If you want an evening that’s as much about the experience as the food, Nagomi on Crescent Place should be your first call.
Nagomi is Cheltenham’s only Japanese and Korean hotpot and grill restaurant — and there really is nothing else quite like it in the town. You settle around a smokeless table grill, choose your cuts of premium Yakiniku meat, fresh seafood, and vegetables, and cook everything yourself over live heat. Prefer something warmer and more communal? Order the hotpot instead — either Japanese Shabu Shabu or Korean Budae Jjigae — and share a bubbling pot at the centre of the table.
It’s the kind of dinner that turns into an evening. The cooking is part of the fun, the conversation never stops, and the food is genuinely authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine. Ideal for dates, birthdays, work nights out, or a group of friends who want something more memorable than another sit-down meal.
Nagomi is at 1B Crescent Place, Cheltenham GL50 3PG.
Cheltenham punches well above its weight for a town its size. The dining scene has grown rapidly over the last few years, and there’s something for every mood and budget.
Montpellier and the Suffolks are the neighbourhoods to head for if you want independent restaurants and a relaxed, neighbourhood atmosphere. This is where you’ll find fine dining options, wine bars, and quietly excellent bistros. Le Champignon Sauvage holds a Michelin star and is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the South West.
The Brewery Quarter in the town centre is better suited if you’re after a more casual evening — it brings together restaurants, bars, a cinema, bowling, and electronic darts under one roof, making it a practical choice if you’re with a mixed group or want to keep the evening flexible.
The Promenade is worth a walk on a summer evening. Al fresco dining, independent shops staying open late, and a handsome Georgian streetscape that reminds you why Cheltenham earned its reputation as a Regency spa town.
Cheltenham’s bar scene has moved well beyond the chain-pub circuit.
Sandford Park Alehouse is a multi-award-winning real ale pub near the Sandford Lido — consistently voted one of the best in Cheltenham by CAMRA. If craft beer is your thing, the rotating guest taps alone are worth a visit.
The Old Courthouse occupies a restored 19th-century courtroom on Promenade and has one of the most striking interiors in the town. Good for cocktails, food, and a venue that generates its own conversation.
Mr Cambray’s Curiosity does coffee and food by day and shifts into a cocktail bar by night — the kind of place that doesn’t advertise itself loudly but is reliably good.
For something livelier, the bars along Bath Road and around High Street offer a more traditional town-centre night out, with plenty of options for later evenings.
Cheltenham hosts four major festivals across the year — Jazz, Science, Music, and Literature — each of which brings evening events, performances, and a different energy to the town. The Literature Festival in October and the Jazz Festival in spring both attract internationally known names and are genuinely worth planning a trip around.
Outside of festival season, the Everyman Theatre on Regent Street runs a full programme of touring productions, comedy nights, and local performances. It’s one of the best regional theatres in the South West and a reliable choice for an evening that’s something other than food and drink.
The Cheltenham Town Hall hosts concerts, comedy tours, and club nights throughout the year.
If you’re in Cheltenham on a race day — particularly during the Festival in March — the town takes on a completely different character. Book dinner well in advance. Nagomi and most of the town’s popular restaurants fill up quickly on race days, and walk-ins become very difficult. The buzz is worth experiencing, but plan ahead.
Parking: The town centre multi-storeys on St George’s Road and Rodney Road are convenient for the central restaurant district. The Brewery Quarter has its own car park.
Getting around: Most of Cheltenham’s evening venues are walkable from the centre. Taxis are readily available but can be in demand later on weekends.
Booking: For popular restaurants, booking at least a few days ahead is recommended on weekends. Nagomi can be booked directly online at nagomi.uk.
Cheltenham offers a wide range of evening options — from fine dining in Montpellier to interactive dining experiences like Nagomi’s Japanese and Korean hotpot and grill, craft ale pubs, cocktail bars, and live theatre at the Everyman. The best choice depends on your group, but booking a table at a restaurant that offers a full experience (rather than just a meal) is often the most memorable option.
Yes. Cheltenham has one of the most varied evening scenes in the South West outside of Bristol. The town has a strong independent restaurant and bar culture, a Georgian town centre that’s pleasant to walk, and year-round cultural events through its festivals and theatre programme.
Friday and Saturday nights in Cheltenham are busy, especially in the Montpellier area and around the Brewery Quarter. Booking a restaurant in advance is strongly recommended. Nagomi is a popular choice for groups and couples looking for something interactive and different — the table grill and hotpot format makes it well suited to a relaxed evening that doesn’t feel rushed.
For a genuinely memorable evening, Nagomi’s Yakiniku grill and hotpot experience is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, and group celebrations. For fine dining, Lumiere (Michelin starred) and Purslane (fresh seafood) are both consistently rated among the best restaurants in the South West.
Yes. Nagomi accepts bookings online at nagomi.uk. Booking ahead is recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings and on Cheltenham race days.
Nagomi is Cheltenham’s only Japanese and Korean hotpot and grill restaurant, located at 1B Crescent Place, GL50 3PG. Book your table here.
But don’t just take our word for it – book a table now and experience the flavours for yourself! Whether you’re in the mood for fresh sushi, flavourful Korean bbq, Japanese hot pot or fresh sushi, our restaurant has something for everyone.
