from the busy high street.
Their fantastic bagels and brunch options make this far more than just a coffee stop-it’s a destination for those seeking substance alongside their caffeine.
The peaceful atmosphere provides welcome respite from town centre crowds.
For those not in the town centre, their sister café, The Meadow at Coxes Meadow, proves just as worthy a visit, extending this tranquil, quality-focused approach to another neighbourhood.
Suffolk Coffee
Among Cheltenham’s newer coffee shops, Suffolk Coffee on Suffolk Parade shows how a passionate husband-and-wife team can create something lovely.
They serve an excellent cup of coffee using Ritual Roasters beans-brilliant news for coffee fans seeking another local spot to sample this delicious local roaster.
The space works perfectly whether you’re getting work done or finishing that last chapter of your book, offering the quiet, focused atmosphere that makes productive coffee shop sessions actually possible.
Well worth the trip to that part of town.
Bake & Brew
Conveniently positioned on Bath Road, Bake & Brew serves as an excellent choice whether you’re navigating the school run or simply find yourself in the neighbourhood.
The friendly atmosphere greets you immediately, while tasty coffee and a fab choice of food make it more than just convenient-it’s genuinely good.
This is the kind of community-focused café that becomes a reliable part of local routines, where welcoming staff and consistent quality create the comfortable familiarity every neighbourhood deserves.
For The Saints
This newly-opened Montpellier spot arrives with all the makings of a new coffee star.
For The Saints exudes elegant Parisian style, from its gorgeous olive green exterior to the herringbone flooring and slick golden branding inside-utterly Insta-worthy.
The cakes come highly recommended, particularly as they stock Hetty’s Kitchen’s cult blondies and brownies, which have their own devoted following.
Though still attracting its initial wave of attention, this stylish newcomer shows early promise of becoming a Montpellier fixture through thoughtful design and quality partnerships.
FAQs:
What is the best cafe in Cheltenham?
The Coffee Dispensary is the best cafe in Cheltenham, located on Regent Street with exceptional specialty coffee and breakfast bowls.
Where are cafes in Cheltenham town centre?
Cafes in Cheltenham town centre are on Regent Street and in Montpellier, including The Find, Clementine, and Scandinavian Coffee Pod.
Are there independent coffee shops in Cheltenham?
Yes, Cheltenham has many independent coffee shops like The Coffee Dispensary, Baker and Graze, and Botanica Coffee Kitchen.
Which coffee shop in Cheltenham has the best atmosphere?
Scandinavian Coffee Pod offers the best atmosphere, a chic minimalist coffee shop in Cheltenham with a simple well philosophy.
What are the best cafes in Cheltenham for brunch?
The best cafes in Cheltenham for brunch are Baker and Graze, Clementine, and Woodkraft, all serving exceptional coffee and food.
