What’s all this then?
In a bustling town like Cheltenham, we found ourselves getting pretty bored of the characterless big companies and chains that seemed to dominate the drinking scene with their mediocre bevs and seriously lacklustre vibes. After some digging around It was pretty obvious that a whole bunch of our friends, family and fellow young creatives felt the same way. So, Instead of moaning about it forever, we figured we’d put our heads together and form a plan for FOUR CATS - a simple neighbourhood bar with a genuine identity. We set out to build a space set just back from the noise and chaos of the high street, where simplicity is key and great drinks are always on the menu. But it's not just about the bevs – we wanted to develop an authentic vibe that goes beyond the surface, a place that values sustainability and fosters a sense of community. The kind of establishment that brings people together, where conversations flow as smoothly as the drinks, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
How long have you guys been around?
FOUR CATS was formed in 2021, just as the industry was firing up again after Covid. We started out as nomads, testing our drinks and concept by operating numerous collaborations, events, pop-ups and takeovers at bars, cafes and shops around The Cotswolds. A year later our dream space at The Studios became available, so we dropped everything and got on the tools! Pints of blood, plenty of sweat and 100 favours later, we opened the doors to the Bar & Bottle Shop in February 2023.
Who Started It?
FOUR CATS was founded by two mates, Matt & Freddie. We’re both career bartenders who grew up in Cheltenham and naturally ended up following our craft to London, where we spent years working in some of the capitals top bars, restaurants and hotels. Like thousands of others, Covid 19 caused us to leave the city and back to the comfort of our home town. As quickly as it arrived, Covid thankfully blew over and after a bit of soul searching, we decided we wanted to take inspiration from our experiences in the city and set about building something for ourselves closer to home. We enjoyed a couple of years of popups and events together, but more recently have taken different paths - with Freddie stepping back to focus on his young family. These days the business is headed up by Matt, with the help of a mini team of trusty staff.