The Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse in Cheltenham is a dog-friendly pub set inside a former 19th-century courthouse, and dogs are welcome inside in the bar area. High ceilings, huge columns and original features give the space a quiet sense of drama, while the old waiting room now serves as the main bar, with cosy snugs tucked into former side rooms.

Part of the Brunning & Price family, it delivers good cask ales, seasonal British dishes and a menu that balances hearty pub classics with something a bit more polished. The layout leans into its courthouse history, with upstairs still echoing its courtroom origins, and fires going in colder months to keep the atmosphere warm and inviting.

Despite the grandeur, it manages to feel relaxed rather than intimidating, with corners to tuck into and that steady hum of conversation that makes it feel lived-in. A bit grand, a bit cosy, and surprisingly easy to sink into with a well-behaved dog on a lead beside you.