First look: Inside the revamped Tivoli pub in Cheltenham

Patience has been the name of the game for the new owners of The Tivoli pub in Cheltenham. 

Tom Noest and Peter Creed were about to buy The Sudeley Arms near Prestbury when the Dodo Pub Co swooped in to transform it into The Airs and Graces. 

They were also looking at The Bell at Charlbury before Daylesford Organic added it to its pub portfolio.

But after a year of disappointment, those two pub losses have been transformed into the pair's newest gain, as the proud new owners of The Tivoli which opened this July 2024.

Tom and Peter believe everything happens for a reason and over the last couple of months they’ve gutted the popular locals pub on the edge of Cheltenham and given it a fresh countryside feel, complete with taxidermy on display including a striking stuffed Booby swooping down the staircase.

They’ve created a relaxed atmosphere with a young enthusiastic team serving up a warm welcome. It feels light, spacious and airy with flickering candles on every table.

Their aim is to create a more European welcoming atmosphere with fresh snacks on the bar and breadbaskets accompanying meals.

Co-owner Peter, who lives in Stow-on-the-Wold, said: ‘I couldn’t be happier. We’ve got a wicked team and I feel really proud of them. We ripped the pub apart and knocked glass walls out so the historic features could sing.

‘We’ve stripped it back to keep it traditional and to bring a country feel to a town pub. We hope locals love it, Cheltenham is a fun town where we know people love to go out.’

He previously worked for The Lucky Onion at The Tavern and has some of his old team members back in the fold. The opening has created 30 new jobs.

Bringing the pair's portfolio up to five venues, The Tivoli marks the first foray into a slightly more urban domain, with the other four pubs in more rural Cotswolds locations; The Bell Inn in Langford; The Lamb Inn in Shipton-under-Wychwood; The Fox Inn in Broadwell and The Sherborne Arms in Northleach.

The Tivoli has 120 covers throughout, making it one of their largest establishments yet, and the pair describe it as the jewel in their crown of pubs.

Furniture has been sourced from local antique fairs and furniture restorers giving the pub a homely feel. 

The large bar area is flooded with light from huge windows, with doors leading outside to a walled terrace, which also serves food and drink.

There are two floors for dining, including two private rooms for parties, events or a cosy dinner with a bigger group of friends.

The new seasonal menu offers a well-rounded array of dishes inspired by local produce and a nose-to-tail philosophy.  Innovative twists on pub classics include Peter's favourite of Iberico pork sandwich — inspired by his travels to Portugal.

There are pub snacks, as well as daily lunch specials written up on blackboards and regular chicken and steak nights. Every Sunday from 6pm there's a fondue night too.

Local beers are on tap including draught pours from Cheltenham based Deya Brewery.