Cheltenham Restaurant Guide

“Consistently fabulous” “fine-dining food that happens to be Indian” scores consistently high marks for this “refined and stylish” outfit, where “top-quality ingredients” and “brilliant flavours” are “beautifully served”.

“I always visit 3-4 times a year. I’d go more often if it was not a 300 mile round trip!” – David & Helen Everitt Matthias inspire huge loyalty amongst their large fanbase, who appreciate “the hard work and support given by their teams in the kitchen and front of house” at a venture just outside the city centre where, famously, Le Patron is always at the stoves. The “unfailingly spectacular” food is “the traditional cuisine that dreams are made of”, and many diners note that “the prices here still represent wonderful value for the quality offered”. The cooking is complemented by “an extensive wine list (spanning a wide choice of countries, but with a particularly great variety of reasonably priced French vintages)”, presided over by “Helen, who discreetly runs front of house with her young team like clockwork”. When it comes to the room it’s… “pleasant”. Fans say: “to me, the calm space adds to the pleasure – I’m still surprised that some find it dull”. STOP PRESS – in October 2018, Michelin took away their second star as they launched the Michelin 2019 guide. There’s nothing in our diner survey to support this.

“Contemporary Indian fare – not at all your usual bog standard offerings” – earns unanimous high ratings for this modern south Indian, whose “classy decor with subtly lit, dark walls creates an air of romance”. Top Tip: “try the house G&T, served with chilli and rosemary”.

“What a great find!”; in the backstreets, chef/patron Gareth Fulford delivers “really interesting dishes” – notably “fish cooked à point” – and lots of “nice, foraged bits” at his stylish establishment. Another boon: it’s all “very reasonably priced”.

The Ogrodzki’s properly Gallic restaurant (no franglais here) continues its successful run; even the very odd cynic praises “charming” hostess Elisabeth and some “absolutely delicious” dishes of a traditional bent.

“They’ve got a great menu of American-inspired comfort food” at this bar/bistro in the city-centre “and some real mastery at the grill. Brunches are good too”. Top Menu Tip: “whole deep fried globe artichoke with greek garlic mayo”.

Part of the five-strong ‘The Lucky Onion’ chain, owned by Superdry guru Julian Dunkerton – this gorgeous Georgian house on the Prom has put the style into Cheltenham since opening five years ago; the ambience (and to some extent food) can be “great”, but patchy service continues to be a drag.