
Café René
A medieval pub and restaurant boasting a unique Roman well, live music, and hearty, traditional pub fare in a character-rich setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Café René

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A medieval pub and restaurant boasting a unique Roman well, live music, and hearty, traditional pub fare in a character-rich setting.
Check out live music events
Visit during live music events or festivals for an added layer of entertainment and a lively atmosphere.
Explore different areas
Discover the front bar's traditional decor and the lively dance floor at night, perfect for varied experiences.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
British Pub
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1452 309340
Address
31 Southgate St, Gloucester, GL1 1TP, United Kingdom
Website
caferene.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ambiance with a Roman Well
Dine in a medieval building featuring a unique Roman well, centuries of character, and ceilings adorned with wine bottles.

Vibrant Live Music & Entertainment
Experience a lively atmosphere with regular live music, DJ sets, and themed events, especially in the cellar bar.

Hearty Traditional Pub Fare
Savor generous portions of classic pub favorites like steaks, curries, and roasts, with vegetarian options available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check out live music events
Visit during live music events or festivals for an added layer of entertainment and a lively atmosphere.
Explore different areas
Discover the front bar's traditional decor and the lively dance floor at night, perfect for varied experiences.
Don't miss the ceiling
Look up to admire the unique ceiling adorned with hundreds of old wine bottles, a popular talking point.
Dietary options available
Inquire about their gluten-free and vegetarian options, which are available for those with dietary needs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check out live music events
Visit during live music events or festivals for an added layer of entertainment and a lively atmosphere.
Explore different areas
Discover the front bar's traditional decor and the lively dance floor at night, perfect for varied experiences.
Don't miss the ceiling
Look up to admire the unique ceiling adorned with hundreds of old wine bottles, a popular talking point.
Dietary options available
Inquire about their gluten-free and vegetarian options, which are available for those with dietary needs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Café René offers a unique dining experience with its historic ambiance, including a Roman well and wine bottle-adorned ceiling. Diners praise the delicious and hot food, particularly the lamb curry and vegetarian roast, as well as the friendly and attentive staff. However, some guests have reported disappointing experiences with steak quality and issues with reservations, though staff have sometimes rectified oversights with humor.
"We fell upon this restaurant today.
I don’t review often!
This place was too good not to.
The food was so tasty and hot.
I had Lamb curry.
The ambience was just lovely and the very waitress was very friendly and attentive.
We will definitely be revisiting to have some more of this gorgeous food."
Victoria Randall
"One of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. Lovely staff, proper food, and an awesome atmosphere. They even have a little lift for food! If you come to Gloucester, this is definitely worth a visit."
Robbi Betts
"We came here today for the first time for my partners 25th birthday and WOW it did not disappoint. The food was incredible and was more than what we expected.
Nice little seating area with a really cool ceiling. Staff are lovely and helpful and also very welcoming. We will definitely be coming again as we were extremely impressed."
Tia Jordan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is located in a medieval building and features a genuine Roman well in its main bar, along with a ceiling adorned with old wine bottles.
Yes, Cafe Rene is known for its live music, with events happening regularly, including in its cellar bar.
Yes, Cafe Rene offers vegetarian options on its menu, including a popular vegetarian roast.
Popular dishes include the lamb curry, roast beef, and steak options. They also offer traditional pub favorites.
Reservations can be made, but it's advisable to confirm details carefully to avoid any mix-ups, as some guests have reported issues.
There is no specific dress code mentioned, suggesting a relaxed, casual atmosphere suitable for a pub.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Restaurants In Gloucester, England
There aren’t many pubs that have an authentic Roman well in the middle of their main bar, but Café René, located in a Medieval building close to the 15th-century Grade I-listed St Mary de Crypt Church, has exactly that. Soak up the historic surrounds while browsing Café René’s varied menu. Choose from traditional pub favourites like steak and ale pie or beer battered cod with chips, peas and tartar sauce, or opt for something a bit different like Caribbean lamb curry.
The Best Gloucester Cafes | TOP 10 – [2024]
Nestled in the heart of Gloucester, Gloucestershire, Café René stands as a vibrant beacon of culinary delight and musical entertainment, renowned for its traditional pub food, engaging live music, and a rich array of events including poetry nights and festivals. Since its establishment in April 2003, the venue has been dedicated to creating a relaxed atmosphere where quality dining and fantastic entertainment merge seamlessly, supported by a team with over 30 years of experience. Notably, Café René was the first pub in Gloucester to secure a 24-hour license, showcasing its pioneering spirit.
13 best places to go for a drink in Gloucestershire
Dubbed 'Gloucester's best known secret', Café René is an award-winning pub that celebrates all there is to love about live music and entertainment. The first pub in Gloucester to obtain a 24-hour licence and still have it today, the unmatched atmosphere when attending one of its free annual festivals is sure to have you coming back again and again. Its coolest feature, the hundreds of old wine bottles lining the ceiling of which used to be a stables, it doesn't get much more characterful than this.
YouTube's Great British Pub Crawl's Gloucester ‘must visit’ pubs
Our final stop of the night took us to ‘Cafè Rene’ where we’d heard we would find the perfect blend of craft beer and late night party… which is pretty accurate… as this old school pub, that also boasts and actual WELL alongside a ceiling décor that’s made up entirely of wine bottles, certainly has it going on… the mix of age ranges of customers and feel good atmosphere pretty much make it the perfect way to polish off a night in Gloucester which has been pretty brilliant from start to finish.
The Best Student Nightlife in Gloucester
Located just a 15 minute walk from Blackfriars, this is one of the best places to head to for a student night out. A lovely pub on Regent Street, Café René has regular live music and a 2am closing time on the weekends making it perfect for something a bit different if you’re not looking for a club but don’t want to be home before midnight… Part of the city’s Licensed Victuallers Association, the pub takes customer safety seriously and adopts a really welcoming environment.
The 5 Best Nightclubs in Gloucester | Collegiate
Cafe Rene is a popular city hotspot and another one of the Collegiate team’s firm favourites of the best student nights in Gloucester. It’s primarily known for excellent pub food and a relaxed atmosphere during the day, but in the evening the underground cellar bar comes alive with some of the best house music and live acts you could hope for. All of that, and it’s only a 5-minute walk away from our Gloucester University accommodation – what more could you need!
Tripper - Guide - The very best 12 nightlife spots in Gloucester, United Kingdom
Welcome to Café Rene, where time seems to stand still in this charming little corner of Gloucester. This unique café, with its retro vibes and mismatched furniture, is like stepping into a time machine that takes you straight back to the 1940s. Prepare to be greeted by a motley crew of regulars, a cheeky waiter with slicked-back hair, and a menu that offers hearty comfort food that will have you begging for seconds (or thirds!).
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Don’t be fooled by the traditional, old-world decor of Cafe Rene’s front bar, come nightfall, the dance floor is full and the roof raised, with the sound of local live musicians. Step into their restaurant dining room and look up to find the ceiling clad with subtlety lit up old wine bottles, proving a popular talking point amongst diners. The dining rooms seats up to 60 people, making for a buzzing, yet cosy atmosphere.
Historic Pubs - Visit Gloucester
Although its address is Southgate Street, the Café Rene is actually accessed from St Mary’s Lane, alongside St Mary de Crypt churchyard. It is in a medieval building and originally most of the pub was an open courtyard, belonging to another pub, the Golden Heart, in the eighteenth century. This goes some way to explain the authentic Roman Well in the bar.
5 of the best student nightlife spots in Gloucester
Open every day of the week, Café Rene offers student-friendly priced drinks to go along with the perfect atmosphere for a chill night out. Catch live music from a range of performers or slip down into the cellar bar to dance the night away at this unhidden gem. Artful Dodger live @ the weekend 🎙💥🎉
Best Pubs & Bars in Gloucester: City Centre & Docks
In a small passageway off Southgate Street is the vibrant Cafe Rene. Café René is a popular pub that has a great selection of drinks and often has live music events. They serve a selection of real ales and real ciders and continental beer options.
Best Pubs & Restaurants in Gloucester Docks, City & Quays
Café René is a pub and restaurant that also hosts gigs or festivals. They are in the city centre, near the major tourist attractions in Gloucester. The atmosphere at Cafe Rene is always nice, and they have a great selection of drinks.
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2 to 3 times a week live music usually free admission.Will go again when in Gloucester. Coffee • $$
Nearest Pubs Cafes and Restaurants That We Recommend
Raikes House a characterful pub is on your right, Tiger’s Eye – Asian fusion, Café Rene – a very popular character pub, Topoly’s – Italian and Aroma – Indian are on the left.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit