One of Cheltenham's newest fine dining restaurants has caught the eye of Michelin inspectors, earning it a place on the list of their favourite new restaurants this May 2023.
Restaurant Journey is one of 18 restaurants to be added to May's list and one of only three to be highlighted on the Michelin guide's website, with inspectors remarking on its 'colourful décor, a lively modern soundtrack and a refreshing lack of stuffiness' as well as 'well-worked combinations and plenty of modern techniques' from owner and chef, Jeff Lewis.
Serving many of the courses himself, Lewis's menu is inspired by his extensive travels through Asia, as well as his experiences working at Heston Blumenthal's three-Michelin-starred The Fat Duck in Bray and Gareth Ward's two-Michelin-starred Ynyshir in Wales.
Having impressed the Michelin inspectors, Restaurant Journey seems to be living up to its promise to 'put the fun into fine dining' with its theatrical presentation; a floor-to-ceiling graffiti-inspired mural; a 'living wall' of pickles and fermentations; and rock music playing.
For diners wanting the full creative fine dining experience, the 12-course tasting menu with silver service level hosting costs £125 per person, with a carefully curated wine flight available from an additional £65 per head; while the restaurant also offers a pared-back but still creatively adventurous six-course menu on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
