Being a student in Cheltenham doesn't mean living on instant noodles and regret. The town is packed with restaurants, pubs, and bars that genuinely want your business – and they're willing to slash prices to prove it. From 50% off Sunday dinners to free social darts with discounted drinks, here's everything you need to know about eating and drinking well without demolishing your student loan.

The Brewery Quarter: Student Discount Central

If you're a student in Cheltenham and you're not hanging out at The Brewery Quarter, you're missing out. This shopping and leisure complex is absolutely stacked with student-friendly venues offering serious discounts.

BrewDog: 25% Off Food & Drink (All Day, Every Day)
Flash your student ID at BrewDog and get a whopping 25% off food and drink, all day every day. We're talking craft beers, loaded fries, burgers – the works. And if you're under 25? Every Sunday you can get 50% off food and drink after 4pm. Yes, you read that right. Half price.

The Deal: 25% off with student ID (all week) | 50% off for under-25s (Sundays after 4pm)
What to Order: Their loaded nachos are massive and perfect for sharing (or not – no judgment here)

Brewhouse & Kitchen: £3.50 Pints During Hoppy Hour
Every Sunday to Thursday from 4–7pm, Brewhouse & Kitchen runs "Hoppy Hour" where every B&K brewed craft beer is only £3.50 per pint. That's over 11 different beer styles – all hyper-local, fresh, unpasteurised and vegan. Not a beer drinker? The offer also includes cider, gin & tonic, and wines, all at £3.50.Plus, they have a cracking £10 lunch deal: a home-baked focaccia sandwich or wrap with unlimited freshly ground coffee for three hours. Perfect for those marathon essay sessions.

The Deal: £3.50 drinks (Sun-Thu, 4-7pm) | £10 sandwich + unlimited coffee
Pro Tip: Book one of their "work space" tables with wifi and power sockets if you need to study

Pho: 15% Off Your Bill
Vietnamese restaurant Pho gives students 15% off the bill with a valid student ID. Their fragrant bowls of Vietnam's national dish are incredible, and there are loads of options for vegetarians and vegans. The gluten-free menu is Coeliac UK approved too.

The Deal: 15% off with student ID
Must-Try: The Vietnamese iced coffee will change your life

Hub Box: 10% Off with Student Card
Burger and beer lovers can get 10% off at Hub Box with a valid student card. Works for both dine-in with table service and takeaway orders. Plenty of veggie and vegan options available.

The Deal: 10% off with student card (dine-in and takeaway)

Flight Club: FREE Social Darts + 33% Off Food & Drink
This is genuinely ridiculous. Flight Club treats students to FREE Social Darts every Sunday to Wednesday, plus 33% off food and drink. Walk-ins are welcome for food and drinks, but book ahead for Social Darts so you don't miss out. Just present a valid student ID during your visit.

The Deal: Free darts (Sun-Wed) + 33% off food and drink
Not Available: December (sorry)

Cosy Club: Happy Hour + 5% Donation to Your Society
While there's no dedicated student discount, Cosy Club runs Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4–8pm and 10pm-late on Friday. Get 2 cocktails for £15, a bottle of prosecco for £15, or a pint of Budvar for £4.50.

Better yet, students with the Percent app can raise money for their favourite club or society – Cosy Club donates 5% of your total bill to your chosen cause.

The Deal: Happy Hour drinks prices + fundraising via Percent app

Creams Café: 15% Off with Student Beans
Need a sugar fix? Get 15% off the menu at Creams Café with a Student Beans card. Think waffles, ice cream sundaes, cakes, shakes, and hot chocolates – all covered in indulgent toppings.

The Deal: 15% off desserts with Student Beans card

Urban Outfitters: 10% Off (Not Food, But Still Useful)
Okay, this one's not food – but while you're shopping at The Brewery Quarter, you can get 10% off at Urban Outfitters with a valid NUS card or student ID. Fashion, gifts, music, homeware – some exclusions apply on sale items.

Entertainment Deals for Students

Hollywood Bowl: £10 for 2 Games + Drink (Mon-Thu)
Get two games of bowling and a drink for just £10 with a student ID, valid all day Monday to Thursday. (Note: Some sources say £12 for Sunday-Friday – check when booking.)

The Deal: £10-12 for bowling + drink

Escape Hunt: 15% Off Escape Experiences
Looking for something different to do with friends? Escape Hunt offers all students 15% off the normal price of their escape room experiences. Valid Monday-Thursday only. You'll need to present a valid student ID card (NUS or university ID) on arrival.

The Deal: 15% off escape rooms (Mon-Thu)

Cineworld Cheltenham: Discounted Tickets
Get discounts off standard-priced tickets with a valid student ID card, plus £5.99 tickets every Monday-Wednesday with Cinesaver prices. Midweek offers include a small soft drink and popcorn for just £6.50 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The Deal: Student discount + £5.99 tickets Mon-Wed

Beyond The Brewery Quarter

The Norwood Arms (Greene King): 20% Off Food & Drink
Flash your Student Beans ID at the bar and enjoy 20% off food and drink. Whether you're celebrating deadlines, having a study break, or just avoiding instant noodles, this Greene King pub has you covered. Minimum spend applies and there's a max value, but 20% off is a solid post-lecture reward.

The Deal: 20% off food and drink with Student Beans ID
Also Running: Two mains and two drinks for £20 (12th Jan–27th Feb, Mon-Fri)

Whittle Taps: £7 Food, £4 Pints & Spirits
Students get exclusive food deals for £7.00, pints and spirits for just £4.00, and discounted brunch. Simple, straightforward, wallet-friendly.

The Deal: £7 food deals | £4 pints and spirits | Discounted brunch

General Tips for Maximising Student Discounts

• Always Ask – Even if a discount isn't advertised, it never hurts to ask if they offer student rates.
• Get Student Beans & UNiDAYS – Many national chains verify student status through these apps, unlocking discounts you won't get by just flashing your ID.
• Check Social Media – Venues often announce flash student nights or special offers on Instagram and Facebook.
• Go on Off-Peak Days – Sunday to Thursday is when most student discounts are valid. Fridays and Saturdays are often excluded.
• Combine Offers – Happy hour + student discount? Sometimes they stack – always worth asking.

The Bottom Line

Cheltenham is genuinely one of the better UK towns for student discounts on food and drink. The Brewery Quarter alone could keep you fed, watered, and entertained for your entire degree without breaking the bank. From 50% off Sunday roasts at BrewDog to free darts and a third off your bill at Flight Club, there's no excuse for boring, expensive nights out.

Pro move: Make a Google Map of all these spots, save it to your phone, and you'll never pay full price again.

Now get out there and eat well. You've earned it.