April feels like a month of new beginnings with more sunshine, flowers and a sense of expectation in the air.

If you’re looking for something fresh to explore this month, we’ve rounded up some of the most interesting new openings to take a closer peek at when you’re out and about in Gloucestershire.

Cheltenham
There have been a host of exciting new openings in Cheltenham recently.

It’s great to see the doors back open at popular pub The Tavern under the experienced stewardship of JM Socials, with husband-and-wife team Thomas and Kathryn Law at the helm. Fans of the pub will be relieved that the kitchen team remains the same, with an appealing menu of hearty pub classics and more refined small plates, as well as Sunday lunch and a kids’ menu, too.

It brings JM Socials’ tally of foodie hot spots to eight in Cheltenham, with The Tavern sitting alongside Prithvi, Bhoomi Kitchen, Circo Brasserie, BAO + BBQ, Holee Cow, For the Saints and COALHOUSE.

Another pleasing reopening is The Clarence Social, which has been given a new lease of life and a smart freshen-up thanks to private chef James Lowdell, who is a huge fan of foraging and seasonal menus. Dishes have a rich, indulgent and meaty slant, and an exciting new martini bar is opening downstairs, too.

The Brewery Quarter is increasing its ‘fun quota’ with a new virtual golf experience that’s proving popular, and not just with those who love the sport! Bringing immersive golf simulator rooms to Cineworld, The Brewery Quarter says: “Guests can step onto the virtual fairway with state-of-the-art golf simulators that allow players of all abilities to enjoy famous courses from around the world.”

Using Trackman technology means Cheltenham games can go global – players wanting a wider challenge can face competitors around the world in a live game!

This latest offering brings with it a new sports lounge and licensed bar to watch live sport. Nikki Kontarines, Director of Martin Commercial Properties, managing agents of The Brewery Quarter, said: “It brings something genuinely different to Cheltenham.” 

Gloucester
Hotel Indigo has opened its doors in Gloucester city centre at The Forum. It offers a rooftop bar with spectacular views across the city, and it’s determined to have a strong sense of place with 129 bedrooms, featuring bright colours and artwork, that reflect the city’s rich heritage.

Muse Brasserie is set to open at Gloucester Quays this month. The popular restaurant, which is adding to its Cheltenham and Bristol stable, promises “the same refined yet relaxed dining style, seasonal menus, and warm hospitality that Muse is known for”. The mostly French-themed brasserie includes European favourites with an Asian twist.

Another new foodie addition to the city is Banchina Italian, a sister restaurant to Sef Steakhouse in Cheltenham. Opening at Gloucester Quays, it promises to bring the spirit of Italy to the city.

The team says: “Banchina Italian is built on a simple philosophy that great food, warm hospitality and beautiful surroundings should feel effortless.”

Diners can expect Italian classics, with an open kitchen and pizza oven in the heart of the restaurant showcasing all of the action.

Cotswolds
The Wild Duck pub with rooms at Ewen, near Cirencester, has reopened after seven years and an extensive refurbishment. Its stylish new look is the vision of Georgie Pearman, who many moons ago was in charge of Julian Dunkerton’s The Lucky Onion group.

Menus at Wild Duck draw inspiration from the locality, with dishes featuring Bibury trout and Gloucester Old Spot pork chop. There’s a nod to the Forest of Dean with wild boar pie on the menu, too.

Nineteen stylish bedrooms each have unique identities, with characterful wallpaper creating atmospheric feature walls.

In a post on Instagram highlighting the ‘love, effort, tears, stress, sweat and money’ that have gone into the refurbishment, Georgie said: “One of the most amazing things about this pub is how the locals rallied around to help. It’s hard running a pub, café, restaurant or hotel at the best of times, let alone now in this business climate in the UK.”

Roots + Seeds Far Peak is launching in Northleach on Friday 27^th March 2026. It will open daily for coffee and bakes, breakfast, brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea, with everything available to eat-in or to grab and go.

The stylish space, in a former barn, will also have a taproom to showcase Hawkstone beers and ciders. It’s also family friendly with an indoor play area for little ones.

It’s the third dining hub for Roots + Seeds founders Toby Baggott and Sam Lawson King, as they build on the success of Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden at Old Kennels in Cirencester and Roots + Seeds Café & Kitchen at Gloucester Food Dock.

Stroud
New vintage traders are flocking to sell their unique wares at The Home of Vintage at Five Valleys shopping centre in Stroud.

Open from Thursday to Sunday, new businesses to recently join include Vandal Vintage with its collectibles and clothes; Reprise Stroud featuring retro toys, games and nostalgia; and Phoenix and Moon offering distinctive jewellery.

North Gloucestershire
In Winchcombe, new Café 21 in Bull Lane is serving up salads, sandwiches, toasties, soups, cakes and breakfasts. It’s run by Philip August the former manager of William’s of Winchcombe delicatessen, which closed in October 2025. He reports that the house salad specials and artisan quiches are proving especially popular.

The Old Bakery in Winchcombe has a new owner serving up coffee and cakes in the day and charcuterie and cheese boards in the evening.


If you’ve got a new opening in Gloucestershire you’d like to shout about, drop me a line at editor@thelocalanswer.co.uk