Podcast episodes

A mixed feed — rotating episodes from each city.

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Unique Experiences & Immersive Bristol

This week on Spotlight on Bristol, your host Terence Williams takes you on a journey through six of the city’s most unexpected and immersive destinations. From interactive art parks and underground railways to private micro-cinemas and artist-run galleries, this episode is all about the Bristol experiences that go beyond the usual. Every stop is a place that invites you to step inside, get involved, and see the city from a new perspective — with confirmed websites and addresses so you can visit for yourself. Places Featured Spike Island Artspace Website: spikeisland.org.uk Address: 133 Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1 6UX Highlights: A hub for contemporary art, artist studios, exhibitions, events, and a café — located right on the harbourside. Tobacco Factory Theatres Website: tobaccofactorytheatres.com Address: Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF Highlights: A community-focused theatre and event venue inside a converted factory, with its own café/bar and a popular Sunday market. Wake The Tiger Website: wakethetiger.com Address: 127 Albert Road, St Philips, Bristol BS2 0YA Highlights: Described as the UK’s first “Amazement Park®,” it features 40+ interactive art installations blending storytelling, design, and immersive theatre. 20th Century Flicks Website: 20thcenturyflicks.co.uk Address: 19 Christmas Steps, Bristol BS1 5BS Highlights: A one-of-a-kind video rental store and micro-cinema with over 20,000 titles and two private screening rooms for hire. Clifton Rocks Railway Website: cliftonrocksrailway.com Address: Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 (adjacent to the Clifton Suspension Bridge) Highlights: A hidden funicular railway built into the Avon Gorge cliffs — tours and restoration events reveal Bristol’s subterranean secrets. Camera Obscura & Clifton Observatory Website: cliftonobservatory.com Address: Litfield Road, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3LT Highlights: An iconic windmill-turned-observatory offering a working camera obscura, historic caves, and panoramic views of the Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge.

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Spotlight on Cambridge

Historic Pubs & Their Stories in Cambridge

Join your host, Terence Williams, for a tour of six of Cambridge’s most storied pubs — places where history, community, and good food & drink combine. Every pub here has an active web presence or is well recognized locally, so listeners can find them easily. Places featured: The Eagle Website: theeaglepubcambridge.co.uk Address: Bene’t Street, Cambridge CB2 3QN Highlights: One of Cambridge’s most famous pubs, The Eagle is known not just for pints but for historic moments — it’s claimed to be where Watson & Crick first announced the structure of DNA. The Maypole Freehouse Website: maypolefreehouse.co.uk Address: 20a Portugal Place, Cambridge, CB5 8AF Highlights: A family-run, award‑winning pub with a large rotating selection of ales from independent breweries, plus Italian‑style food influences in their kitchen. The Free Press Website: freepresscambridge.com Address: 7 Prospect Row, Cambridge CB1 1DU Highlights: A “cosy backstreet” pub with a literary twist — walls lined with newspaper pages, snug interior, strong seasonal menu and a good beer selection. The Castle Inn Website: thecastleinn.pub Address: 36 Castle Street Cambridge Highlights: A pub with roots going back centuries. Their current incarnation offers home‑cooked meals, craft beers, and a warm, unpretentious vibe. The Burleigh Arms Website: burleigharmscambridge.co.uk Address: 9-11 Newmarket Rd, Cambridge CB5 8EG Highlights: Built originally as a brewery tap in the 1820s, this pub embraces its heritage while offering a modern gastro pub feel. The Anchor Website: www.anchorcambridge.com Address: Silver Street, Cambridge CB3 9EL Highlights: A riverside classic — overlooks the Mill Pond and close to Queens’ College’s Mathematical Bridge. A great spot for pub food with a view.

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Spotlight on Cheltenham

Sounds & Spirits: Six Live Music & Cocktail Venues in Cheltenham

In this episode of Spotlight on Cheltenham, I, Solomon Prescott will take you on an evening out: six venues where music, atmosphere, and expertly crafted drinks come together. These are places to linger over a cocktail, tap your foot, or catch a set by local or touring artists. Each spot has a visible online presence (social, website, or listings) and a real address so listeners can go explore the night scene themselves. Featured Venues: The Alchemist, Cheltenham Website: thealchemistbars.com Address: The Brewery Quarter, Henrietta St, Cheltenham GL50 4FA What’s good: A theatrical cocktail bar & restaurant in Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter. Creative drinks, showy presentation, and a fun night out destination. 33 The Rum Bar Website: 33therumbar.co.uk Address: 33 Prestbury Rd, Cheltenham GL52 2PP What’s good: Cozy, rum‑specialist bar just outside town. Over 150 rum labels, craft cocktails, friendly atmosphere, dog‑friendly. The Clarence Social Website: theclarence.social Address: 1 Clarence Parade, Cheltenham, GL50 3NY What’s good: Hidden behind the Promenade, this lounge offers wine, charcuterie, cocktails, with happy hour and evening vibes. Gin & Juice Website: ginandjuice.com Address: 131 The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW What’s good: Cheltenham’s late‑night spot. 400+ gins, lively terrace, DJs, cocktails galore. Planet Caravan Website: planetcaravancheltenham.com Address: 25 Bath St, Cheltenham GL50 1YA What’s good: Craft beer, cocktails, street food, casual but upscale bar experience. Their “Lagerita” cocktail and rotating beer/cocktail combos make this one versatile. Mr Cambray’s Curiosity Website: mrcambrays.co.uk Address: 30 Cambray Pl, Cheltenham GL50 1JP What’s good: Café by day, cocktail bar by night. Seasonal drinks, events, and dual personality gives it interesting narrative potential.

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Spotlight on Bristol

Independent Bookshops & Literary Corners of Bristol

Join your host, Terence Williams, on a six‑stop journey through Bristol’s literary undercurrent — the independent bookshops, reading spaces, and creative hubs where stories are found, shared, and celebrated. Each featured shop has a live website and address, so listeners can visit or explore further. Places featured: Storysmith Books Website: storysmithbooks.com Address: 236 North Street, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 1JD Highlights: Curated fiction, non‑fiction and children’s selection; in‑store café and regular literary events. bookhaus Website: bookhausbristol.com Address: Unit 4, Rope Walk, Wapping Wharf, Bristol BS1 6ZJ Highlights: A radical, thoughtful indie shop with a focus on politics, small presses, and community events. Stanfords (Bristol) Website: bristol.stanfords.co.uk Address: Corn Street, Bristol (in the historic market district) Highlights: Travel, maps, guidebooks, literary works; part of Bristol’s heritage of exploration through books. Gloucester Road Books Website: gloucesterroadbooks.com Address: Gloucester Road, Bristol Highlights: Independent shop with contemporary curation, local author support, community energy. The Small City Bookshop Website: thesmallcitybookshop.co.uk Address: Church Road, Redfield / East Bristol Highlights: Community hub, broad selections in adult & children’s titles, author events and local focus. Max Minerva’s Marvellous Books Website: maxminervas.co.uk Address: Henleaze, Bristol (plus Portishead branch) Highlights: A cozy neighbourhood bookstore with a wide range of stock and personality.

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Spotlight on Cambridge

Sweet Side of Cambridge — Dessert & Dessert Cafés

Join your host, Terence Williams, as we take a leisurely stroll through Cambridge’s sweetest spots. From artisanal gelato to patisseries to dessert parlours with flair, this episode features six dessert destinations (all currently operating, with websites or verified presence) so listeners can easily explore menus and opening hours. Places featured: Jack’s Gelato Website: www.jacksgelato.com Address: 6 bene't Street, Cambridge or 7 All Saints Passage, Cambridge Highlights: Housemade gelato in inventive flavours (e.g. sea salt dark chocolate, cardamom, seasonal sorbets). A local favourite for artisan scoops. Heavenly Desserts Cambridge Website: heavenlydesserts.co.uk Address: Unit 8, Christ’s Lane, Cambridge, CB1 1NP Highlights: A dessert restaurant known for crepes, waffles, sundaes, and decadent treats. They also have vegan / gluten‑free options and operate late evening. Bravo Patisserie & Café Website: bravopatisserie.com Address: 164 Mill Rd, Cambridge CB1 3LP Highlights: Handmade cakes, pastries, custom dessert orders. They mix classic European techniques with seasonal touches. Also serve coffee and sweet brunch‑style dishes. Creams Café Website: creamscafe.com Address: Unit F1, Cambridge Leisure Park, Clifton Road, CB1 7DY Highlights: Dessert parlour chain with ice cream, sundaes, waffles, milkshakes, hot desserts. A fun after‑movie or evening out spot. Fitzbillies Website: www.fitzbillies.com Address: 31b Clifton Road, Cambridge, CB1 7EB Highlights: Famous for their Chelsea buns, cakes, pastries and traditional bakery desserts. A historic gem for sweets. B. Tap Baron (Bubble Waffle / Dessert Café) Website: btapbaron.co.uk Address: 22 Lion Yard, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3ET Highlights: They specialize in dessert café style offerings — bubble waffles, dessert drinks, coffee, sweet treats. A modern and playful dessert stop

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Spotlight on Cheltenham

Food on the Move: Six Street‑Food & Casual Bites

In this episode of *Spotlight on Cheltenham*, I—Solomon Prescott—take you out of the formal dining rooms and into the fast‑flavour world of street food, casual bites, and bars that serve up big tastes with relaxed vibes. These are six spots where you can grab something delicious without the fuss, but never without authenticity or atmosphere. Each one has either a solid website *or* a strong social media presence, plus a real address so you can go try them tonight. Featured Street‑Food & Casual Eats: 1. Planet Caravan * Website: (https://www.planetcaravancheltenham.com/) * Address: 25 Bath Street, Cheltenham GL50 1YA * What makes it special: A hybrid of craft beer bar, cocktail selection, and casual food — think slow‑cooked meats, sharing platters, tacos, loaded nachos. Great if you want flavour with friends, laid‑back atmosphere and interesting drinks. 2. The Yard Cheltenham * Website: (https://theyardcheltenham.co.uk/) * Address: St James Street, Cheltenham GL50 1DX * What makes it special: A communal street‑food venue where multiple traders bring bold bites, artisan treats, and desserts. It's about great food in an energetic, social setting. 3. Mowgli Street Food Cheltenham * Website: (https://www.mowglistreetfood.com/restaurants/cheltenham/) * Address: Unit 5B, The Brewery Quarter, St. Margarets Road, Cheltenham GL50 4FA * What makes it special: Colourful, flavour‑packed Indian street food; lots of fresh herbs, bold tastes, sharing options. Perfect for casual evenings or when you want something light but exciting. 4. Bombay & Co * Website: (https://www.bombaynco.uk/) * Address: Cheltenham (see site for exact location; includes dine‑in & takeaway) * What makes it special: Indian street food done well — strong spicing, familiar favourites and some twists. Bold flavours and good value. 5. The Alchemist (Cheltenham) * Website: (https://thealchemistbars.com/venues/cheltenham/) * Address: Brewery Quarter, Henrietta Street, Cheltenham GL50 4FA * What makes it special: More than a drink‑stop — cocktails that are theatrical, Instagram‑worthy moments, atmosphere, plus a menu to match. Not purely street food but casual and eye‑catching, great for a relaxed evening out. 6. Popworld Cheltenham * Website: (https://www.popworldparty.co.uk/cheltenham) * Address: 2A Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HE * What makes it special: Late‑night bar with fun, party‐vibe cocktails and pop classics. If you want somewhere where the food might be simple or supportive of the bar atmosphere (snacks, drinks), but the mood is all about letting go and having a good time.

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Spotlight on Bristol

Cocktails & Independent Cinema Nights in Bristol

Join host Terence Williams as he explores the intersection of drinks culture and film in Bristol. This episode highlights six standout spots—cocktail bars and indie cinemas—where sophistication meets creativity after dark. Each location has a live website and confirmed address so you can plan your next night out with confidence. Places featured: The Milk Thistle Website: milkthistlebristol.com Address: Quay Head House, Colston Ave, Bristol BS1 1EB Why: Stylish, multi-floor speakeasy cocktail bar hidden in the city centre. Filthy XIII Website: filthyxiii.com Address: 208 Cheltenham Road, Bristol BS6 5QU Why: Award‑winning cocktail bar in Stokes Croft with creative drink menus and small bites. Watershed Website: watershed.co.uk Address: 1 Canon’s Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TX Why: Iconic independent cinema and cultural centre, with café/bar and creative programming. Everyman Bristol Website: everymancinema.com Address: Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2NH Why: Boutique cinema with luxe seating, in-cinema dining, and a bar. Cube Cinema Website: cubecinema.com Address: Dove Street South [off top-left of King Square], Kingsdown, Bristol. BS2 8JD Why: Known for alternative, cult, arthouse film & community programming. The Juke Box Website: thejukeboxbars.com Address: 32 Park Street, Bristol BS1 5JA Why: Cocktail bar with live music, energetic ambiance, creative drinks.

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Spotlight on Cambridge

Brunch & Breakfast Favourites Around Cambridge

Join your host, Terence Williams, for six wonderful stops across Cambridge (and nearby) exploring the city’s best brunch and breakfast cafés. From heritage settings to plant‑friendly menus to waterside charm, this episode features only places with full websites and active presence so you can check menus and opening times easily. Places featured: Michaelhouse Café Website: michaelhousecafe.com Address: St Michael’s Church, Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1SU Highlights: This café sits inside St Michael’s Church in the city centre. Their breakfast and brunch menus include pastries, cakes, loaded scrambled eggs, sourdough toast, and seasonal brunch dishes. They pride themselves on locally sourced ingredients. The Copper Kettle Website: copperkettlecambridge.co.uk Address: 4 Kings Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SJ Highlights: A long‑running café that opens early (8 am) with a full breakfast menu and all‑day dining. They blend a traditional tea‑room feel with modern touches. Their full breakfast, waffles, and daily specials are big favourites. The Sage of Cambridge Website: sageofcambridge.com Address: 33 Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1UZ Highlights: A wellness‑inspired café with strong vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options. Great for people seeking nourishing, clean brunch fare — think avocado toast, plant bowls, healthy pastries, creative seasonal menus. COFE!N Website: cofeincambridge.com Address: (in central Cambridge) — I didn’t find a full postal address publicly listed on their site, but their site states they are “in the heart of Cambridge.” Highlights: All‑day brunch + brunch boards, artisan coffee, baked goods, vibrant menu including both hearty and lighter brunch dishes, plus creative drinks (wellness lattes etc.). Thrive Café Website: thrivecambridge.com Address: 5‑7 Norfolk Street, Cambridge CB1 2LD Highlights: A charitable/community café. Their kitchen serves breakfast through the day. It’s cozy, local, and a place with heart (supporting social enterprise). Bill’s Cambridge Website: bills-website.co.uk (Cambridge branch) Address: (Cambridge restaurant) — they have a location in Cambridge (menu page shows “Cambridge Breakfast Menu”) Highlights: A more polished brunch/restaurant setting. They offer classics: Eggs Benedict, pancakes, full breakfast choices. A good balance between local cafés and restaurant brunch.

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Spotlight on Cheltenham

Fresh & Noteworthy: Six New and Revitalised Restaurants in Cheltenham

In this episode of Spotlight on Cheltenham, Solomon Prescott unveils six restaurants that are either newly opened, newly relaunched, or recently revitalised in the local scene. Whether it’s a famous Thai brand setting up on the Promenade or a bold pizza-and-milkshake combo on the High Street, these are the places that food lovers are talking about right now. Each one has a real online presence, active socials or website, and a publicly listed address so you can book, browse, and taste for yourself. Featured Restaurants: Rosa’s Thai Cheltenham Website: rosasthai.com Address: 16 Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1LR What makes it special: The much-loved London Thai chain has landed in Cheltenham, offering bright, bold flavours, warming curries, and sweet Thai iced teas in a cozy, casual setting. Casablanca Instagram: @casablancacheltenham Website: casablancacheltenham.co.uk Address: 42 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham GL52 2ND What makes it special: A rebrand of the plant-based favourite Vegetus, this new Moroccan spot offers rich North African flavours, tagines, dips, and an ambient, spice-toned interior. Moolicious × Slice Bros Websites: slicebros.co.uk Instagram: @mooliciouscheltenham Address: 74 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 1EG What makes it special: A street-food dream team: loaded pizza slices from Slice Bros and next-level milkshakes from Moolicious. Perfect for an indulgent stop after shopping or on a night out. Lumiere Website: lumiererestaurant.co.uk Address: Clarence Parade, Cheltenham, GL50 3PA What makes it special: Cheltenham’s newest Michelin-starred experience. Ingredient-led, British seasonal cooking, fine dining service, and an elegant yet understated setting that makes every dinner feel like an occasion. The Woozy Pig (New Restaurant) Website: woozypig.co.uk Social: Facebook – The Woozy Pig Address: 50 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2AQ What makes it special: Known for pop-ups and BBQ catering, Woozy Pig now has a full restaurant with all-day brunch, juicy burgers, and local beers. Unpretentious, flavourful, and much-loved by locals. Sam’s Montpellier Website: samsmontpellier.co.uk Address: 4 Montpellier Terrace, Cheltenham, GL50 1US What makes it special: A modern British restaurant in one of the town’s most stylish quarters. Recently refreshed with a new menu and warm, minimalist décor, it’s perfect for intimate dinners or weekend catchups.

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Spotlight on Bristol

Rooftop Bars & Sweet Treats Around Bristol

Join your host, Terence Williams, for a sky-high and sugar-filled tour of Bristol. This week, we’re mixing rooftop cocktails with crêpes, gelato, and dessert cafés — six fully verified spots where the views are great, and the treats are even better. Each business has a live website and confirmed location, so you can plan your next evening out with ease. 📍 Places Featured: Bambalan Website: bambalan.co.uk Address: Podium Level, Beacon Tower, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 4XE Highlights: Mediterranean-inspired food and cocktails served on a vibrant rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. The White Lion Bar (at Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin) Website: hotelduvin.com Address: Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4LD Highlights: Iconic terrace bar with one of the best views in the UK — overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge. Zerodegrees Website: zerodegrees.co.uk Address: 53 Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5BA Highlights: Rooftop microbrewery and bar serving craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, and pasta dishes with skyline views. Chez Marcel Website: chezmarcelcreperie.com Address: 43 Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2EP Highlights: Cosy French crêperie offering both sweet and savoury galettes. A perfect dessert or light dinner stop in the city centre. Swoon Gelato Website: swoononaspoon.co.uk Address: 31 College Green, Bristol BS1 5TB Highlights: Award-winning artisan gelato bar serving rich Italian-style gelato, seasonal specials, and vegan sorbets. Creams Café Website: creamscafe.com Address: 23–25 Baldwin Street, Bristol BS1 1NA Highlights: Modern dessert parlour serving waffles, crepes, sundaes, cookie dough, and milkshakes — great for late-night sweet cravings.

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Spotlight on Cambridge

Brewed in Cambridge — Local Breweries & Taprooms

Join your host, Terence Williams, on a tour of Cambridge’s craft beer and brewery scene. In this episode, we visit six local spots — from microbreweries and taprooms to lively beer pubs — each with active websites or social media so you can check out their latest beers, events, and opening hours. Places featured: 1. Calverley’s Brewery & Taproom Website: www.calverleys.com Address: 23A Hooper Street, Cambridge CB1 2NZ Highlights: A small‑batch brewery in the heart of Cambridge. Their taproom offers a rotating selection of beers inspired by global styles. It’s a cozy, intimate spot to sample unique brews and see the brewing process close up. 2. The Cambridge Brew House Website: www.thecambridgebrewhouse.com Address: 1 King Street, Cambridge CB1 1LH Highlights: A microbrewery + pub in central Cambridge. They brew on site, host a changing line‑up of their own ales and guest craft beers, and serve pub food and sharing boards. Great for combining good food and beer in the same visit. 3. BrewBoard Website: www.brewboard.co.uk Address: Button End Industrial Estate, Harston, Cambridge CB22 7GX Highlights: BrewBoard is a microbrewery just outside Cambridge. They have a taproom, run events, and offer a wide variety of styles (IPA, NEIPA, stouts, lagers). Their beers are bold, balanced, and built for both flavour and drinkability. 4. The Milton Brewery (and associated pubs) Website: www.miltonbrewery.co.uk Address: Pegasus House, Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, Cambridge CB25 9PY Highlights: Milton Brewery is one of the older names in the area. They distribute widely and run a network of pubs in and around Cambridge (such as Queen Edith, Rose & Crown, Devonshire Arms). It’s a good mix of brewery background and on‑the‑ground pub experiences. 5. Northstowe Tap & Social Website: www.northstowetapandsocial.com Address: Northstowe, Cambridgeshire (taproom address is on their site) Highlights: A newer taproom in the emerging town of Northstowe. They host up to 21 taps of craft beer, and also have an in‑house bakery and food offerings to pair with drinks. A promising spot combining beer, food, and community. 6. The Blue Moon Pub, Cambridge Website: cambridge.pub/blue-moon Address: 2 Norfolk Street, Cambridge CB1 2LF Highlights: While not a brewery itself, this pub is a craft beer bar with a large and diverse selection — 20 keg lines and 4 cask, with a focus on local UK breweries. They host “tap takeovers,” events, live music, and pair their beer with creative food (notably sourdough pizzas).

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Spotlight on Cheltenham

Hidden Nightlife: Six Bars & Late‑Night Gems You Might Miss

In this episode, your host Solomon Prescott, shines a light on six nightlife bars and late‑night venues around Cheltenham that often fly under the radar but pack character, creativity, and a vibe worth discovering. Whether it’s speakeasy cocktails, rooftop lounges, or energetic dance floors, these places deliver after dark magic. Each location has either a website or strong online presence, and a real address so you can plan your after‑hours adventure. Featured Bars & Nightlife Gems: The Clarence Social Website: theclarence.social Address: tucked behind the Promenade, Cheltenham (check their site for exact entry point) What makes it special: A cozy, stylish cocktail lounge with wine, charcuterie & cheese boards, creative drinks, and a hidden charm that makes it feel like a late‑night secret. Lounge & Bentleys Website: loungeandbentleys.co.uk Address: High Street, Cheltenham (late night bar) What makes it special: Two late‑night bars under one roof, blending relaxed vibes with pool tables, social seating, and classic bar energy into the early hours. Popworld Cheltenham Website: popworldparty.co.uk/cheltenham Address: 2A Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HE What makes it special: A party‑bar where the playlists are full of pop classics, the cocktails are playful, and the energy is unapologetically fun into the very late night. Planet Caravan Website: planetcaravancheltenham.com Address: 25 Bath Street, Cheltenham GL50 1YA What makes it special: A hybrid craft beer bar + cocktail lounge + casual eats spot. If you want to sip, snack, and soak in lighting and music all evening, this is your spot. Coco (Late Night Venue) Website: latenightcoco.co.uk Address: Basement venue in Cheltenham (central) What makes it special: Lively basement DJ venue, cocktails, and late nights. It leans into the underground energy and is known among locals as a go‑to for music and late fun. The Frog & Fiddle Website: https://butcombe.com/the-frog-and-fiddle-cheltenham Address: 313-315 High Street, Cheltenham. GL50 3HW What makes it special: A Cheltenham staple with live music, karaoke, pub games, and a relaxed yet vibrant evening scene that draws in locals who want energy without pretense.

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