Flight Club Cheltenham — Restaurant in Cheltenham

Over 50 Miles Round Trip for a Birthday Treat… Tarnished by One Manager’s Attitude…

We visited the Flight Club Cheltenham at The Brewery today to celebrate my auntie’s 60th birthday.

My mum had planned a lovely surprise – we drove from Tetbury, my brothers travelled from Manchester and Birmingham, and we’d all booked time off work. We were really looking forward to it, especially after having such a good experience on a previous visit.

We arrived and went to the bar to order a drink. The young bartender was courteous, polite and really welcoming. My brother, who’s 27 l, ordered half a Coke, and I ordered half a Heineken. I was a little surprised to be ID’d, given that I’m 40 years old, but I understood he was just doing his job. I explained I didn’t have physical ID on me, but I did have a photo of my passport on my phone. He looked at it, seemed satisfied, and everything was fine – we carried on chatting at the bar with no issue.

A moment later, the manager came over and said, “I’m really sorry, I can’t let you drink that — I’m going to have to take it away.” I honestly thought she was joking at first. But no, she was completely serious. I recognised that technically she had the moral high ground, so I didn’t argue – but her tone made it very clear we weren’t exactly welcome. I accepted the refund and let it go.

But what happened next just felt unnecessarily petty.

When the rest of the family arrived and asked about our darts session (we were the only six people in the venue at the time – it was a quiet Wednesday lunchtime), we were told we couldn’t play because my sister didn’t have physical ID either. She’s 36. I genuinely thought they were having a laugh. We were clearly not under 25, we were polite, calm, and there to enjoy a relaxed family celebration – not cause trouble.

It felt less like company policy and more like a power trip. There was no warmth, no common sense, and no attempt to make the situation work. Just a blank refusal and a cold, unapproachable ‘sassy’ attitude. The manager and two other staff nearby seemed more interested in whispering and chatting amongst themselves than offering any kind of customer care. The whole atmosphere felt off – not welcoming, not professional, and not at all like the experience we’d had on our last visit.

In the end, we decided to just leave the staff to it so walked across the road and played darts somewhere else, where we were welcomed straight away. The contrast was night and day.

I’m not someone who complains for the sake of it, and I’m not after any freebies, however as a business owner myself, I feel compelled to say – today’s experience was disappointing and totally unnecessary and it really didn’t need to be

I genuinely hope this young lady receives some proper managerial training, because what I witnessed today was not okay.

It came across as more of a power trip than a professional decision.

She may not care that Flight Club lost our custom today, but I imagine there are people higher up who do – and who would be just as disappointed as we were.

We came in with good intentions, ready to spend money and celebrate a special occasion — we left feeling embarrassed and dismissed, and unfortunately won’t be returning.

I won’t hold my breath for anything more than a templated “thanks for your feedback” message — but I do hope someone in a position of responsibility reads this properly and understands that today’s experience was completely...

Booked this well in advance for Father's day after I did an online chat with someone (because there was no telephone number)..............I was informed that kids are allowed up until 5pm, nothing was said about exclusions. My son brought his switch along and he wasn't going to play darts, I even offered to sit away from the area with my son whilst the other 3 of our group played. The lady we spoke to was being awkward right from the start and obviously didn't like us. After resolving the issue regarding my son she then asked for ID for my 18 year old daughter and her boyfriend. We came to have a few soft drinks and play darts for an hour on Father's day but we were refused because my daughter and her boyfriend didn't bring ID. I wasn't overly impressed when I visited with my work colleagues earlier this year, needless to say I won't be back. I had to ask for a refund which was acknowledged. Apparently you don't like honouring bookings of less than 6 people and children have been seen in the no go areas before so one rule for one and one for another. After this we then went on Mr Mulligans where we were all very much made welcome and had the best time. The moral of the story is make your 18+ attendees bring ID or don't...

Really enjoyed Flight Club! I went on a work night out so can't comment on the cost as all was paid for but it really was so much fun and I will be going back with friends. When playing darts, you can choose from lots of fun games. The different games put you into teams and mix you with someone else each time or I think you can choose to stay with your team mate if you would prefer. It gets very competitive which is such fun and when you score high, there is a camera that takes a picture of your reaction and everyone playing darts which is funny to see how all reacts. I liked that you pressed a button and someone would come to where your playing to take food and drink orders. This was nice so it doesn't interrupt the time your playing to go and stand at the bar and you get to nibble on chips and pizza whilst playing. There is a sit down area as well, so if you would prefer to play darts an then sit down to eat once you have finished, this is also an option. I think the menu is the same which ever option you choose. The staff were so friendly and accommodating, they had a bit if fun / banter with you. All in all, can't...