Gloucester’s new multi-million pound Forum development has garnered considerable attention since opening earlier this year. Situated just off Station Road near Gloucester Station and the Transport Hub, this vibrant area has quickly become one of the city’s busiest. Featuring a four-star hotel, a 399-space multi-storey car park, and over 106,000 square feet of office space, the development aims to be “Gloucester’s newest neighbourhood,” blending offices, residential spaces, hotel accommodation, retail outlets, and a university campus with close proximity to the city centre.
The architecture is striking, with lush herb gardens running through the centre of the modern buildings, creating a refreshing green space amid the urban setting. One of the standout new businesses at The Forum is Forum Coffee, an independent café located on the ground floor of one of the office blocks.
Opening its doors in June, Forum Coffee has quickly established itself as a stylish and inviting spot for a working lunch. The interior is minimalist yet elegant, offering a bright and airy environment perfect for a quick coffee before catching a train or bus, or for a more leisurely lunch break away from the office.
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On a Friday lunchtime visit, the café is calm but not deserted, with a few groups working on laptops or quietly enjoying their surroundings from window seats. The menu focuses on light, fresh choices including sandwiches, toasties, and smoothie bowls. I chose the Italian sandwich – a delicious combination of chicken, homemade pesto, tomato, salad, and balsamic vinegar on focaccia bread – accompanied by a pot of tea. The total came to a reasonable £12.60.
The sandwich arrived promptly, and its generous filling and fluffy bread made for a delightful meal. The balsamic vinegar added a rich flavour that complemented the chicken beautifully. While tempting baked goods such as carrot cake and hazelnut brownies were also on offer, I opted to save those treats for another time.
I spent around 30 minutes at Forum Coffee, finding it just enough time to enjoy a relaxed lunch break before returning to the day. The café’s window seating overlooking the main road also makes it an excellent place for people-watching.
For anyone visiting The Forum or passing through Gloucester’s newest neighbourhood, Forum Coffee is well worth a visit for a refreshing bite and a calm spot to unwind, even if just for a short while.