Gloucester’s recently unveiled Forum development has generated considerable excitement since its opening earlier this year. This multi-million pound project boasts notable features including a four-star hotel, a 399-space multi-storey car park, and over 106,000 square feet of office space. Situated just off Station Road, it occupies a strategic location near Gloucester Station and the Gloucester Transport Hub.
The developers describe The Forum as “Gloucester’s newest neighbourhood,” designed to seamlessly connect offices, residential spaces, hotel accommodation, retail outlets, and a university campus with the vibrant city centre. Architecturally, the development is striking, with modern buildings centred around lush green herb gardens that add an inviting natural touch.
Among the new amenities brought by The Forum is Forum Coffee, an independent coffee shop nestled on the ground floor of one of the office buildings. Since opening its doors in June, Forum Coffee has quickly become a favoured spot for working lunches within the development.
READ MORE: Nurse Urges Public to Ring 111 if Key Symptoms Follow Wasp or Bee Sting
The café’s interior is minimalist yet elegant, providing a bright and airy environment ideal for a quick coffee before catching a train or bus, or for a more leisurely lunch away from the nearby offices. During a Friday lunchtime visit, the atmosphere was pleasantly calm, though a few customers were either working on laptops or seated by the windows, enjoying some people-watching.
The menu focuses on light bites including sandwiches, toasties, and smoothie bowls. I chose the Italian sandwich, comprised of chicken, homemade pesto, tomato, salad, and balsamic vinegar, all served on soft focaccia bread. Paired with a pot of tea, the total cost was a reasonable £12.60. The café also offers tempting baked goods, such as carrot cake (£4.35) and hazelnut brownies (£3.75), though I refrained on this occasion.
Within about ten minutes, my sandwich arrived - a generous wedge between two fluffy slices of focaccia that elicited an appreciative ‘Oh wow’ from me. The balsamic vinegar contributed a delightful flavour that beautifully complemented the chicken.
I spent around thirty minutes at Forum Coffee, enough to enjoy a relaxed lunch break that would suit anyone working nearby. The spot’s plentiful window seating provides excellent views of the street outside, ideal for a bit of people-watching.
Whether you’re working in the area or simply passing through The Forum, Forum Coffee is well worth a visit for a chic and comfortable lunchtime experience.