Bhoomi Kitchen Cheltenham — Restaurant in Cheltenham

Must say, we, the wife and I were very impressed with the fare and hospitality at the Bhoomi last Sunday 03/08/23.

What started initially as a well planned trip to sample their Sunday thali meal offering after reading about a restaurant award they had received recently, we were, instead rerouted to the Keralan Harvest Festival Onam fare, (traditionally celebrated at this time of year back in that South Western corner of India -with some even go as far as to claim Kerala as “God’s Own Country” no less!).

We were offered 21 different vegetarian dishes which signify this auspicious festival- each arriving in small boat shaped individual dishes and served on typical South Indian style plates ie banana leaves. There were second helpings of some of the fare, if one wanted some. Being satiated, we had to call a halt to our feasting. Another party who were sat on the other side of the room, were enjoying extra portions with some relish.

The staff together with the part owner , Lizzie ( her husband being away at their other facility in Oxford) were very attentive and helpful in typical South Indian fashion.

Gave only 3* for atmosphere, owing to just 6 of us at that sitting which somehow diminished what should have been a lively affair. Hopefully, the next time when this event gets further and widespread publicity.

Decor was simply outstanding and elegant to add further ambiance to this fine dining place.

We will definitely be back! To sample many of their other South Indian dishes- not least the appam ( one of my all time breakfast favourites).

If you are looking to tasting proper Indian food (with respect to those who frequent Bangla owned “Indian” outlets), this is a real place to truly discern authentic dishes wonderfully prepared (three Keralan chefs) and served well at Bhoomi. Make a trip. You won’t be...

Having visited this restaurant about 4 years ago and having a great meal I was looking forward to returning for a special family meal.

I can't believe it's the same place, from start to finish it was genuinely one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. To summarize the evening:

30 mins for a waiter to take a drinks order.

1 hour for first starters to arrive (horrendously dry and tiny portion of chicken - Chicken 65 it's called, 65 must be the age of the chicken).

2 hours after walking in mains finally arrive. All are disappointing. Chicken Korma = Tesco value chicken soup with chicken chunks, Lamb and spinach was worse than dog food. Biryani was embarrassing with a tiny pot of some kind of sauce that no one, including the waiting staff seemed to be able to identify.

Desserts (un)fortunately weren't had as we'd already been there for nearly 3 hours and as nice as the decor is I was quite frankly sick of the sight of floundering waiters and overpriced slop being served to tables of disgruntled customers.

Then the bill arrives and it tops £400. After some pointing out of all the things we'd complained about, weren't happy with or the complete and utter shambles we'd endured, £80 was taken off. So still a bill of over £300 was left for 5 adults and 2 children. No tip included.

In retrospect, we should have walked out after the starters but you live and learn and if this review saves one other diner wasting their well earned money on an experience akin to the worst tourist rip off places in Leicester Square then that's some solace.

Cheltenham can do better and does do better, seek out the places worthy of your custom and avoid Bhoomi Kitchen at all costs (and the costs...

Been there a few times. Food was so so but I try to give independent food outlets more than one chance. The idlis were above average for the UK and the thali had one or two decent dishes. I wanted to bring my kids there and the Maitre D said she would ensure the food could be made less spicy to cater for the little ones if they came. When we turned up with our kids - the Maitre D wasn’t there but they again said food would be made less spicy for the little ones. When the food came it was spicy and fiery as hell. Our kids couldn’t touch the food at all and we told the waiter about this and he just brought the bill. When we complained about the food again on the way out he reluctantly took the kids meals away. I still left a tip. This was many months ago. Went in again today on a Saturday, same Maitre D who was there - reminded her she said she could make the food less spicy and could we get idli with sambar and chutney that has very little spice in it for take away. The previous charm disappeared to one of arrogance and defensiveness - “we can’t make food especially for you when we have done all the prep on Friday” - we were told. Oh so not fresh food at all then and would it kill the staff to make fresh sambar and chutney when the restaurant was completely empty? Unfortunately for the residents of Cheltenham this is all they know as decent Indian food whereas they would be better served to go to London and treat theme selves to a decent Indian meal where the staff fall over themselves to accommodate their customers. BK has had plenty of chances for me and I won’t...