COALHOUSE - Brew & Que, founded by chef-restaurateur Lewis Spencer and co-owned by Jay Rahman of restaurant group JM Socials, will open its doors in the former Mayflower site on 17 October.
The restaurant has been inspired by Spencer’s travels in the US and Mexico, where he developed a passion for barbecue cuisine and an admiration for the culture surrounding it.
It will focus on locally sourced smoked meats, independent brews and live-fire cooking.
Menu items will include starters such as tuna tostada; barbacoa pork taco; bone marrow taco (main picture); a brisket slider; and katsu wings while mains will include St Louis pork rib with a gochujang marinade; smoked half corn-fed chicken, jalapeno sauce, cucumber and onion salsa; roasted, brown butter cauliflower, cox apple and hazelnut salsa; and smoked short rib, pickled jalapeno, red onion, arbol salsa, BBQ sauce, and coriander.
The restaurant’s drinks menu will champion the region’s local brewing and cider scene, featuring two exclusive white-label brews created with Cornwall-based Harbour Brewery, a rotating selection of guest taps, and local favourites from DEYA Brewery and Dunkertons Cider.
Its interior will have rustic-industrial touches, including reclaimed wood and oak finishes. A long open bar will be a focal point and the venue will also have an upstairs speakeasy-style bar, called 18th A, that will serve cocktails and bar snacks.
“Barbecuing, as a craft, has always been about getting together to share and create memories around food,” says Spencer.
“At COALHOUSE, we’ve built the restaurant with that spirit at its heart, incorporating live-fire cooking, smoky flavours and dishes that are meant to be enjoyed together.”
Spencer has previously created brands including The Duchess, Chuck Burgers and Elote and has, over the past decade, collaborated with Rahman on other hospitality ventures.
together family, friends and wider network to preview the restaurant.
Speaking on the new restaurant Rahman says: “It’s a space that feels alive, welcoming and social.
“I’m very excited to bring this new culinary venture to Cheltenham - it’s an opportunity to introduce flavours and techniques Lewis has honed from years of travel and collaboration, while creating a place where people can come together and get stuck into the simple joy of great food and drink.”