Tucked away just off Southgate Street, Café René offers an experience quite different from that of your average city pub. With its ceilings adorned with wine bottles and the soothing sound of water trickling in the Roman well at the entrance, it has a quirky, almost coach-house charm that immediately pulls you in.

The Roman well is more than just a novel, decorative touch; it’s a tangible link to Gloucester’s ancient past. According to the History page at the back of the menu, the foundations of the building are part of the original Roman settlement, later used by monks from the Greyfriars monastery to make wine and ales.

These monks even dug secret tunnels beneath the city which, legend has it, were used by Oliver Cromwell to escape the Cavaliers during the English Civil War. That kind of history, woven into the very fabric of the pub, adds a unique quality to the dining experience.

So, the history has proven impressive, but what about the food?

Our meal began with a pair of delicious starters that could both easily have satisfied as a main course for those with smaller appetites. My dish was a mixture of wild mushrooms, sautéed in garlic butter and served with warm buttered bruschetta.

As a former meat eater, I thoroughly enjoyed the strong umami flavour and meaty texture of the mushrooms. Like many people growing up, I used to turn up my nose at mushrooms because of the off-putting slimy texture I believed they had. It wasn’t until I learned how to cook properly with them that I realised how delicious they were, and Café René have got this dish spot on. Beautifully seasoned with garlic and herbs, I would go back again just to eat this dish.

My husband, Jack, chose the slow roasted belly pork bites, which were glazed with their homemade bourbon marinade. The bites were tender, melt-in-your-mouth chunks and the rich, sticky-sweet glaze was perfectly balanced by the fresh sour cream and chive dip.

The mains were just as hearty as the first course. I opted for the homemade veggie burger, which came with all the usual trimmings and a side of your chosen potatoes. I’m not a fan of meat-alternative burgers – I much prefer burgers made with beans, chickpeas and the like, so this homemade sweet potato patty with carrot, beans and herbs served in a lightly toasted bun really hit the spot. Proper comfort food.

Originally choosing the steak and ale pie after our server confirmed that it was a ‘proper pie’ and not just a bowl of filling with a pastry lid on top, Jack made a U-turn when he noticed the BBQ ribs on the specials board – a dish he remembered really enjoying on a previous occasion. In his excitement, he forgot that he’d ordered the belly pork bites to start and said next time he’d switch things up a bit.

He was presented with what can only be described as a mountain of meat, tender and falling off the bone – a deliciously messy choice that necessitated several additional napkins. He thoroughly enjoyed the flavours of the ribs, but the generous portion meant he ended up taking some of it home in a doggy bag – something he was very grateful of the next day when he got to enjoy it all over again.

Despite feeling very full from the extremely generous portions, we selflessly pushed on and chose our desserts – purely for the purpose of the review, naturally!

Jack’s vegan vanilla cheesecake was light, creamy and not overly rich, which was very welcome after such a feast, and the tart berry compote was a lovely contrast to the creamy vanilla filling.

My apple and berry crumble, served with a dainty jug of custard, was a delight – bursting with fruit and topped with a satisfyingly crunchy crumble. I’ve even been inspired to make my own apple and strawberry crumble at home.

The service throughout was fantastic; friendly, attentive, and the whole team made us feel genuinely welcome. With a big emphasis on the dishes being homemade, they’re clearly proud of the food they serve and so they should be. Every meal that came down the hatch on the old-fashioned rope pull looked delicious.

Despite its popularity, especially on nights when they host live music from bands and individual acts, the ambiance of the restaurant felt intimate and cosy; the perfect setting for both a relaxed date night or a livelier gathering with friends and family.

It’s clear why Café René remains such a favourite for both locals and visitors. It’s the kind of place where food, history and atmosphere come together in glorious harmony. My one piece of advice? Bring your appetite with you!


Find out more about Café René, browse their menus and book a table at www.caferene.co.uk