So the advantage of now writing reviews on my own website is that I can write about culinary excursions outside London. My in-laws live in the Cotswolds so my lovely wife and I are frequent visitors to historic Cirencester. It's a well heeled market town that goes back to Roman times. It's one of these rare places that manages to be both a historic & tourist must see but also remains a working town with plenty of amenities and shopping. We go mainly to get a bit of shopping done but also no visit is complete without a bite to eat at Made By Bob.
Made By Bob is the sort of sophisticated yet charming brasserie that would shine in the snake pit of the London dining scene. Yet here it is the ancient splendour of Cirencester's Corn Hall where throughout the day it serves tasty breakfast, lunch, tea and occasionally dinner to these lucky punters. It uses top ingredients which are cooked and prepared expertly in it's large open kitchen. The kitchen brigade are young & eager and one of my favourite parts of the meal is to sit at the counter and watch them prepare the dishes. The menu is always evolving but they always have a risotto which is the best I've tasted.
As it's inside a big stone building it can get a little hot once the kitchen is motoring along but that's part of the atmosphere. They have a credible wine list which I can never get into as I'm usually driving. There is ample seating with a good mix of shoppers, tourists and families. Baby G has been and enjoyed it immensely. About a third of the space is given over to a deli selling their delicious cakes and luscious salads & charcuterie. For me this place has everything you want in a restaurant. The waiting staff are young and enthusiastic, the place may get packed but the team always get you out a perfect plate of food. It's by no means cheap but I'd say for the quality of food it is more than fair. So if in Cirencester you should definitely head down to this great restaurant, it's the best in the area.
Friday, August 05, 2016
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9