winter nights at the scenic supper, cheltenham.

Found in an unassuming industrial estate just a stone's throw from Cheltenham's centre, you'll find the twinkling lights of Ritual Coffee Roasters, where head chef, Sam Idione will be cooking up a storm throughout November and December 2022. The Scenic Supper is thrilled to announce its exciting new ‘Winter Nights’ warehouse dining hub located at the HQ of Ritual Coffee Roasters in Cheltenham.

You're met with high ceilings and an industrial finish (or rather unfinished), with an open feel that still feels cosy and inviting. Plants stacked on steps, coffee roaster sacks on chairs and mellow tea lights met with an open kitchen make for a super-cool and homely setting. With a warming, winter inspired menu made up of the best of local Cotswolds produce. Plus drinks from nearby DEYA brewery and of course Rituals Coffee Roasters themselves.

With a friendly and knowledgable crew, the staff couldn't do enough for you. They know the menu through and through, so suggestions of their favourites are welcomed. Service was prompt and professional but still casual. It's a great combination - a menu that feels like a fine dining service, without the stuffiness. 80s classics play on in the background too. I never thought I'd be enjoying an a la carte menu to the tune of Love Shack, Land Downunder and The Power of Love - but it worked.

 

We began with chicken butter on a warm white bloomer. The Local DEYA beer, Tappy Pils was easy drinking and went well with umami flavours of the butter.

To start we both had the Short Rib Beef Rillettes, Tomato Confiture, Herb Crumb, Sourdough (£11.50). It's just as well because it was the best course by far. The slow cooked short rib was, by want of a better cliche, melt in the mouth. In general it was a really good mix of textures and contrasts, with a pop of sweetness from the tomato. It maybe didn't need even the sour dough.

For mains we enjoyed the Pork Belly, Beer Braised Shallot, Parsnip, Apple Puree (£20) with a side of Pork Fat Roasted Sage Brussels Sprouts (£4) and Fish Pie (£18) which had a mix of salmon, cod, smoked haddock and prawns with a topping of smooth potato and watercress.

The fish pie was certainly a generous portion - with everything you need to create this delicious dish. Great quality seafood, plus thick and creamy mash with a crunchy topping. If we were to be really critical, we'd say it could have been a smaller portion with greens included. All round a great fish pie though, which two could even share.

The pork belly was buttery soft to cut through whilst still having a moreish, salty chew to it. Teamed with the winning combo of apple puree - it was very filling and flavoursome. I couldn't taste the beer in the shallots but they were caramelised and tasty. The charred sprouts were a particular winner and I challenge any sprout hater to try them - the crispy finish really made their flavour sing.

To finish, we had the Chocolate Mousse (£7.50) which came with chocolate soil and a chocolate shard, as well as an additional Ritual Coffee Roasters latte and flat white. The shard was a favourite part, with coffee notes in the smooth but not bitter dark chocolate. The mousse itself was fluffy, velvety and luxurious. There were also dessert cocktails that could have rounded off your meal - think choc orange espresso martinis, salted caramel martinis and pumpkin spiced offerings.

Overall it was a wonderful evening with a casual atmosphere, an inviting, well-sourced menu and excellent service for all. It was definitely worth the trip - as well as looking up other locations that The Scenic Supper may pop up next.

Find out more at The Scenic Supper

Ritual Coffee Roasters Unit 31 – 32, Lansdown Industrial Estate, Gloucester Rd, Cheltenham GL51 8PL

I was invited to The Scenic Supper for a review. All words, opinions, photographs and love of beef short rib my own.