To make a perfect day trip from Bristol to Gloucester Cathedral, we specially went to Cheltenham for a good-food-good-value lunch, and found a French bistro hidden in a basement.
Let me first explain why we chose Cheltenham.
Look for Good Food in Cheltenham
Cheltenham is a decently developed town, located to the north of Bristol by car or train. Either way, it takes only 40 minutes.
She is rich. Why? Because Cheltenham is considered as the most complete Regency town in England. Regency is an era where peace and prosperity thrive. You can see their architecture is more decorated and wealth associated. And most importantly, they have good restaurants.
Just open Google map and look at the shops and restaurants. You can find the upper-end brands – Waitrose, The Ivy, John Lewis, REISS, and a few Michelin-recommended restaurants, but not in the neighbouring town of Gloucester.
So I knew, if I can’t find a restaurant I like in Gloucester, I may find one in Cheltenham.
And here it is. Sorted ratings over 4.5 on Google map, I found Petit Coco.
A Little French Bistro Hidden in the Basement
However, we’ve got a tiny problem of locating where it is.
We followed the GPS, ‘ugh? already past?’ Look back, nothing there. Go to the opposite. Also there is no restaurant. Double check the address, okay, Bath Street…… But we are in the Bath Street!
Then I noticed a small wooden plate on the fence. ‘Oh there!’ Put your heads down, then you’ll see a narrow stair that you can’t believe is leading towards the bistro entrance.
By the time I stepped in, I knew it’d be a good one. It’s so small yet cozy with about 10 tables, no wonder why it’s called Petit Coco.
Good Value 2-Course Lunch Menu
As a first time visit, we aimed for the 2 course lunch menu which costs only £18.95. Set lunch is served on Monday to Saturday, 12:00-14:00 (No set lunch menu in December).
Curry Boy ordered crêpe aux champignon and seafood of the day – moules marinières (mussels in white wine sauce), while I had smoked salmon as a starter, aubergine and lentil gratin for the main course.
Crêpe aux champignon
Served piping hot, the pretty mushroomy and creamy crêpe we ever had. Remember to save some bread for this.
Smoked salmon
Freshly squeeze in some lemon juice, enjoy the fatty smoked salmon with some crunchy radishes, rocket and pungent capers, heaven.
Moules marinières (mussels in white wine sauce)
Oh gosh, these mussels! Look at them, so SEXY!!!! They were all very plump and meaty, crispy but also creamy. At some moments, I thought I was eating oysters! Consider it’s the end of August, kind of out of season, yet the quality was exquisite!
And the frites, I forgot when was the last time I had these REAL frites. It ticks all the boxes: thick, crispy outside, fluffy inside, very hot, meaning freshly made, and moderately salted. It was crazily good, I guarantee everyone will LOVE this!
Aubergine and lentil gratin
Not sure the aubergine had been fried or just roasted, it was so melting, and it always resonated with cheese, while the French lentils offered some bites. The sauce could have been more flavourful. Be aware that crêpe aux champignon is also saucy and cheesy and bake in STAUB, you may not want them both together.
Petit Coco is cosy, runs by a small team, but their flavour is big. The ambience, food quality, service, cost performance, all contribute to becoming my go-to restaurant. I’ll definitely come back!
