The popular Summer Jam Festival is back at The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham bringing with it live music, dancing, and cocktails. The Brewery Quarter is one of my favourite parts of Cheltenham with its fabulous restaurants including the Cosy Club, and The Botanist. The Brewery often put on events and half term family fun to give us somewhere to take the kids in the school holidays. Now the Summer Jam Festival is back for its fourth year and I was invited down with my friend to see what is taking place this weekend.
What is on at the Summer Jam Festival?
Taking place on Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August 2019, visitors can enjoy a host of local performers and DJ’s on the Summer Jam stage, whilst The Brewery Quarter’s own bars and restaurants will be offering outdoor bars and occasional food sampling. This year you’ll also find art and craft stalls along with local food producers in the high street link.
The free event is certain to create a real summer buzz around Cheltenham town centre, making it the ideal day or evening out. The main stage will showcase some of the towns finest local talent who will have you singing along to old favourites and also introducing you to jazz to hip hop, soul to funk, rock to reggae and everything in between.
Friday Night Cocktails
I was invited down to experience the Summer Jam and soak up the atmosphere. We arrived at 5.30 just as Camilla Lewington was taking to the stage. The Brewery was already busy with families and those enjoying a drink or meal after work. The sun was shining and it is certainly a sun spot in the evenings which was fab. Several of the bars had bought out mobile bars to serve those enjoying the festival atmosphere. The restaurants had also thrown open their doors so that diners could enjoy the live music.
We then headed for dinner at The Botanist who are well known for their world-famous selection of botanical cocktails including the Secret Martini Gin made with Botanists own Secret Gin, Martini Ambrato, rosemary and grapefruit bitters. It was as good as it sounds! For my meal, I opted for baked Cambert to start, followed by the crispy halloumi hanging kebab. It was delicious and a meal I recommend!
We really enjoyed our meals and the service we received was very attentive. It is the perfect way to unwind on a Friday evening in the summer. The Brewery Quarter was alive with happy diners and it felt really special and made me feel like I was on holiday in my own town!
After dinner we moved onto Babel next door and again it is a sleek yet relaxed and informal space, where people come together to enjoy great food, wine and cocktails. We decided to stick with cocktails and I can say that I have found my favourite ever! The Songbird is made withWarner Edwards Rhubarb Gin, Rhubarb Nectar, Kamm & Sons Aperitif, PeachBitters, Lemon Juice. It looks good and tastes even better. I like sweet drinks and that was what this is.
The Summer Jam at The Brewery is a wonderful way to enjoy Cheltenham at its finest. The area was vibrant and fun with a relaxed friendly atmosphere. It was great to see families enjoying the music alongside those who were unwinding after a week at work. It felt really laid back with good vibes. The Summer Jam is on all weekend so do pop by, sit down and enjoy what has been put on. For future events do keep an eye on the Brewery’s Facebook page and the What’s On website.
Disclosure: We were invited down to The Brewery Quarter where we received complimentary dinner and drinks.
