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Café René: Gloucester’s Historic Hub for Food, Music, and Nightlife

A lively Gloucester pub and restaurant blending historic charm, award-winning food, and vibrant live music in the city centre.

4.5

Located at 31 Southgate Street in Gloucester, Café René is a vibrant city-centre pub and restaurant known for its award-winning food, lively live music events, and welcoming atmosphere. Open daily with extended weekend hours, it offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern entertainment, making it a local favourite for dining, drinks, and late-night parties.

A brief summary to Café René

  • 31 Southgate St, Gloucester, GL1 1TP, GB
  • +441452309340
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 11 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 11 am-12 am
  • Thursday 11 am-12 am
  • Friday 11 am-2:30 am
  • Saturday 11 am-3 am
  • Sunday 11 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during weekdays for a relaxed dining experience; weekends offer lively late-night music and dancing.
  • Try to arrive before 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays to avoid the £3 entrance fee.
  • Check the schedule for live music events and the annual summer blues festival for a unique cultural experience.
  • The menu caters well to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets—ask staff for daily specials.
  • Enjoy the cozy candlelit dining room for a romantic evening or the vibrant bar area for socializing.
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Café René location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Café René

A Storied Venue at Gloucester’s Heart

Café René has been a cornerstone of Gloucester’s social scene since its opening in 2003. Situated in a historic building on Southgate Street, the pub blends rustic charm with a character-rich interior, featuring distinctive touches like a stone well at its centre and a ceiling lined with wine bottles. Its warm, candlelit dining room offers a cozy setting that contrasts with the lively bar and music spaces, making it a versatile venue for all occasions.

A Culinary Experience Beyond Fast Food

The café prides itself on serving freshly prepared, quality food rather than fast food. The kitchen operates daily, serving meals from midday until late evening, with menus that cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. The emphasis on good food served promptly is supported by a team with over 30 years of experience, ensuring excellent service alongside delicious dishes.

Live Music and Festival Atmosphere

Café René is renowned for its vibrant live music scene, hosting regular DJ nights, bands, and artists across diverse genres. Its annual summer blues festival attracts performers and audiences from around the globe, creating a festive atmosphere that energizes the city centre. The venue also showcases artwork from emerging artists, including street art and sculptures, enriching the cultural experience.

Extended Hours and Nightlife Culture

As the first pub in Gloucester to secure a 24-hour licence, Café René remains a hub for late-night entertainment. It opens at 11 am daily, closing at midnight on weekdays and extending to 2 am or 3 am on weekends. A modest entrance fee applies after 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with no admittance after 1 am. This schedule supports a dynamic nightlife scene where patrons can enjoy drinks, dancing, and socializing well into the early hours.

Atmosphere and Community Spirit

The venue’s atmosphere is a blend of relaxed and lively, where every corner tells a story. Its welcoming vibe encourages a diverse clientele to gather, whether for a quiet afternoon drink, a romantic dinner, or a hedonistic party. The management’s vision was to create a space where great food, drinks, music, and good company come together seamlessly, a goal that has been realized over two decades.

Accessibility and Amenities

Café René offers wheelchair accessibility and amenities such as free Wi-Fi, highchairs, and a full bar. It is family-friendly during dining hours and transitions into a vibrant live music bar later in the evening. The location benefits from strong mobile reception and is well integrated into Gloucester’s urban fabric, making it easy to reach and enjoy.

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