The Napier Restaurant can be found inside The Queens Hotel in Cheltenham. The restaurant is split between two dining rooms, one of which has a beautiful glass roof allowing you to stargaze on a clear evening. The space is beautifully designed and the tables are well placed, so you’re not overhearing your neighbour’s discussions. We loved the décor and there’s plenty to observe while dining. The centre of the restaurant has a wooden structure dividing the tables in a unique way that gives guests an element of privacy and worked really well. Service was faultless from start to finish, and we certainly cannot fault the food we experienced.
We started the evening with two fine glasses of Louis Dornier Brut, a fresh champagne with a lemony nose and crisp delivery on the palate. We enjoyed an Amuse Bouche of Pacific Oyster, Lemon Balm, and Crispy Shallot. A superb trio of flavours and the bar was set high for the evening ahead.
To begin we ordered the Cornish Yarg Cheese Soufflé, with a Grape and Endive Salad. An excellent choice to start with, the flavours were on-point and the dish looked as good as it tasted. We also ordered the Pigeon and Lavender Terrine, with Toasted Sourdough and Plum Chutney. The marriage of Pigeon and Lavender was superb, and the terrine had a wonderful texture.
“Each dish was well-executed and presented.”
For our main course we shared the Cote de Boeuf, served with Grilled Porcini Mushroom, Pommes Anna, Truffle Jus, and Purple Sprouting. An enjoyable dish to share, the Truffle Jus complimented the dish very well and the Beef was perfectly prepared.
Moving on to dessert we ordered a Rose Water Opera Cake, with Rose Petal Cream and Toasted Almonds. I couldn’t think of a better way to end our evening as once again the presentation didn’t disappoint and it was simply delicious. My partner ordered the Hot Chocolate Fondant and Clotted Cream, with Ice Cream. Another splendid dessert.
Our chosen wine for the evening was a bottle of 2012, Bocelli Rosso Toscana Sangiovese, Tuscany, Italy. A strong, ripe and smoky wine with some interesting notes which we had no problems finishing off.
The staff at the Napier Restaurant looked after us very well and each dish we sampled was well-executed and presented. A strong recommendation from us and I’m sure it’s not the last time we will be stopping by.
The Bill: £63 per head
