The Old Courthouse was designed in an ‘Italianate style’ by the surveyor of County Courts, Thomas Charles Sorby and built between 1869 and 1871. It’s a truly stunning building with many of its key features still intact for all to see. The courtroom is largely unaltered after all these years with huge marbled columns reaching up to a glass window feature in the ceiling and well-worn wooden docks which would have some tales to tell if they could only talk. Now a bar presides over the room rather than a judge, serving a vast array of gins and whiskies, local ales and fine wines.
On the ground floor was the large public waiting area, it makes for a great pub with a long, packed bar on one side and stretches of comfortable seating the other. The two smaller rooms that now make up our Private Dining Room and our “cosy room” were once the Counsel and Solicitors Room and the Clerk’s Office which thankfully still retains its original fireplace.
You’ll find book cases crammed for your perusal with comfy highback chairs to squirrel away in peace if you are so inclined. You will also on occasion find live music played in the main bar and plenty of ‘pre theatre goers’ enjoying a bite to eat before they head across the road to the Everyman Theatre.
The talented chefs have created a delicious seasonally inspired Gluten Free menu in the theme of modern British cookery. With dishes such as hearty pub classics like Cod and chips, Chicken, ham and leek pie, Baked camembert, Crispy beef salad and Braised lamb shoulder. There is also exciting light bites options for those seeking a little respite on a lunchtime from the great shopping that Cheltenham has to offer.
