The über-chic Montpellier ‘hood of Cheltenham is a flaneur’s dream, with cafés, bars and boutiques tripping over themselves – and now it has The Ivy right at the centre of it…trust us, you won’t want to be anywhere else.

The much-loved Ivy offers grown-up all-day dining, in a fabulous art deco cocktail of ocean-liner glamour and a relaxed, let’s-have-a-laugh vibe. Every detail from the resplendent circular bar down to the curvy side lamps is perfecto. Overlooking Montpellier Street at the back is the very clubbable Private Dining Room with a huge Captain’s-style table for 20, red leather chairs, fabric wall panels, antiquey looking mirrors, art deco lighting, luscious dark oak parquet and Instagrammable artwork inspired by Cheltenham’s gee-gees heritage. And you’ll even get a visual treat walking to the loos, in the shape of fabulous insect drawings which are somehow just the thing.

The relaxed ambience is mirrored in the food, with comfort-food staples galore, including The Ivy’s famous shepherd’s pie, fish & chips, slow-roasted lamb shoulder and steak, egg & chips. And I for one am always very pleased to see a prawn cocktail on a menu. Needless to say, this is all delivered to an impeccably high standard.

A fun, buzzy vibe that doesn’t break the bank, but certainly smart enough for a celebration. Oh, and did I mention afternoon tea? I’ll see you there, then…