Footfall at Cheltenham's Brewery Quarter  has made a strong recovery from the pandemic with many venues showing higher levels than in 2019.

According to the Brewery Quarter's marketing manager Demelsa Coleman, weekly footfall for the past three months has averaged 90,000 - 12 per cent shy of 2019 figures but up 26 per cent on last year.

Demelsa said: "I should point out though that, despite this drop, many venues reported growth on 2019 figures (up 15 per cent on average). The appetite to return to enjoy a good time out has been great."

Demelsa took Punchline editor Mark Owen on a whistle stop tour of the Brewery Quarter this week and we discovered that things are really buzzing.

Mark noticed how much things had changed since his last visit with lots of new shops and restaurants and also how neat and tidy everywhere looked.

"It's certainly a massive improvement to what it was some years ago," said Demelsa. "We're delighted to have Luke, a menswear sporty type shop which is very popular with young men and also they do a great range for boys as well."

Demelsa pointed to SLG with its award-winning layout, Soho Coffee, Premier Inn and F45 fitness studio with its high intensity, 45-minute workouts - "That's why they're called F45!"

Then there's Wilko - "Everyone needs a Wilko" - and Escape Hunt which does team building and outdoor experiences and birthday parties, and who are doing well.

On the leisure and hospitality side, there's Hollywood Bowl, Nando's and Five Guys.

"We've got some great burger restaurants here in the Brewery Quarter," added Demelsa. "Our latest news is the official announcement that Flight Club is coming here in the Spring next year. If you like darts or even if you don't they're bringing darts to the people and it's all about having fun and socialising."

Then, of course, there's Cineworld, Mulligan's crazy golf, Starbucks, Son of Steak and The Alchemist cocktail bar and restaurant.

Another success story is Mowgli which opened in August. "They have been doing absolutely brilliantly," said Demelsa. "In fact it's important that you book in advance. They offer Indian-style street food so it's a whole range of small Tiffin dishes and if you get two to three people you can sample all the different dishes. I must confess, I've been there about five times!"

Another exciting arrival due at the Brewery Quarter next Spring is Pho, a Vietnamese restaurant.

Another new kid on the street is Hub Box which opened in September and is doing a roaring trade with its burgers and fries with a Cornish flavour.