Being a student inevitably means we have no money or food normally, but what if we fancy treating ourselves to some good tucker and a bottle of wine? There are places - even posh places - that do special deals for those of us without bottomless pockets. » Read some BBC Gloucestershire readers recommendations... Renowned in Cheltenham for being posh, classy and expensive, this definitely a place to come for a treat or on a special occasion (or if a bloke's paying for you girlies - after all, it's just been revealed that guys in Gloucestershire come second in a national survey on which men spend most on a first date!).
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 | | Vicky enjoys eating out on the cheap |
But they also do a 'prix fixe' (fixed price for you non-French-speakers) set menu from 12-7, Monday to Saturday. You can choose from two or three courses - two is £13.50 per person and three £16 - a good deal if you fancy splashing out. The portions aren't very big but the quality is excellent.
Le Petit Blanc,
Next to the Queens Hotel,
Promenade
Cheltenham
Tel: 01242 266800 Downstairs in Montpellier Courtyard this is a firm favourite with the locals. A lively restaurant with great atmosphere and BIG portions, it's the place to come if you fancy a laugh with your friends, good food and a relaxed meal.
There is no student discount but its good value anyway - main courses start from £7.50. You can't book so it's just a case of going down there and getting a table - early is best to avoid disappointment.
Flynns Brasserie,
Montpellier Courtyard,
Cheltenham
Tel: 01242 252752 Another restaurant with heaps of atmosphere, this place has a slight Mediterranean/Mexican feel to the décor and it's a very relaxed place. They do a special lunchtime menu which is three courses for £10, from 12-2. For evening meals there is a huge variety of food with the cheapest main course being £7. They also have a special "wine selection room" where you can browse round and choose your perfect plonk! This is a great novelty which I love, but it is quite pricy with the cheapest bottle being £10.95 - great for a treat though!
The Storyteller
11 North Place,
Cheltenham
Tel: 01242 250343 Gloucester's eating out scene doesn't have anything like the range on offer in Cheltenham - unless you're a big curry fan - but this is one of its hidden treasures. Just a short walk from the city centre, this is a relaxed and casual restaurant with very friendly staff. Their portions are HUGE and they sell cheap wine - from £7 a bottle: bargain! They also do a great eat-all-you-can buffet night on a Wednesday between 6pm and 9.30pm. It's £11.95 and the food is fresh and really tasty.
Siam Thai,
5 Park Road,
Gloucester,
Tel: 01452 522289 Topolys Italian Restaurant |
Good value if you like Italian but want something nicer than Pizza Hut fare. Main courses start at £7 and there is a take away service also available.
It's quite a casual restaurant with friendly staff - this is a good place to go for a quick meal and the takeaway service is ideal for when you can't be bothered to cook but want something special!
Topolys Italian Restaurant
Southgate Street
Gloucester
01452 331062
These are just a few of my favourites. If yours isn't in the list let us know by filling in the online form below. Happy eating! Victoria Handson | 
You can't survive on beans on toast forever, however skint you are. Glos Uni student Vicky Handson picks her fave places to eat without breaking the bank. Tell us about yours! 
