A true taste of the tropics in the heart of Cheltenham, Marinades occupies a unique position as Gloucestershire’s only fully licensed Caribbean restaurant, bar and grill, offering authentic, stylish Caribbean cuisine and genuinely friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere. The ambience and the sounds and aromas from the bustling open kitchen, together with the excellent and informal service, all heighten the senses and have established the restaurant as a real regional favourite over the past seven years. A quick look at the customer comments book or the press reviews on display bear testament to this.

The restaurant is widely recommended and patronised by those with dietary restrictions, and the menus are clearly marked with veggie, vegan and gluten-free options. In fact, we noted that the majority of dishes are suitable for coeliacs – there is even gluten-free beer available at the bar. The cleverly devised menus work well for groups with differing tastes and feature traditional and modern Caribbean dishes along with choices for more conservative palates. Enjoy classics including ackee and saltfish, curry goat, jerk chicken, plantain, callaloo soup, rice and peas and fried dumplings. Regular veggie selections include yam bubble and squeak and vegetable jambalaya, and there are always several choices available for fish and seafood fans. We are frequent visitors, and the homemade desserts are favourites of ours too. You can tell that the owners of this family-run establishment care a great deal about what they do.

The à la carte menu is available at lunchtime and in the evening and is complemented by a great bar and wine selection (featuring Caribbean beers, rums and cocktails). There is also a great-value mid-week early evening menu as well as a popular fixed-price lunch menu. With monthly Caribbean taster evenings and summer jerk barbecue nights, owners Clive and Wendy have created something very special here. A secluded rear terrace for alfresco dining is an added bonus. Booking is always a good idea – especially at weekends. This truly is a dining experience different to anything else offered in the area.