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Business Details
13 Years
experience
Smokey Joe's: Cheltenham's Favourite Retro Diner & Live Music Venue
Smokey Joe's represents a fourth-generation family-run business committed to delivering exceptional food, drinks, entertainment, and pop culture experiences to Gloucestershire. Our heritage began in the 1930s with Great Grandma Hilda hosting afternoon teas in Churchdown, evolving through decades of innovation and adaptation. In 1981, our current Cheltenham location was transformed from an old printing works into a vibrant caf and games arcade, later reimagined in 2013 as a vintage and retro diner and bar. We blend family tradition with modern flair, offering live music, comedy, and jazz events alongside our themed menus.

Our venue features iconic elements like the UK's first video jukebox and a Mini Jukebox built from a real car, creating a unique atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. We specialise in private hire opportunities for parties and events, maintaining our reputation as Cheltenham's favourite retro destination. Our history was even showcased in an art project at The Wilson museum, cementing our cultural significance. Through nearly a century of operation, we've maintained core values of quality service, community engagement, and celebration of American cultural influences.
Services
Retro Diner Live Music Venue Private Hire Kids Menu Cocktail Bar Jazz Club Themed Events Afternoon Tea Arcade Games Vintage Decor
Details
  • Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
  • Fourth-generation family-run business with heritage dating to the 1930s
  • Unique combination of retro dining, live music, and cultural events
  • Specialist kids' menu and family-friendly atmosphere
  • Flexible private hire options for events and celebrations
  • Home to the UK's first video jukebox and iconic automotive jukebox
Services
Retro Diner
Our retro diner serves American-inspired cuisine in a 1950s-themed setting. We offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus featuring classic dishes with modern twists. The venue combines original dcor elements with contemporary comforts for an authentic vintage experience.
Live Music Venue
We host regular live music events featuring jazz bands, comedy acts, and special performances. Our calendar includes themed nights like swing dance parties and seasonal celebrations. The venue features professional sound equipment and intimate seating arrangements for optimal audience engagement.
Private Hire
Our venue accommodates private bookings for birthdays, weddings, and corporate events. We offer flexible space configurations and tailored packages including themed decorations and exclusive access to our entertainment features. Our team provides event coordination support for seamless celebrations.
Kids Menu
We provide child-friendly meal options with nutritional balance and playful presentation. Our menu includes interactive elements and smaller portions designed for young palates. The venue features retro arcade games and themed activities to entertain children during family visits.
Cocktail Bar
Our cocktail bar offers classic and contemporary drinks with retro-inspired presentation. Signature creations include the Unicorn Hot Chocolate and vintage-style milkshakes. We serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with options catering to various tastes and occasions.
Questions
What are Smokey Joe's opening hours?
We're open Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday & Saturday 10:30am-10:30pm, and Sunday 10:30am-3pm. Special event hours may vary.
Can I book private events at Smokey Joe's?
Yes, we offer private hire options for parties, weddings, and corporate events with tailored packages and exclusive venue access.
Does Smokey Joe's have live music?
Yes, we host regular live music events including our popular Jazz Club, comedy nights, and themed performances.
Is Smokey Joe's family-friendly?
Yes, we welcome families with our kids' menu, retro arcade games, and special children's events like Halloween parties.
What makes Smokey Joe's unique?
Our fourth-generation heritage, retro American theme, iconic jukeboxes, and combination of dining with live entertainment create our distinctive character.
Reviews (5)
D. Moore
Dec 20, 2021 Report
Disappointing. Visited the Caf today for my daughters birthday lunch and we were very under whelmed. Food was below expected standard, everything felt very cheap- condiments were supermarket own brand. Not what we expected to find in an American diner. Will not be returning.
Shazza Bopstar
Dec 09, 2021 Report
We went here for our works Xmas do. A last minute change from buffet to served individual food due to the change in covid circumstances. I have been here before and it's a lovely little American diner. I love the 50s era so I was here with the 50s dress and victory rolls in my hair! We hired a silent disco and had a dance floor to ourselves. There's a bar for drinks. And a gaming area with some retro games machines. We didn't use those but the dancing and disco was fab. Sorry if we were drunk and noisy!
Michael Freeman
Nov 19, 2021 Report
Lovely nostalgia decor (see photos). Lovely coffee and food. But way too expensive!!! Coffee x2 + Breakfast burger x2 + hash brown x2 = 24.40
Dee Cee Records
Sep 17, 2021 Report
Ive lived in Cheltenham for 5+ years and never knew about this place... Visited last weekend and i was Amazed !! The interior was mesmerizing, with a real American/Vintage touch..... Drinks n cocktails were really good as well as the food.....
Went in just for a coffee, but stayed 3 hours and had some pints.....
Def. Gonna visit again !
Christina Malcolm-Day
Jul 27, 2021 Report
Great food, great service and funky setting. This place is a must! Awesome touch with the retro gaming machines too.