A new restaurant based at Stroud’s iconic former Old Music Centre is hoping to hit the right notes when it opens for business on Monday.
The landmark Old Music Centre has been restored by revered artist Dan Chadwick, who also owns the historic Woolpack Inn, in nearby Slad, which he has run for 25 years.
Now set to trade as Juliet and operate six days per week, the restaurant has been lovingly named after Mr Chadwick’s wife, Juliet Chadwick.
He originally bought the Old Music Centre in 2011, when it had fallen into disrepair. “I bought the building for basically nothing as it was actually going to fall down and I restored it. I created a factory and showroom upstairs producing Chadwick pizza ovens.”
In 2018 the building was let out as the Corner House restaurant.
Mr Chadwick’s fascination with the building has inspired his latest venture. The newly refurbished restaurant will boast a continental vibe, he explained: “It’s like old fashioned continental restaurant that you might find in Vienna, Paris. Italy, or even in Eastern Europe and we will serve customers with half-pints only.”
The menu at Juliet’s is inspired by small bistros in France and Italy, with a wine list featuring European artisan producers.
Freshness is very much the mantra when it comes to food, he added: “There’s no freezers here, except one to freeze a certain amount of bread for emergencies, but that’s all. Nothing else is frozen.”
The interior design of Juliet incorporates a huge amount of recycled materials most of which were donated by Adam Hills of Retrovius, including leather for the banquettes, wood panelling for the piano bar walls, and stainless steel for the kitchen and bar.
The kitchen will work closely with local farmers and butchers, following the seasons and featuring produce from Mr Chadwick’s own walled garden at Lypiatt Park.
The intimate piano bar with an old chandelier will feature impromptu visits from pianists. Tables for two can be reserved from Monday 28 October, and from November the whole Piano bar can be booked in advance for parties of up to 12 guests.
The evolution of the new Stroud eatery has seen Mr Chadwick bring in an array of top talent, including general manager Ms Ophelie Theberge.
“Ophelie is highly qualified and very charming general manager and is a wine expert. She was born in a vineyard. She has a fantastic way about the way she serves and describes wine.
“I couldn’t have done anything without Marie Jackson, a friend and advisor and of course Adam Glover, the head chef at the Woolpack for the past eleven years. Adam has brought us Oliver Gyde and William Rees, who worked with him at the Woolpack.
“My talented craftsmen Duncan Herbert and Ben Staines have put in hours of work to get this project finished.”
The business will open until 10pm on Monday through Thursday, with opening until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
