Featuring everything from re-imagined riverside restaurants to restorative wellness gardens, Gloucestershire is bursting with exciting new openings, popping up across the county each month.
Just in case you missed some of the hottest new spots, SoGlos rounds up 11 of the most exciting Gloucestershire openings in July 2024...
Dr Foster at Gloucester Docks
Promising the essence of a classic pub with a modern twist, Gloucester Docks’ popular riverside drinks venue, Dr Foster’s, new gastropub is now open with a fresh and re-imagined concept, after being purchased by acclaimed Hereford restaurant group, A Rule of Tum.
Visitors to the newly rebranded Dr Foster can expect a diverse menu featuring brunch dishes such as Foster’s Baked Eggs with yogurt, 'nduja sausage crumb, dukkah and sourdough; and tempting evening meals like the classic chicken, thyme and leek pie, served with A Rule of Tum’s famous buttered mash potato.
Popeyes in Gloucester
After winging its way across to the UK, Gloucestershire foodies can get finally their Louisiana chicken fix — with signature Cajun gravy and fries on the side — following plans to launch Gloucester’s first ever Popeyes site at St Oswalds Retail Park this July 2024.
Hungry diners can expect Popeyes famous fresh marinated chicken — served either classic or spicy — as well as breakfast items, fast-food goodies and shakes, including its brand-new, Big Brekkie Wrap and Buffalo Ranch Sandwich.
Phat Boi at Dunkertons in Cheltenham
Foodies across Gloucestershire now have another brand-new dining destination to visit, as dim sum and ramen company, Phat Boi, now takes up a permanent residency at Dunkertons Cider in Cheltenham.
The noodle hub is expected to bring a taste of China to Cheltenham, specialising in ramen noodle dishes and dim sum, selling a signature range of shao mai, xiaolongbao and wonton.
Wellness garden at Burleigh Court in Stroud
The boutique Burleigh Court Hotel in Stroud has a brand-new wellbeing offering designed with locals in mind, with a new spa garden completed in July 2024.
The new Wellness Garden is described as a 'nature spa' offering a tranquil environment to roll out a mat for some open air yoga; slip into a hot tub and soak in the spectacular views across the Stroud Valley; or lounge next to the hotel's 100-year-old listed plunge pool, which has been lovingly restored.
New shepherds huts at Cotswold Farm Park
Ideal for romantic getaways in the Cotswolds countryside, popular animal attraction Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power has launched two new shepherds huts for summer staycations.
Each hand-crafted hut sleeps two with a comfy double bed, private bathroom and outdoor barbecue, not to mention its own garden.
The Steamhouse in Cirencester
Following the opening of its first venture in Gloucestershire back in 2022, The Steamhouse — which has a cult following and popular shops in nearby Cheltenham, Leamington Spa, Oxford and Bromsgrove — launched its latest bagel shop in Cirencester.
Bagel fanatics can expect New York-style feasts, with combos such as The Reuben — packed with hot pastrami, melted Swiss, pickles and sauerkraut — and The VLT stuffed with fake bacon, shredded gem lettuce, beef tomato and red onions; as well as breakfast bagels.
The Minster Exchange in Cheltenham
The much anticipated Minster Exchange, or the MX Innovation Centre, officially opened doors in July 2024 — offering a workspace dedicated to the growth of the local technology community in Cheltenham,
The workspaces are set up for startups, with The Growth Hub on-site to support business development in the county, presenting a safe and trusted environment where Cheltenham professionals can connect and socialise.
Bristol Zoo Project playground
Bristol Zoo Project's brand-new adventure playground is now open just in time for the summer season — featuring a massive, three-storey tower of inclusive play equipment — located just a short drive from Gloucestershire.
Kids can race down the zipline and whizz down the companion slide, while other stand-out features include the rope jungle, floor and ground trampolines, a wheelchair accessible roundabout and family swing. Plus, the playground is modelled on a field station — just like the kind you'd find at Bristol Zoological Society's global outposts, where conservationists do important work to protect endangered wildlife species and habitats.
The Tivoli in Cheltenham
After undergoing a major renovation, the newly revamped The Tivoli in Cheltenham is now open, offering an array of dishes inspired by local produce and a 'nose-to-tail' philosophy.
It's a celebration of pub classics, with adventurous twists, such as devilled kidneys on toast, pigs head scrumpet with salad Lyonnaise, gnocchi, girolles mushrooms, peas and Corra Linn cheese, as well as sticky toffee pudding and flourless Valrhona chocolate cake and crème fraiche for dessert.
Cheltenham Animal Shelter at Cavendish House in Cheltenham
Much-loved animal aid organisation, Cheltenham Animal Shelter, launched its first off-site charity shop this month at Cheltenham's Cavendish House.
The new pop-up will stock a range of men's and women's clothing, shoes, accessories, homewares, books and games, all at bargain prices.
Arle Court Transport Hub
Cheltenham's Arle Court Transport Hub is officially open and operating, with Phase Two of the £33-million-pound project finally complete.
Part of Gloucestershire County Council's efforts to improve transport in the county, the facility will connect residents and visitors to the town centre via the Park and Ride, while also providing accessible travel facilities such as lockers, hoops and maintenance tools for cycles; shower and changing facilities; and a dedicated Changing Places toilet.
