Memsahib's Lounge in Cheltenham

Very nice experience, best Indian modern food out of india

Lovely food and very good service. Taster menus very good but you need a big appetite. Hopefully visit again as a very relaxed evening.

We had the tasting menu with drinks flight for a special date night. Everything was absolutely perfect, we spent the whole evening talking about how each dish was different from last. The duck vindaloo was possibly the best thing I’ve ever eaten. So delicious!

Terrible service, never again with these employees and business model. Dining shoild be a pleasant experience not a stress

Absolutely wonderful experience all round again, we stayed in Cheltenham this weekend especially to visit Mem Sahib's and it did not disappoint, we had the vegetarian tasting menu and it was amazing, we felt looked after from the moment we walked in the door.

Always a delicious and wonderful experience. Interesting cocktails and prices reasonable. Would recommend…

I recently had the pleasure of visiting this place for drinks & small bites and I can confidently say it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The ambiance is a perfect blend of elegance and cozy charm, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. The cocktail menu is a masterpiece in itself. Each drink is carefully crafted, balancing unique flavors with precision. What truly sets apart is the extraordinary food along with their exceptional service. Rina and her staff are not only attentive but genuinely passionate about ensuring every guest has a memorable experience. In short, Memsahibs Lounge is a true gem. The combination of wonderful service, exquisite cocktails, and a warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy a night out. I can’t wait to return and experience it all over again.

Visited here on a Friday lunch time and went for the afternoon tea. Absolutely gorgeous, with amazing service. Would definitely recommend!

Simply amazing!!! So different to a usual curry and the flavour and quality of the food is next level! Such a great range of tastes and menu options. Really a wow place and the staff were fantastic. Can’t wait to tell everyone to go here.

Delicious afternoon tea, most enjoyable family meal. Catered well for vegan and dietary requirements. Staff very attentive, polite and professional. Only downside was due to location in basement there's very little natural light, and we were given a table in a dark corner of the room.

No photos were taken because we enjoyed the food so much and frankly forgot. Stunning dishes, which are a twist on what you might find in other "Indian" restaurants. The dishes come to the table once they are ready, not necessarily at the same time. Great, it's totally recommended.

We were gifted a voucher for this, almost hidden gem, in Cheltenham’s Promenade. On a Wednesday evening, perhaps the hottest so far this year, guests were thin on the ground. It didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the two gentlemen waiters who attentively greeted and seated us. And so our evening began……… The heat was an issue and neither of us being the right side of 60 decided that the small sharing plates might better suit than the Experience Menu. But come the cooler evenings we’re ready to give that a go! We started with a complementary chilled spiced drink that was refreshing and delicious as was the canapé served on a mini poppadom. The plates came out in a well timed manner and we relished and enjoyed every one. Staff were attentive and very eager to please. How rare has that become? I think we ordered 7 dishes in total, Beef, Mutton, Prawn, Salmon, Aubergine, Onion Bhaji, Paratha Basket (unbelievably good) and Gulab Jamun Cheesecake. We enjoyed every morsel of distinctive spicing and presentation, each dish would happily stand alone and not need further adornment. These creations came from a well honed palette and offered the diner a wonderful taste journey through their origin all the way to Cheltenham. We are so lucky to have these optional dining experiences on our doorstep. Enjoying our meal took precedence over the photos - sorry! You’ll have to see for yourself !!!

All the sharing dishes we ate were delicious - and a welcome change from more standard Indian food. Exceptionally friendly and efficient service.

Every time we visit Memsahib’s Lounge, the entire experience is fantastic. I highly recommend the afternoon tea and the tasting menu. The service is also always excellent. We always look forward to a meal here and we will be back many more times!

Exquisite service, drink and food. Gluten free, dairy free, vegan all cared for. Fantastic cocktails. Excellent cuisine. Wonderful friendly atmosphere.

Great service food was excellent we had the afternoon tea highly recommended

Delicious afternoon tea. Would definitely recommend.

Outstanding! Had the Experience menu with drinks flight. The most enjoyable dining experience I’ve had in many years. Fantastic and very attentive service with a lovely atmosphere to match. Would rate higher than 5 stars if I could.

Wow! What a wonderful experience for a very special Afternoon Tea! The food was delicious and plentiful, and the staff very welcoming and attentive. We shall recommend Memsahib's to friends and family, and look forward to returning.

The afternoon tea was an incredible experience and Reena (the owner) made it a very memorable one. The food was a wonderful play of authentic flavors giving unusually pleasing parings. Cheers to the chef! Definitely recommend.

Stunning experience from the moment you arrive. Amazing food, wonderful hospitality, beautiful environment. Can’t wait to go back.

Great place for food and drinks

Had a wonderful afternoon tea there. The service was excellent and the food was fabulous.

Went for mine and my sister's 30th birthday. 3 of the group had The Experience menu and I had the pescatarian experience menu. We all had a lovely evening! The food was delicious but it was the service that took it to another level 😊 The cocktails were very good and all alcoholic drinks were a very reasonable price. Would definitely go again. More restaurants should emulate the level of service we received here. It was probably the best service I've ever had at a restaurant Thank you!

Chef was late to arrive. Otherwise food was tasty and wait staff were prompt and polite.

Cheltenham is very blessed to have so many fantastic independent restaurants. One of the very best is Memsahib's Lounge. From the moment we walked down the steps to this subterranean haven - we knew it was going to be yet another fabulous and delectable experience. After a very warm welcome from Rina and her staff we were made to feel at ease and relaxed in a beautifully decorated sanctuary. We both chose the Memsahib's Experience Menu and were wowed from start to finish, each course building on the previous one where the true magic unfolded deliciously in front of us. The feast we had was a culinary love letter to Indian Cuisine. I honestly cannot pick a favourite dish of the night - they were all magnificent! Memsahib's Lounge is more than just a restaurant. It is my happy place. My favourite restaurant in Cheltenham!

I wish I could give this place more than five stars. The staff were so friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. The menu is extensive and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of the cocktails. On top of this, the decor and ambience are unbelievably charming.

No better way than spending a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon than sampling the “Experience” tasting menu. Service is prompt and efficient whilst the Maitre d’ is on hand to tell you the history of the establishment. Particular highlights are the Chicken Samosa and The Indian Railway style Mutton on the Bone Curry. They even have there own Blonde Session Beer! What’s not to like - particularly on your birthday?

Beautiful afternoon tea. Service was excellent. Lovely, relaxed, and clean environment. The afternoon tea experience was outstanding. I will definitely be attending again

Outstanding service, food was incredible. The atmosphere is lovely; nicely lit interior. We went for a selection of small plates all of which were great, some were a little on the expensive side for the size of portion. Would definitely recommend.

Stunning food , very authentic, wonderful service highly recommend

Amazing birthday afternoon tea and lovely service. The food was so full of flavour. The trout kebab was amazing.Thank you so much for treating us so well!

Great food, great service and great atmosphere. We had the tasting menu, and the food and drinks were lovely. The staff were very attentive and we never felt rushed. The restaurant was full without feeling overcrowded. Its on the pricier side of things, but definitely worth the cost. A brilliant experience and we'll be back.

Went for afternoon tea which is like no other! Amazing delicious food, service and location! A hidden Gem

Utterly wonderful food. So clever, such thought and utterly delicious. Really exciting - a proper experience. Litu is a true innovator and the evening, the service, the warmth, was a joy. Thank you!

Wow, this place reminds me of when, on rare occasions, I was lucky enough to accompany the editor of Tandoori Magazine to some of London's finest Indian Restaurants - this is how good Indian cuisine should taste. Lovely food, lovely environment, friendly, attentive staff.

Just had Afternoon Tea, first time visiting. It was delicious the flavours well balanced . The Service was amazing with a brilliant atmosphere will be recommending to friends and family and we will be back again.

This is a gem of a place. The food was amazing. The small plates gives you loads of chance to try lots of things and they were all delicious. The service was outstanding. They take Indian food to a new level. This is a must visit.

We called in for drinks on this occasion. We arrived between lunch and dinner, still receiving a lovely warm reception along with a cardamom tea and amuse bouche besides the glass of fizz ordered. It's such a warm and inviting place. Its opulent surroundings feel very special, but not ridiculously expensive. Check it out next time you're in Cheltenham, you won't be disappointed.

Travelled from Birmingham using a “buy a gift voucher” and I have to say it’s been the best Afternoon Tea I have ever had. Being a vegetarian it’s all about taste for me and the whole experience was bursting with flavour. The Gin and Rum cocktails were so unique and very flavoursome also. Don’t hesitate to go. We will be returning when we can!

Amazing! Amazing ! My partner and I have lived in Cheltenham over 20 year over 300 restaurants and this food is the best our tastebuds have tasted!

Had afternoon tea and would recommend it 100% food was delicious staff were very friendly and helpful I had the meat version photo attached my wife had the vegetarian option which she said was excellent the momo parcel and sweet heart cabbage was excellent photo attached

Booked in for Afternoon Tea, an amazing spin on a very English tradition. Small Indian savoury dishes, delicious and unique. We had gin cocktails and tea infusion was nice if you don't drink alcohol. They were very accommodating on dietary requirements with excellent service and attention to detail. Will definitely be back.

Amazing experience. I recommend to take tasting menu with drinks, it is worth it! Excellent service and food quality!

We loved it! An incredible dining experience with amazing drinks to pair. Lovely atmosphere and great staff 🙏

Great service. Brilliant experience for drinks. Fabulous range of spirits and some very special cocktails. Even if you don't go for a meal it's a memorable experience.

Did the Thursday set menu, just amazing not inexpensive but a real treat

We went for the afternoon tea, Wow! Utterly divine, a totally unique experience that you have to try, the restaurant is gorgeous, the food is next level 🤩the atmosphere is lovely and the staff were so helpful, thoroughly recommend trying it 💯😍👌

Great place, amazing atmosphere. The drinks are absolutely incredible. It's perfectly fine just to go in there to have drinks. I really liked all the decorations and the fact that it's not too busy. Nice music, but also not too loud. They even gave us some free drinks and snacks that were complimentary. Certainly going to come back for some food!

Visited for my second year wedding anniversary. We had the experience menu which was incredible. Incredible flavours in every course and displayed immaculately. The service was amazing and the team always aim to provide their customers with the best experience. Thank you for such a lovely meal. Would highly recommend!

Great ambience with delicious food !

A hidden gem, food, service and atmosphere are great, we went there for a treat and have just been back a second time.

Food was lovely, but the manager was very rude when I addressed a misunderstanding with the booking she did not try to help resolve the issue with myself and my partner. Instead, she was very insulting and unpleasant. I have never encountered such behaviour before and for this reason I would not recommend this restaurant nor will I return. In response to what you have stated below: This is not 100% accurate of what happened on the day. We were not made aware of the price where only shown the menu and what food we could choose from. We booked this booking online and paid in advance. We explained this to you when you stated we did not pay. You did not try to help to resolve the issue. You were more interested in us paying and pushing us out the door. We assumed that what we booked would be in your system as we booked this online. When we arrived we asked your staff member what was included in our menu of our booking and he showed us the menu but with no mention of the price. When I asked you to check what was our booking showing in your system you were very reluctant to show this I had to ask a few times before you agreed to show us I then showed you our booking so that you could see we was not wanting to leave without paying and that we did not lie about our booking. But the way you spoke to us was very unprofessional and insulting. No customer should have been spoken to in this way. Also, we had no issues with paying if we were in the wrong, but it was clear there was a mix up with your system and you did not want to take fault of this. I have spoken to the company we booked with, and they have more helpful than yourself, and it showed on their systems what we originally booked which clearly shows your system was at fault. Also we spoke to you for a good five minutes before leaving and I went to the bathroom before leaving the restaurant so please do not make this look as though we tried to get a free meal. This is a disgusting accusation!

Very bad expirence we had issues with the menus In their system we been charge a lot more we should pay the manager was very rude I will not go here again she kept shouting at us instead of helping she has a very low personality.

Brilliant experience! All the earlier reviews were proven by our own experience! Great environment, perfect service, tasting menu was delicious and generous and pairing cocktails were a properly good match! The price was good, too)). We are definitely coming back👍

Nice experience and excellent atmosphere.

What a great place. The food was delicious, we had the afternoon tea, highly recommended. The staff were friendly and the service was excellent. We will definitely go there again.

Exceptional afternoon tea, service and surroundings. Wonderful time and a perfect place for my birthday. Highly recommend!

We had a high tea at Memsahibs Lounge which was true taste sensation. Service was sublime. Comprehensive drinks menu with unique gin house crafted rum and gins. We look forward to going back to experience their selection of small plates.

Sooooo good. The 7course taster menu although pricey is well worth it!! The food was incredible and the accompanied drinks that compliment each dish were beautifully presented as well as being potent & delicious. Best meal we've had out in ages!

Brilliant idea and something different. Lovely selection of teas, clever tasty Indian snacks and gin menu. Relaxing but elegant atmosphere. Feels like being in a Sherlock Holmes movie. Lovely staff.

We got the tasting menu. It was one of the best dinning experiences I've ever had

Some of the most beautiful cocktails we have ever had. The service was great and very good value for money

Memsahbs Lounge is unique. From the moment you walk in the door the staff are incredibly helpful and attentive. The food is outstanding. Lovely relaxing environment. Highly recommend.

Been a few times and the food is excellent. Biriyani club on the 3rd Thursday of each month is a fun idea and as well as delicious biryani you get to try a few other courses of chefs specials on a set menu. Have had some delicious things that I would definitely never order (fish head soup for example - I hate fish and it was incredible).

Absolutely outstanding. From arrival, the meet and greet, the welcome drink, the service, the food, the whole experience. Bought the cook book and cannot wait to return.

5 stars isn't high enough for this place Everything from the food, presentation, service and atmosphere was incredible from start to finish. Will definitely be back

One of the best cocktail bars in Cheltenham at the moment. Exceptional service, attention to detail, they really care about what they're doing and your experience. This is our 3rd visit and yet again loved it. Thank you Memsahib see you soon.

We came in for some cocktails and they were absolutely fantastic - delicious and very well presented. The atmosphere of the place is also delightful. The tables are well spaced out so it feels very cosy and private - and the decor is really nice. The staff and the owner were very friendly as well - happy to have chat but not imposing either. All in all - fantastic! We will definitely visit again.

Amazing place, great staff, Did the afternoon tea and such a good experience, highly recommend.

Amazing delicious food. Service was perfect, friendly and attentive but never in the way.

Gorgeous Afternoon Tea. Fabulous service.

Very nice atmosphere and good food. The floor manager is great 👍

Have been here many times and the service and quality is always worthy of 5 stars. Amazing.

Superb restaurant, exceptional tasting food, everything made with care and passion. Stunning range of non alcoholic drinks. Fantastic service and setting, very relaxing atmosphere. Highly recommended.

Amazing experience and so kind people!!! I totally recommend the afternoon tea, the taste was above divine and the masala tea at the end was the perfect end to a superb experience. 200% recommend

The favourite place of all times and forever. Outstanding ambience, food, cocktails, customer service and attention to detail

Me and my wife tried the afternoon tea and it was like no other we have tried. Small bowls and plates of amazing Indian food - just right for an afternoon. We both loved it. The Memsahib's Lounge is down some steps into what looks like the basement of the buildings above, but please, do not be put off by this, because what you will find is amazing - the name sums it up perfectly - it really is a hidden gem. With perfect service, it is well worth a visit.

Great experience, highly recommended

Delicious and unusual food and a great cocktail selection.

We visited this place in Cheltenhamfor a special occasion. We read quiute a few reviews on trip advisor but wasn't sure if we wanted to book this place for the occasion we were celebrating. But we were not let down by the service and the food. The ambience and the hosts were great. It was a busy night and there had been a party before out booking. The quantities can be a bit more but the taste and presentation was top class. It definitely made the day for us. Would definitely visit again.

Took a friend here for a birthday treat on the Anglo English Cooking Experience. Thoroughly recommend. Had a lovely time and the food was awesome. I can never go back to drinking a normal gin and tonic again, after having some of the most excellent and visually pleasing gins in here. Real love and effort put into drinks and food. Super staff. Lovely venue. 😊😊.... Oct '22 update.. I've just been back for the gin experience and I'm pleased to report it was equally as good as the cooking experience. Owners have now introduced infused rums and vodkas. Can thoroughly recommend the Cheltenham sling...delicious!

An absolute little gem tucked away. This one of our favourite places to visit, the drinks are amazing, snacks are delicious and the warm welcome you receive and service.

Visited on a Sunday afternoon to celebrate a birthday and had their afternoon tea set menu. Everything was excellent, from the sherbet drink that we got upon arrival, to the service and everything in between. Food was excellent and incredibly tasty. Would highly recommend a visit if you're in Cheltenham or fancy something a. It different

Amazing tasting menu, we were so full by the end! Drinks were lovely and the entire vibe was great in the restaurant. Lovely staff. Pricey but worth it.

Absolutely perfect. Delicious food, fantastic service & cool, stylish setting. We were a table of 15 and the staff were attentive, friendly and efficient. The tasting menu was perfect - every course considered, well rounded & spiced. Highly recommended

Exception quality food and drink. Perfect service, can't fault in any way. We had the experience (tasting) menu with drinks and were thoroughly impressed. Definitely worth a special visit.

Very friendly, helpful staff and fabulous food

Called in for drinks - superb selection, ambience and service. Will definitely be back and hope to dine there too!

Just loved the delicious food here and lovely informed service. The flavours are amazing. We didn’t have room for a full tasting menu so shared several plates, which were perfect. Don’t miss it!

Felt so welcomed and was so looking forward to our meal. But when I saw £60 for the experience menu. I'm sorry but I'm not paying £60 for a set meal. It's a shame really as food did look nice.

We have visited twice now, once just for a gin in the bar. In our opinion the drinks are excellent value when compared to the rest of Cheltenham and are superior to the popular 'Gin and Juice' while being half the price. We decided on our second visit to take the 7 course experience menu and picked one pescetarian menu and one meat menu. Both were excellent. We'd also recommend adding the drinks matching, the variety was fantastic and made us try some really interesting flavours. We were handed a £10 voucher for our next visit and can't wait to return. The service was warm, relaxed and very professional.

Wow what a beautiful restaurant! We had 5 small plates between the 2 of us which was perfect. The food and service was exceptional. One of my previous reviews was for Mogli's which is also great. Buy this was a 10% more expensive maybe. But the food was a different level. It's in a basement and ambience is great. Great decor and nice music as background. Also we had their infused Gins and I have never tasted anything like it. Perfect for the meal but I would happily have forever ❤️. I wish they were a bit busier though because they deserve to be with a 4 week waiting list. Also the service was attentive and polite and super professional. Michelin star levels without the stuffiness. Cannot recommend this restaurant enough.

Visited twice this weekend as this place feels like home😀....Why? Because Marina and the team make us feel so welcome and we love the delicious bites and quality cocktails. UPDATE - Some changes are taking place, new bar staff...same warm welcome. Husband and wife team are still in place so you can expect sharp service and exquisite food.

Delicious food and a wide variety of drinks to choose from. Particularly enjoyed the Devon crab three ways and the lamb curry.

The Memsahib experience is sublime. Rina is an incredibly attentive, passionate, and friendly host, who is also the co-owner with her husband. We highly recommend the tasting menu, which provides you an excellent curated menu of contemporary Indian cuisine. Each of your senses are taken on a wonderful journey that'll leave you wanting more. No words or images do any justice to their culinary excellence and passion. I was grinning from ear to ear, from start to finish. Don't even look at the menu and book a table as I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Had the tasting menus. Superb food, superb service, superb ambience

Intimate and elegant this place is great for a relaxed evening to get away from the buzz of Cheltenham and enjoy unusual gins from around the globe.

An excellent flavour-focussed experience! Great food, service and ambience. We went for the light bites, their asian tapas style menu which was really well considered and accompanied their lovely tea infused gin (+ rum) selection perfectly. I would recommend if you really fancy something fun, different and memorable!

Absolutely delicious food, mixing tasty traditional and intriguing modern Indian and English styles, all matched perfectly by the varied set of drinks. Service was excellent, too: unobtrusive but attentive, with each dish introduced individually.