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Within the Cheltenham Lido complex in Charlton Kings, just at the edge of Cheltenham town centre, you'll find a cafe that works well whether you're spending the day exploring Cheltenham itself or using it as a base for venturing deeper into the Cotswolds.
You don't need to be a swimmer to enjoy it—many visitors come just for the food and the atmosphere.
The menu handles the essentials properly: breakfast, lunch, coffee, and cake all executed well. What really draws people here is the setting, especially when weather permits. Outdoor tables fill with families and friends throughout the warmer months, and there's a genuine sense of community that gives the place real character.
What makes it special is the Lido itself. It's an Art Deco pool that opened in 1935 and remains one of the few outdoor pools of that era still operating. The cafe shares that same retro, welcoming feel that's defined the place for nearly ninety years. Even if swimming isn't on your agenda, the cafe offers a good way to experience a piece of local history and soak in the distinctive atmosphere the building carries. It's genuinely the kind of spot where you can settle in for a couple of hours, watch what's happening around the pool, and feel like you've connected with something that actually matters to the people who live here.
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