Restaurant recommendations please...!

[Pulse]

Ok, so being the organised person I am, I of course have Jen's birthday completely sorted. I mean, it's in 5 days' time, so of course it's sorted... Right?

Anyway, I'm looking for some restaurant recommendations in the area. Somewhere within 50 miles of Swindon would be good, or perhaps even better would be somewhere on the way back from Birmingham, on Friday night (if Jen hasn't spent my whole account in the Bullring that is)!

Not really sure what I'm looking for, but perhaps something trendy, or something with live music (or some form of entertainment)...? I'm open to suggestions!

Anyone that's met Jen, and met me, will know she's quite obviously easily impressed... Should be an easy task then!

[N Dentressangle]

http://www.brasserieblanc.com/locations/cheltenham...

would be on your way, if you prefer a more formal restaurant. Cheltenham has a few of these type of places.

Otherwise these must be nice gastropubs on your route?

[Luckyluciano]

IMHO you can't beat THE THREE CROWNS in Brinkworth.

[kryten]

Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham is also really good but again, pretty formal. Most of the restarants I know are like that though.

3 Crowns is a good call for gastro-pub type place and the Royal Oak at Bishopstone is too.

[V8S]

kryten said:

Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham is also really good but again, pretty formal. Most of the restarants I know are like that though.

3 Crowns is a good call for gastro-pub type place and the Royal Oak at Bishopstone is too.

Kryten - don't you mean Parrot's Bar on G Deck?

[T350 Al]

If Bristol isn't too far out of the way; Hotel du Vin is really nice. Really good food and their wine list is outstanding. Staff are attentive without being overbearing. Pretty relaxed atmosphere and they do nice champagne cocktails; what more do you need?!

[iamed]

The Swan at Southrop is good.

edit: traditional not trendy and no music though!

Edited by iamed on Monday 9th November 15:58

[miniman]

Come off the M5 at J13, head to Stroud then south on the A46

http://www.calcotmanor.co.uk/

Then a quick run cross-country back to Swindon.

[bint]

I was going to suggest La Carbonara as we went there for the first time last Friday - the steak was sublime! But then you want live music............

Allium in Fairford is supposed to be top notch, but again, you may struggle with live music.

You're better off trawling Oxford or Bath I think....

[TimCrighton]

Only just seen this but would recommend:

Coles in Marlborough - generally really good.

The Harrow at Little Bedwyn (about 20-25 mins from Swindon, between Marlborough and Hungerford) - a michelin star don't you know! (for that little bit 'special')

[kryten]

I'd agree with that - The Harrow is excellent and well worth a visit

[miniman]

TimCrighton said:

Coles in Marlborough - generally really good.

Yep, second that one.

[Glade]

Wild Duck in Ewen http://www.thewildduckinn.co.uk/

EDIT: But looking at trip advisor reviews don't stay there.
Hmmm we have been to the restaurant several times and it's always been very nice!

Edited by Glade on Sunday 22 November 23:31

[bint]

So where did you go Ian? Given that it's past her birthday now.