Popular Stroud restaurant Juliet is certainly on the right track after being handed a top foodie destination accolade.
Opened last year, 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 26 years.
The Good Food Guide has named the eatery in the top 22 best places in Britain to visit. The guide said the list was for ‘their top spots’ for a ‘slap-up’ lunch or ‘deliciously decadent bake’ near a train station.
The Good Food Guide said: “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.
“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.
“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.
Mr Chadwick’s bistro has now become a mecca for famous faces from all over the country. Multi-award-winning comedian and writer Dom Joly, who is best known as the star of Trigger Happy TV heaped praise on the establishment and has become a frequent visitor.
TV and radio presenter Edith Bowman and husband Tom Smith, lead singer of The Editors, shared their delight at the dishes on Instagram. Handbag designer Lulu Guinness also raved about her foodie experience.
Queen Camilla’s son Tom Parker Bowles, the acclaimed food critic, has also dined at the restaurant.
The menu at Juliet’s is inspired by small bistros in France and Italy, with a wine list featuring European artisan producers.
Juliet 49 London Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, 01453 367019. Open Mon-Sat, lunch noon-2.30pm, dinner 6-9.30pm (bar menu noon-9.30pm). From about £40 a head à la carte, plus drinks and service.
