Upstairs at The Cheese Works

It's the kind of place where you'll encounter genuine local life—comfortable and unpretentious, with the kind of atmosphere that comes from being a real community gathering spot rather than a tourist draw. The pub's name hints at the area's industrial past, when the village had its own cheese-making heritage.

Charlton Kings itself sits in a useful position, letting you move easily between two very different experiences. Head towards Cheltenham and you'll find busy shops and attractions; turn the other way and walking routes take you directly into the Cotswold hills. The pub works as a natural meeting point in that arrangement. If you're planning a day that mixes town exploration with countryside walks, this is a sensible place to pause, refuel, and chat with locals who know both the village and surrounding area well. The pace here is noticeably calmer than Cheltenham's busier centre, which makes it valuable if you want to experience the quieter rhythm of the region. You get a genuine sense of how people in the village actually spend their time, rather than seeing only what's laid on for visitors.