It has been a staple of the town for years in a landmark building
16:30, 24 Sep 2025Updated 09:29, 25 Sep 2025
An Italian restaurant in Cheltenham has closed for good (file image)(Image: Getty)
The Ask Italian restaurant in Cheltenham has closed for good in another blow to the town’s dining scene.
The branch in the Montpellier part of town shut on Monday, customers have been told.
One passer-by said the door is locked and there is no furniture inside.
Today, Ask Italian confirmed the closure of the Cheltenham restaurant and issued a statement.
It said: “The decision to close our Cheltenham restaurant was made for operational reasons.
“All affected team members were offered alternative roles within the business.
“At this time, we have no plans for any further restaurant closures.”
Google and Tripadvisor now list the restaurant, on the corner of Montpeller Arcade and Montpellier Arcade, as being permanently closed.
The Ask website no longer lists a branch in Cheltenham, saying the nearest ones are in Great Malvern; Moreton-In-Marsh; Worcester and Stratford-Upon-Avon.
The Ask restaurant in Cheltenham(Image: Google)
Cheltenham town centre has seen a number of food and drink venues close in recent months – although new shops are moving into the Prom.
Earlier this month, steak restaurant The Ox in Cambray Place closed for good after 10 years in the town.
It followed the closure of Cake Alchemist, Domaine 16 and The Find this year – all in Regent Street.
However, a new Tesco Express is seeking to open in Promenade as is Freckleface, which makes ethical luxury hand poured products.
Ask had advertised for a new chef for its Cheltenham restaurant in July and posts were appearing on its Facebook page this week.
What Ask Italian customers are saying:
People have been leaving messages on Gloucestershire Live’s Facebook page about the restaurant
Flo Ra wrote:”Been part of the best staff there….many years ago. We have lots of memories.”
Paul Stephens wrote: “Went there today, shocked to see it had closed. Sad.”
While Elliot King wrote simply “RIP.”
Tripadvisor reviews
The restaurant had a 3.8 average score on Tripadvisor, with 303 excellent ratings out of 718 reviews.
A recent five-star review from Roberto Hyland in July 2025 said of the Cheltenham Ask Italian: “After a very active day of doing a park run, driving, Go Ape and more driving, Ask Italian was just what the doctor ordered.
“The food from starter to desserts was lovely and the service was first class. All combined, it made for a wonderful evening.”
And in March, Chris M wrote: “Excellent food and first rate service, would recommend. The waitress was absolutely brilliant. The choice of dishes is excellent.”
However, some more negative reviews referred to a poor Caesar salad and slow service.
Cheltenham Ask Italian was in Hanover House, a Grade-II listed building.
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Dining and Cooking