Places to eat in Tewkesbury

My Great Grandfathers is our favourite place to eat right now. It’s tough to pin down. It’s a beautiful restaurant in a historic building on Church Street. The food is exquisite, beautifully plated and uses only the finest local ingredients. Read through the menu, and it sounds like British fine dining, but when the food arrives, it’s generously portioned. On top of that, the restaurant is quite casual, like a classic English bistro – if such a thing exists. It’s not the cheapest, but it is the best. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Another beautiful choice on Church Street is The Abbot’s Table. It’s practically in the shadow of Tewkesbury Abbey – one of our most recommended activities in Tewkesbury – and offers a sublime menu of British and European cuisine. Read through the menu, and you’ll find everything from locally caught game to pan-fried frog legs. We recommend the rack of lamb; it’s absolutely out of this world. Again, it’s best to book yourself a table.

Church Street is also home to a sublime Italian restaurant, Salerno. It’s some of the best and most authentic Italian food we’ve tried this side of the English Channel. The pizzas and calzones are unreal, the fish dishes are a delight and so too are the steaks. Plus, the service is always exceptional, and the atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming.

Your alternative Italian is Zitto e Mangia, which is excellently located slap, bang in the middle of the High Street. The pasta dishes are excellent; we recommend the bruschetta as well. Save room for the tiramisu; it’s the stuff of dreams. The restaurant itself is modern, stylish and well-spaced, so you’re not sat on top of your neighbouring table.

If you find yourself craving a curry, Crystal Rivers on the High Street is a brilliant option. It’s an Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant with an extensive menu, including delicious clay-oven tandoori dishes. It’s all reasonably priced, and it’s less than a five-minute walk from The Roses Theatre if you’re wondering where to go for a pre-theatre meal.

We also love Rajshahi. It’s another Bangladeshi restaurant on the corner of the High Street and Trinity Street. It ticks all the boxes of great food, excellent service, low prices and big portions.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat during the daytime, Caffe e Vino is a brilliant Italian cafe just a couple of doors down from My Great Grandfathers on Church Street. As well as having the best coffee in town, it has delicious fresh lunches and a beautiful garden if you want to dine al fresco when the weather’s warm.

You simply need to visit the Abbey Tea Rooms in the shadow of Tewkesbury Abbey on Church Street. It’s an eclectic, one-of-a-kind little cafe with vintage memorabilia lining every square inch of the walls and ceiling. It’s not just a novelty, though; the scones are delicious, and it’s great for afternoon tea.

Alternatively, make your way inside the abbey and visit the Touching Souls Tea Room. It’s run by volunteers from the parish who make their own homemade cakes and scones as well as jacket potatoes and sandwiches as a way of extending their Benedictine hospitality. It couldn’t be more welcoming and makes for a delightful lunch spot after exploring the abbey and its gardens.

Other honourable mentions go to Crumpets and their tasty cheesy crumpets on St Mary’s Lane, Tilly’s tea room on Barton Street and the full English breakfasts at the Jelly Roll Cafe.