RESTAURANT REVIEW: The Inn at Fossebridge in the Cotswolds

Travelling home after experiencing the spectacular autumn colours at Westonbirt Arboretum, we passed The Inn at Fossebridge, or as I used to refer to it as 'the pub in the dip'. This reminded us of our last visit back in the summer when we met up with an old friend for lunch. We were soon talking about the great time and great food we had and it wasn't long before we were on the phone booking a table for that night. We were in luck. A table for 2 was the only availability.

A few hours later and we were back at The Inn at Fossebridge, a beautiful Cotswold building and only twenty minutes drive from Cheltenham. On arrival we were given a cosy corner in the bar area next to the fire, which like the atmosphere was very warming.

We chose our meal from the Autumn Dinner menu and the Fossebridge Specials menu. Service was prompt and our waitress was helpful and friendly.

I decided on the Slow Roast Tomato and Cotswold Brie Tart with rocket salad and balsamic reduction to start (£6.00). This was a good choice as it was not too filling but very tasty. My husband decided on the Beetroot and Vodka Gravadlax with fennel and dill salad (£7.50). Liking all the ingredients he was intrigued as to how they would all come together in one dish. It was a winner. He didn’t appear to have any objections to his main course either, Roast Scotch Rump Steak with braised ox-cheek, creamed potatoes, glazed carrots and liqueur (£21.50). Always one for his steaks to be cooked to his liking (medium rare) the plate came out looking very well presented with the steak sliced and cooked to perfection. He was very quiet during this course, only pausing to say "this is gorgeous”, and stating that the ox-cheek was the perfect companion for the rump. The carrots also got a special mention.

I chose the Roasted Butternut Squash, Watercress, Sage, Ricotta Cheese (£12.50), which was complemented by pine nuts and Salsa Verde. It seemed like a good seasonal choice for autumn and I was not to be disappointed. 


We both managed to save a small space for dessert. My husband chose the Warm Treacle Tart with clotted cream, which has always been a bit of a favourite of his. I was slightly disappointed that he didn’t want the Pear Tarte Tatin for two to share with Cotswold Vanilla Ice Cream. Have we really been married that long? No, treacle tart beats pear, hands down!

My choice of Lavender Crème Brulee was divine. The delicate lavender flavour was something I had never encountered before and have only ever been used to the smell and never the taste.

So all in all, we had a very pleasant dining experience at The Inn at Fossebridge and it won't be long until we visit again. Highly recommended.

Explore Gloucestershire
24 October 2011 

• Contact phone : 01285 720721
• Also see : The Inn at Fossebridge

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