The Cricklade Club — Restaurant in England

Recently the 'victim' of a refurbishment which has transformed the place from a working man's club into a little taste of London.

Let me qualify these statements. I went here with an interest in hearing a local folk band. The refurb was very pleasant and quirky in a steam-punk setting that will appeal to hipsters and the kind of people who like to hang out to be seen, and never have to buy a round (you know who you are). The choice of foods looked interesting and imaginative, but I was unwilling to pay London restaurant prices in a north wiltshire town.

The beer though. The first I tried was an utterly insipid IPA at nearly four quid a pint. It lacked taste even for the lager I'm certain it was. Giving the bar manager due credit, he checked the lines, denied any error yet offered me another beer, which after about 20 minutes warming up in my hands to normal beer temperature, started to taste interesting. However, going back to buy another of the same, when I discovered it was nearly a fiver a pint, made me resolve never to return. The phrase "craft beer" (ie. Implying the small scale beer carefully, quickly crafted and pumped out to every hipster pub and every supermarket in the hand at premium prices.... For god's sake, I craft beer at home it ain't that difficult) should have rang the alarm bells. Even good beer isn't worth that. There's a pub down the road that brews its own 'craft' beer on premesis and it is absolutely astounding and almost half the price. Fewer airmiles too, hipsters!

Worse: the single pint of beer and the double G&t the missus requested rattled in at over 16 quid! If that were spent on the currently over-priced fuel, I could gave driven well over 90 miles for the cost of a single round and probably still have change!

In summary - seems a really lovely place, run by pleasant people and a nice (coincidentally almost empty by 9pm) ambience. However, it's not for me since 1. I'm not a millionaire and 2. I find it hard to enjoy an evening out while thinking there's an owner somewhere sniggering that he or she's utterly...

The best stop in Cricklade by far. I've been a few times now and it has always been outstanding - the food, the service, the drinks and especially the staff. It's always such a warm, welcoming atmosphere and the staff do really well to make you feel completely welcome and at home. There's a great, rotating selection of craft beers and ciders topped off by a wide range of bottled drinks, and also the best coffee for miles around, all served up with a smile. The food also deserves a special mention: not only can you watch it be prepared through the open partition, but it's also wonderful. There's a regular cast of delicious dishes and also a constantly-changing specials board where the kitchen team really let loose and create some amazing dishes, such as the sesame-crusted seared tuna salad I've attached a photo of. I'd also highly recommend eggs in the woods, the braised beans and the spiced cauliflower tacos from the regular menu, which are all firm favourites. There's a good selection of vegan and vegetarian food, and the kitchen also cater very well for allergies such a gluten. Even some of their indulgent brownies (which should not be missed) are vegan and gluten-free. If you haven't much time, you can also get most of the food and hot drinks to go, which is all packaged in eco-friendly containers. It can get busy, so ringing to book is probably a good idea of you're a larger party, or going at peak times. It's the best place to stop for food in Cricklade, and much better than anywhere in Swindon, too. Well worth a...

I sampled the brunch offering and was really pleased with the poached eggs and smoke salmon breakfast muffins. Delightfully presented and the taste stacked up to expectations. I’ve yet to personally enjoy the menu from the Supper Club. However, it looks an impressive offering and the feedback I’ve had from friends & family is extremely positive.

I’m also extremely impressed with the refurbishment. It’s almost unrecognisable from the old club. But, of course, it’s a completely different venue now. It has a great look and feel to it and there’s plenty of space too. I’m a fan of the raised ceilings, which give an feel of enhance space. The décor is very trendy with exposed copper pipes and funky accessories (including a vintage bicycle).

In addition to the food, I was pleasantly surprised with The Club’s Edgcumbes offering. It had a lovely velvety texture and a natural creamy sweetness. Very well presented, too, in a branded mug featuring The Club’s new logo. Only downside for me was it was only available in one size (small). I’ve been back for many more, and served by a number of staff. Again pleasing to report that the quality of the coffee is consistent, which shows they know what they’re doing. Preparing a decent flat white is a skill that I’ve found many baristas to lack.

Great selection of craft and artisan beers on offer too. Plus, the cakes are wonderful...