Forty5 The Square is a Cheltenham restaurant by Executive Head Chef Gareth Stockford, serving British and Mediterranean cuisine that is both classic and contemporary. Every effort is made to source ingredients locally, and all dishes are made from scratch in house. Seasonality is so important to Stockford, so the restaurant's reguarly-changing menu focuses on the use of fresh, local ingredients.
The restaurant is at the beautiful Clarence Court Hotel, and has made use of the period features while also creating a space with a contemporary feel. The restaurant is enjoyed by hotel guests and local diners alike - hotel guests are strongly advised to book in advance of their stay to avoid disappointment.
The restaurant offers exclusive sharing dishes that diners must pre-order two days before their visit. These dishes are a beef Wellington served with dauphinoise potatoes, vegetables and a jus, and rack of Welsh lamb with a green herb crust, served with boulangère potatoes, vegetables and a rich wine mint gravy. These dishes are for a minimum of two people and are carved at the table by one of the team's chefs, so are perfect for a special occasion, or just to elevate the dining experience.
On the main menu there are lots more seasonal delights for diners to choose from. The starters on offer include chicken liver parfait with a sable biscuit and cherry compot, wild mushroom risotto, and blow-torched mackerel with clams and mussels, served with sea foam and a velouté sauce.
For the main course, options include pork belly with mustard mashed potato and an apple cider reduction, butternut squash Wellington with cauliflower purée, parsnip crisps and a vegetable velouté, plus pan-fried hake with Lyonaise potatoes and a saffron cream sauce.
To finish, try a local cheese board, local dairy ice cream, the sticky toffee pudding or a panna cotta.