The Strand, Cheltenham

A GBG Entry in the 2017 edition. It looks like a shop. Fortunately, its a shop that sells excellent Otter Beer - having 3 of their range on. As much as I liked the beer, I wouldn't drink here. For one thing, there is so much quality choice in Cheltenham. Photos at my blog - http://bit.ly/2d1vJ0u

With high internal ceilings and large plate glass windows,I assumed that this is a shop conversion and there is little signage externally to indicate it's presence.The decor is trendy,with a mixture of settles ,high tables and dining tables but it all works quite well in a 'bistro style'.Along the left hand wall is the bar sporting 6 handpumps,one for real perry with Cotswold Spring Codger,Liberation Ale,Milk Street Funky Monkey,Stroud Budding and Dorothy Goodbody's Flower Power on during my trip.Ale quality up to it's GBG listed standard and served by an attractive all women team.Food is a big draw here with mains £8.5-11,and there is live music on Fridays and Saturdays which may change the relaxed vibe somewhat.There is a flatscreen to one side,a good rock track not too loud,an outside courtyard and two rooms for hire upstairs. Worth including on any real ale tour,it's all a bit new wave but sound on the ale front.

Called in for a drink today and there were a few tables with folk like us just in for a drink even though they were serving late lunchtime patrons. We chose Ramsbury Deerstalker and White Park Blonde from the 5 beers available and were impressed with the quality.

Struck me as being more of a Bistro with bar than a traditional pub and it appeared to me to be another place where most people seem to come here to eat rather than just drink. Which in a way is a bit of a shame, because on the beer front they were really trying. There are five Ale pumps and a Cider pull and there is a constantly rotating list of ales and every month they do a spotlight on one brewer. There was a couple of Cheltenham SPA offerings, Skinners Best Bitter and Plain Ales inspiration if I remember correctly. Very light internally, as the front is nearly all glass , and a modern bistro décor. There is a very pleasant decked area to the rear of the pub where I was able to take my pint. But I just didn’t feel comfortable just having a drink here.

The Strand is now an established quality eating and drinking pub. Highly recommended.