Cheltenham Post correspondent ALICE REEVE on an exquisite midweek meal.
I dined at Sam’s Montpellier Restaurant & Bar in Cheltenham’s Montpellier Courtyard this week – and it was an unforgettable experience.
Sam’s was named Gloucestershire’s Foodie Awards Best Restaurant 2024. I can see why.
I visited yesterday evening (Wednesday 28 May) and was surprised at how busy the venue was for midweek. Despite The Cheltenham Post’s photos suggesting otherwise, it was packed.
The open kitchen allows you to see chef Sam in action. Every dish is crafted with care, and he keeps a watchful eye on his guests to ensure they have a fantastic time.
Going to Sam’s was a blast from the past for me. I used to dine there years ago when it was called Flynn’s, owned by a friend of mine. It was magical going back there and reliving those memories.
Sam’s menu follows a tapas-style concept, where you’re encouraged to choose two or three dishes as the servings are small to medium in size, allowing you to sample several choices from the excellent menu.
We started with drinks – Steeplechase gin and tonic and Dunkertons’ cider, both from Cheltenham.
For my first dish, I opted for the signature Pistachio Parfait – with Red Onion Marmalade, Chargrilled Sourdough and Micro Herbs – which was vibrant and silky green, with a creamy texture that was simply exquisite.
My companion opted for the Courgette Linguini, Sun-Blushed Tomatoes, Olives and Pine Nut Sauce, which was excellent.
Next up, I had Spicy Crispy Chicken Strips, Lime & Mint Mayonnaise plus a side order of Chunky Chips. The chicken strips were tender, and the mayonnaise – which I had not experienced before – complemented them brilliantly.
My companion’s second dish was Pan-Fried Seabass, Chorizo, Potato, Beetroot, Green Beans and Apple & Saffron Puree. He’s a seabass fanatic, having sampled it all over the UK, and he rated this among the best.
Our third dishes were outstanding. My medium-rare 8oz Rump Steak Tagliata was perfectly complemented by beautifully cooked Confit Tomato, along with Herb Dressing and Toasted Almonds.
My companion enjoyed the Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Dauphinoise Potato, Roasted Carrot and Red Win Jus. He was impressed by how tender the meat was.
We paired our meal with a delightful rosé wine, San Marzano “Tramari” Primitivo Rose, from Italy, which was perfectly matched to the food.
The food at Sam’s is truly the star of the show. The menu is an art, catering for everyone from vegans to meat-eaters, and offering fresh fish dishes that are simply amazing.
For dessert, I had the Cheese Board – Cornish Yarg, Snowdonia Black Bomber, Oxford Blue, Simon Weaver Brie, Frozen Grapes, Chutney and Crackers – which was a reasonable price, when compared to the ridiculous prices some other restaurants charge.
My companion had the Dark Chocolate & Cherry Torte and Cherry Sorbet. You know he found it delicious when he commented that he wished it had been larger! He was too embarrassed to ask for a second helping.
The atmosphere was lively with 1980s music, the servers were very attentive and it was wonderful to be able to speak with Sam at the end of our meal. You can tell that Sam’s Montpellier Restaurant & Bar is his passion.
My companion and I enjoyed a long, relaxed dinner – we were at Sam’s for two-and-a-half hours – and we were delighted to be without mobile signal, meaning for once we were free from disturbances and could fully enjoy our evening.
Overall, Sam’s offers an exceptional dining experience with outstanding food and a welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommended!
For more about Sam’s, visit https://www.samsmontpellier.co.uk.
See below for more photos from Sam’s Montpellier Restaurant & Bar by Richard Briggs.
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Looks Amazing, you really crusaded round that menu!!!