MATTEO PIRELLI
Cheltenham’s high street is getting a makeover since the last lockdown ended in April.
In recent months, retailers such as Debenhams, Topshop and Laura Ashley have departed while online shopping has been booming.
But now, a host of new stores and restaurants are getting ready to open their doors to the capital of the Cotswolds.
Here is a list of some stores and restaurants opening in the town this year or the next:
DECATHLON, Regent Arcade
Are you wishing for a new sports store to arrive in the town centre? Well fear no more.
Decathlon will open where BHS used to reside at the end of the Regent Arcade next to Tivoli cinema.
They have been planning to open a store here in Cheltenham for two years.
Cheltenham has not had a sports store in its high street since 2018 after Sports Direct moved out of town.
Since it started in France in 1976, Decathlon has opened over 1,600 stores in 57 countries around the world, specialising in sportswear and sports equipment.
Benoit Dufour, the expansion manager, was there to see how the store was doing to help and prepare for its grand opening.
“I believe Cheltenham is the right location with a lot of catchment” Benoit said, “We know there’s a big need for university students who want to flock in and buy new affordable equipment”.
Decathlon are happy to become a major addition to the Regent Arcade. However, it is not the only sports store to arrive to the spa town.
JD SPORTS, Regent Arcade
JD Sports is finally moving into Cheltenham as early as December, where Topshop used to reside.
The chain is known for street wear ranging from Adidas, Nike, North Face, Ellesse and many more and also sell shoes ranging from Nike Air Forces to Adidas Predator football boots.
A woman exercising near the store was glad to hear the news.
“I’ve been to JD and Decathlon before in other locations” she recalls, “I moved to Cheltenham two years ago, trying to get sports stuff for my family on the high street has been difficult”.
JD sports will open near the Regent Arcade, with Decathlon at the other end of the high street, just in time for Christmas.
TACO BELL, High Street
Taco bell is one of America’s biggest taco restaurant chains and is finally coming to Cheltenham on the 22nd of November.
It’s the first Taco Bell to open in Gloucestershire.
Some people walking down the high street told Park Life what they thought about the newest addition to the eateries in town.
“Burritos might be the most popular to try out”, one person says “We’ve got some Taco Bells in Scotland and I’m pleased to see it open here”.
“I’d be sure to try it out as there is a lot of variety”, another person replies “Especially when Mowgli recently opened with its swings”.
The restaurant’s food includes the cheesy taco, volcano burrito, cheese quesadilla and many more.
It will take time for the UK to go taco crazy.
BREWDOG, Brewery Quarter
A new bar is set to join in the action around Spring 2022 by the name Brewdog, where Frankie & Benny’s used to be.
They join other restaurants that opened in the Brewery such as Mowgli, Hub Box, Alchemist and many more since 2020.
The company values its sustainable claiming to be one of the most well-known carbon negative bars with many locations the UK and USA.
They brew a variety of beers, ales and lagers, including Elvis Juice, Hazy Jane, Nanny State and many more.
FLIGHT CLUB DARTS, Brewery Quarter
The first rule about Flight Club is to talk about Flight club. The second rule about Flight Club is to talk about Flight Club.
Movie references aside, this restaurant has a variety of food and drinks for a perfect night out.
However, there is something that stands out. You can play a game of darts during your time there!
The darts themed restaurant is set to arrive at the Brewery in Spring 2022, bringing in more entertainment to the centre, where Hollywood Bowl and Cineworld are.
If you’re in the mood for a game of snakes ‘n’ ladders with darts and feeling peckish for a sirloin steak with chips on the side, Flight Club has got you covered.
PHO, Brewery Quarter
Pho is a Vietnamese cafe that prioritises in healthiness, planning to arrive in the Brewery as early as January 2022.
Its main recipe is Pho, a type of soup noodle that includes herbs, meat, chicken and noodles.
There is a wide variety of Pho to choose from, including a vegan hot and spicy tofu, a beef combo.
Pho is hoping families and kids can try out Vietnamese food for the first time.
FOR THE SAINTS, Montpellier Walk
For the Saints is an upcoming espresso bar set to open in Montpellier by the end of the year.
It is part of a restaurant group named JM Socials Group, which also has many restaurants and cafes around Cheltenham including a Holee Cow, Prithvi, Bao & BBQ and many more.
An Italian atmosphere and menu will help make For the Saints a pleasing experience for those who want drink a quick cup of coffee while taking a break from shopping.
