Cheltenham’s historic Montpelier Lodge will be re-launched as a restaurant in December – ending years of uncertainty as to its eventual use.
The iconic keeper’s Lodge in a leafy corner of Montpelier Gardens has been completely refurbished and final touches are now being applied ready for a launch party featuring a local celebrity chef.
The project is being masterminded by a trio of West businessmen following a deal brokered by Julian Capewell at Bruton Knowles.
Barry Chandler, sick from James Barry Accountancy in Gloucester, price is masterminding the ambitious revamp – and is in talks with a local celebrity chef to provide a figurehead for the new restaurant.
He said: “We have completely revamped the interior while retaining the much-loved exterior of this well-known Cheltenham landmark. Originally the park keeper’s lodge, it had fallen into decay and had recently been used to house tennis racquets for players using the courts across the road.
“A number of different schemes have already been tabled and an awful lot of people have looked at it – but they have failed to come up with a viable scheme.
“We, on the other hand, envisage a contemporary, quality food restaurant experience serving regionally sourced food well, where guests can enjoy a good hearty meal and go away knowing they have been well fed and watered.”
Barry, who is choosing an extensive wine cellar, is just completing his front of house team. He expects to create a dozen and more jobs in addition to his high profile chef.
“Montpelier Lodge will tick all the boxes in terms of location, food and service. It’s going to be very impressive when it is finished.”
Julian Capewell from Bruton Knowles’ Gloucester office said: “Montpellier Lodge is located at the main gateway to Montpellier and the town centre and as such enjoys a highly prominent position within this sought after area.
“It was very important for Cheltenham, which already offers excellent Indian, Italian, Chinese and fine dining opportunities, but it was felt the town lacked a top quality restaurant serving great English food.
“Barry has spent an enormous amount of time ensuring his team get this right. The new Montpelier Lodge will be a welcome addition to Cheltenham’s thriving bar and restaurant scene.”
For further details contact Julian Capewell at: Julian.capewell@brutonknowles.co.uk