Describing itself as 'Cheltenham's hottest new venue for social gatherings', The Yard Bistro is set to be the latest go-to hub for Gloucestershire foodies when it opens in the town.
Adding to the buzzing hospitality scene, the venue — which was previously home to the Outdoor Inn — takes inspiration from London's Box Park and Bristol's Wapping Wharf, and plans to offer a fusion of food, coffee and community within the confines of repurposed shipping containers.
The team said it's a 'cultivated a space that beckons both locals and wanderers alike to indulge in culinary delights, savour aromatic brews and immerse themselves in a tapestry of vibrant events.'
Paged to be a hot spot for breakfast, brunch and coffee — and alcoholic drinks in its bar, too — the site offers a unique culinary experience centred around its signature salt beef which has been crafted from a treasured family recipe, passed down through generations — bringing a taste of tradition to the vibrant development.
But offering more than just a place to eat, The Yard promises a hub of community and creativity, hosting a plethora of events from bustling street food markets to curated collections of vintage records, clothes and handicrafts, with every gathering offering an opportunity to connect, explore and celebrate the diversity of the town.
That's not all, there are also four small retail units which will be available to rent, aimed at young start-up creative businesses, of which there are few examples in the town centre.
However, the success of The Studios — home of anchor tenant The Scandinavian Coffee Pod, which is now accompanied by The Four Cats bar and Papyro creative studios — demonstrates a clear demand.
In planning papers on behalf of The Yard, Edge Design Workshop which is looking after the design of the development stated that: 'This project transforms a vacant site in Cheltenham town centre into a vibrant mixed-use development, establishing a distinctive destination that provides both daytime and nighttime activity for the community.
'Targeted towards young start-up creative businesses, the proposed scheme employs a cohesive design philosophy utilising low-cost recyclable materials, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.'
The proposed scheme divides the structure into two platform levels. The upper level comprises four small retail units served by an internal courtyard area and the lower level contains The Yard Bistro, with outdoor seating.
The levels are to be linked via a ramped passageway which has a central bar unit, in addition to a washroom block, bicycle store, bin stores and a staircase which leads to a terrace above the bistro.
The intention of the position of the staircase is to allow all tenants within the development access to the terrace for additional seating, public events and meetings.
An official opening date and finer details are yet to be announced.
