Cheltenham’s cocktail bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — and the cocktail bars reflect it. Whether you want a quiet midweek drink or a full Friday night, there are options that don’t require leaving the suburb.
Standard prices: pint $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. The Sunny Bench — 210 Johnston Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $19-25
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. The Sunny Bench gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($19-25). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. The Red Standard — 61 Victoria Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. The Red Standard doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The front bar is the draw. Their natural wine selection is surprisingly deep.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. The Red Larder — 129 Fitzroy Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $19-25
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than The Sunny Bench — maybe 50 people before it feels packed — but that’s part of the appeal.
What makes it work is the attention to detail. The glassware is considered, the ice is proper, and the bartenders actually taste what they make before serving. The non-alcoholic cocktail list is genuinely creative, not an afterthought. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Whatever the bartender recommends ($19-25). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Southern Store — 317 Fitzroy Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $19-25
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Nina Table — 238 Church Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $19-25
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement creates an atmosphere the others can’t match. It’s the place to bring someone you’re trying to impress, or to photograph, or both.
The drinks list is classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: A nightcap after dinner somewhere nearby.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sunny Bench | Overall best | $19-25 | Yes | No |
| The Red Standard | Quiet drink | $19-25 | Yes | No |
| The Red Larder | New & trendy | $19-25 | Snacks only | No |
| Southern Store | Food + drinks | $19-25 | Full menu | Yes |
| Nina Table | Atmosphere | $19-25 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Sunny Bench does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Cheltenham. Don’t drive on Friday/Saturday nights — parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: None of these are bottle-service-and-bouncers. Clean casual everywhere. Nina Table skews slightly smarter but won’t turn away anyone in jeans.
Age check: All venues are 18+. Bring ID if you look under 25 — they will ask.
Nearby
- Sandringham Cocktail Bars
- Cheltenham Restaurants — eat before or after
- Cheltenham Things to Do
- All Cheltenham Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Cheltenham
- Best Bars in Cheltenham
- Nightlife Guide in Cheltenham
- Best Wine Bars in Cheltenham
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