Search the Good Food Guide - Site Settings site

Location

Establishment Type

Cuisine

Price

Clear
New Review
  View all 3 photos
  /3
X

Juliet

Gloucestershire, Stroud - Modern European - Restaurant - £££

Modern sharing plates with an old-world French vibe

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

The sophisticated big sister to Slad’s Woolpack Inn, this all-day bistro marries a modern European menu with a decidedly old-world French vibe. Large windows flood the long, narrow white room with light, while linen-draped tables, black leather banquettes, rich mahogany sideboards and a parquet floor evoke the understated elegance of a bygone era. The menu is arranged as a series of sharing plates of escalating size, brought in order, so that one might start with an oyster or oeuf mayonnaise from the snacks, before a more substantial dish of clams with Tropea onion and asparagus or beef tartare with pommes allumettes. Portions are generous, with the final dishes (maybe a butterflied mackerel scattered with agretti and bottarga) the size of a conventional main course. Will Rees (formerly head chef at Wilsons in Bristol) and Oliver Gyde spin magic from sustainably sourced local ingredients, including salad leaves grown in owner Dan Chadwick’s walled garden at nearby Lypiatt...

The sophisticated big sister to Slad’s Woolpack Inn, this all-day bistro marries a modern European menu with a decidedly old-world French vibe. Large windows flood the long, narrow white room with light, while linen-draped tables, black leather banquettes, rich mahogany sideboards and a parquet floor evoke the understated elegance of a bygone era.

The menu is arranged as a series of sharing plates of escalating size, brought in order, so that one might start with an oyster or oeuf mayonnaise from the snacks, before a more substantial dish of clams with Tropea onion and asparagus or beef tartare with pommes allumettes. Portions are generous, with the final dishes (maybe a butterflied mackerel scattered with agretti and bottarga) the size of a conventional main course.

Will Rees (formerly head chef at Wilsons in Bristol) and Oliver Gyde spin magic from sustainably sourced local ingredients, including salad leaves grown in owner Dan Chadwick’s walled garden at nearby Lypiatt Park. Lashings of grass-green olive oil, presumably not locally produced but none the less delicious for it, enriches many dishes and looks so pretty against the white plates. The standout from the short dessert menu is a decidedly grown-up apple tarte tatin, caramelised to within an inch of its life and served with crème fraîche.

Should you wish to take advantage of the impressive list of low-intervention and artisanal wines, Stroud train station is a mere stumble away. Service from the team of young, passionate staff brims with pride and enthusiasm.

Read full reviewSee less

a welsh

24 March 2025

What a genial find. A genuine food and wine goldmine. No pretence, discreet but attentive and well-informed service. An excellent way to spend a few hours decompressing in a little haven on a Saturday afternoon. Keep doing what you are going, we will unquestionably be back!

P Freedman

5 March 2025

A restaurant conceived by a team with an innate knowledge of hospitality, seasonality, and locality. A lovingly curated short menu of delicious small plates and sharing dishes created by a team of 2 chefs working in clos...
A restaurant conceived by a team with an innate knowledge of hospitality, seasonality, and locality. A lovingly curated short menu of delicious small plates and sharing dishes created by a team of 2 chefs working in close harmony. Regular subtle changes to the menu and drinks list that mean every visit is a fresh experience. A knowledgeable, enthusiastic front-of-house team that is always welcoming. The best place for miles around to meet friends in a convivial atmosphere where afternoons meld i...
A restaurant conceived by a team with an innate knowledge of hospitality, seasonality, and locality. A lovingly curated short menu of delicious small plates and sharing dishes created by a team of 2 chefs working in close harmony. Regular subtle changes to the menu and drinks list that mean every visit is a fresh experience. A knowledgeable, enthusiastic front-of-house team that is always welcoming. The best place for miles around to meet friends in a convivial atmosphere where afternoons meld into evenings and evenings seem to last forever.
See MoreSee less

VENUE DETAILS

Old Music Centre, 49 London Road
Stroud
Gloucestershire
GL5 2ADGB

+44 1453 367019

View opening times

Make a reservation

OTHER INFORMATION

Counter seating, Family friendly, Dog friendly

More like this

    •  

       

       

    •  

       

       

    •  

       

       

    Latest articles