The Beaufort Dining Room Awards

The Beaufort Dining Room Restaurant Review:

If you’re looking to book a celebratory meal, consider The Beaufort Dining Room, the more formal dining option at Ellenborough Park in Cheltenham. The space has been restored to its sixteenth-century grandeur with original oak paneling, Tudor fireplaces and stained glass windows. Overseeing the strong culinary team is head chef David Kelman, who presents modern British fare. Guests can create their own prix-fixe menus with two, three or four courses (£45, £55 or £65, respectively) or choose the five-course tasting menu (£65, plus £45 for complementing wines). Start off with foie gras with fennel seed brioche and prune purée or pan-fried baby monkfish tail seasoned with curry spices and served with sweet corn, crab and coriander chowder poured tableside. Continue with main courses like roast crown of partridge with wild mushrooms, smoked duck fat fondant potatoes, tomato fondue and partridge jus. A highlight of the experience is the arrival of the glass-enclosed cheese cart, which displays British cheeses ranging from creamy May Hill Green to firm Isle of Mull cheddar to Stilton blue cheese. Then come carefully composed desserts such as a hazelnut and toffee parfait coated in white chocolate, accompanied by caramelized bananas and pistachio and banana cake. The elaborate wine list boasts local sparkling wines and top French Bordeaux selections, plus by-the-glass options from Chile, Australia, Italy, Spain and beyond. Service is efficient. There is also a traditional Sunday lunch offering two courses for £24 or three courses for £30.