Just off Cheltenham’s bustling High Street, Winchcombe Street is a paradise for fans of independent businesses and is home to a number of hidden gems.
From fashionable barbers to martial arts schools and even an escape room, SoGlos has handpicked some of the best independent venues that are well worth a visit.
Sweeney Tom
Cheltenham’s award-winning barbers, Sweeney Tom is hard to miss with its unique and eccentric style.
Boasting a plethora of barbering techniques and offering quality haircuts and beard trims, the barbers offer a premium service that has drawn in famous customers, such as Love islander star Chris Hughes and singer Jake Quickenden. Plus, the business also sells its own line of hair care products, too.
Cheltenham Martial Arts
Teaching fitness, self-defence and personal development through martial arts and kickboxing, Cheltenham Martial Arts is a great place to get active and learn a valuable life skill in a fun and entertaining way.
Offering classes for adults and children over the age of three, the business prides itself on teaching new skills and confidence, plus the company also offers karate-themed birthday parties.
My Pastalicious
Making homemade Italian food from local British produce, My Pastalicous sells everything from organic pasta and focaccia to supplì and sweet cinnamon buns.
Local foodies go wild for its selection of fresh pesto and sauces, Venetian tramezzini sandwiches and take away oven bake dishes. The business also regularly changes its menus and stock, giving visitors a taste of authentic Italian home cooking at its finest.
Escape Rooms Cheltenham
Offering creative and mind-boggling puzzles, Escape Rooms Cheltenham is a must-visit for those who fancy themselves a keen investigator.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, each room is graded for its difficulty, with something to suit all abilities. Hosting regular pop-up rooms that change every six months, recent escape room themes include Operation Foresight, inspired by GCHQ; Hacked; and The Missing Piece.
The Istanbul Kitchen
Situated towards the end of Winchcombe Street, The Istanbul Kitchen serves authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.
With an extensive range of meaty, vegetarian and vegan options, food lovers can tuck into everything from humus kavurma and baba ghanoush to fresh salads and grilled lamb chops. Serefe!
Revival Café Bar and Grill
Serving all day breakfasts, Sunday roasts, sandwiches, hot lunches and dinners, Revival Café Bar and Grill is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a hearty meal.
Available for parties and private bookings, too, the café and grill offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as smoothies and sweet treats.
Rogan Josh
Serving fresh Indian food, Cheltenham’s award-winning takeaway, Rogan Josh, is ideal for a mid-week pick me up or weekend foodie treat.
Named after one of the signature recipes of Kashmiri cuisine, Rogan Josh offers everything from familiar favourites like pakora, samosas, onion bhajis and its namesake curry, alongside chef’s special and more adventurous dishes for those partial to something more spicy.
Expert Eyebrows
Specialising in all things eyebrows, Expert Eyebrows offer walk in services for customers looking for a quick pamper and reshape.
Open Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 5.30pm and Sunday from 10am until 5pm, the salon also offers pedicures; facials; body massage; waxing; nails; bridal make up; tinting; eyelashes and more.
Spencers Café
Spencers Cafe serves up a variety of hearty dishes, from cooked breakfasts and light lunches to coffee and sweet treats.
With three egg omelettes, juicy burgers and oven baked jacket potatoes being just some of the options on the menu, the cafe offers plenty of choice for visitors looking for a wholesome meal.
