Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>Sitting pretty on the waterfront at the Pillar &amp; Lucy Warehouse, the <a href="https://www.coalkitchen.co.uk/">Coal Kitchen</a> is a hidden-away hotspot amongst the gastro offerings at Gloucester Quays. Located directly opposite the multi-screen cinema and shops, it is the only independently owned restaurant here, and has the loveliest, quite under-the-radar waterside terrace, with views across the Gloucester canal and Quays.</p>



<p>I&#8217;ve visited the designer outlet countless times, I mean, who doesn&#8217;t love a 75% off shopping haul? But I&#8217;ve always ended up at one of the safe stalwarts in kids-in-tow-autopilot; ramen in Wagamamas or burgers at Five Guys. Somehow, the Coal Kitchen had always escaped my radar, tucked away as it is under a spectacular lofty warehouse, I never realised what a lovely place it was to refuel.</p>



<p>As well as a sunny, south-facing terrace, you can eat inside in the ample dining room, or just hang out at the cocktail bar. The Gloucester branch has sister restaurants in Bristol and Exeter, and the food has good sustainable credentials, using locally sourced ingredients from farmers, growers and producers from a 30 miles radius.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s a sizable restaurant, so a great choice if you&#8217;re coming en famille or with a large group of friends. The terrace is a treat to sit out on too, now fully reopened after the waterway underwent a restoration, there&#8217;s now a steady flow of pretty narrowboats, barges and houseboats to watch sail past you sip a spritz. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-70.jpg" alt="the coal kitchen in gloucester" class="wp-image-50437" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-70.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-70-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-70-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-70-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>Formerly a 19th century warehouse taking in sugar from Jamaica, many of the original features of this stunning building have been retained, so if you love a cool industrial backdrop with your burger and fries, it&#8217;s spot on. Expect exposed brick walls, chunky steel beams, minimalist wooden furniture and simple booths, paired with a pop of biophilia, from potted plants to a grass wall collage.</p>



<p>There was a big mix of people the Saturday afternoon we visited, from families to younger couples, but the large majority were hungry shoppers dropping by after a shopping session at the Quays.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="686" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-75.jpg" alt="coal kitchen in glos" class="wp-image-50485" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-75.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-75-800x549.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-75-400x274.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-75-765x525.jpg 765w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I like that there are three dining areas to choose from, under the big parasols by boxes of colourful flowers at the front, inside for a broody industrial vibe or on the terrace for the water views. There is also a fun, artificial turf area in front of the restaurant complete with multi-coloured deck chairs (why has no one put in an artificial beach here yet? A perfect spot surely!).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>The menu here is a crowd pleaser, with all-day dining options taking you from breakfast through to bottomless brunch, then dinner and cocktails. There are grills, pasta, burgers, salads and more to choose from, as well as a great kids menu. Littles also get free colouring and puzzles, and bring along your pooch and they’ll get water bowls and doggie ice-cream in the summer.</p>



<p>Something I really like too is the food provenance. Ethically-sourced caffeine beans come from Wogan Coffee, a family-run roasters just five minutes away. All the bread, buns and pastries are made daily from scratch at Pinkman&#8217;s Bakery in Bristol. And the meat is reared from SALSA (Safe and Local Suppliers Accreditation) accredited Ben Creese, a family run butchers of three generations.</p>



<p>The menu has a lot of choice, this is truly one of those places you never struggle to find something you like (great for those tricky family meals out), from skewers and a stone-baked mains section to grills, salads and burgers. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="686" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-68.jpg" alt="coal kitchen in glos" class="wp-image-50425" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-68.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-68-800x549.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-68-400x274.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-68-765x525.jpg 765w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The kids got their pizza fix with a starter of Sourdough Pizette which came with the creamiest Italian Fior di Latte mozzerella on top and a lovely, crunchy authentic thin stone basked base.</p>



<p>We also tried the Crispy Sticky Wings with a Korean Glaze, which were delicious, with a great sweet and spicy kick.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/2-10.jpg" alt="coal kitchen in glos" class="wp-image-50428" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/2-10.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/2-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/2-10-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/2-10-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For main, I opted for a Tagine Spiced Chicken Wrap which was so good, stuffed with nice lean chicken breast (no gristly brown meat here, which gets top marks from me), salad, fresh herbs and harissa yoghurt. My other half went for the rack of Sticky BBQ Ribs, which were a great, chunky size and fall-off-the-bone tender. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/3-5.jpg" alt="coal kitchen in glos" class="wp-image-50431" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/3-5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/3-5-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/3-5-400x280.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/3-5-750x525.jpg 750w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The teens &#8211; such fussy eaters at the best of times &#8211; found things they liked instantly on the menu, which was such a joy. They let you mix dishes from the set menu and a la carte menu if you need to, which was really good.</p>



<p>They wolfed down a Chicken Schnitzel dish and a Minute Steak. The latter did come more well done then we&#8217;d asked for, but it didn&#8217;t really matter, it was still exceptionally good according to my son.</p>



<p>The burgers on a nearby table looked great, big stacks of beef patties oozing with cheese, burger sauce and bacon. We had to get a few sides too as they looked so good, our favourites being the skin on fries (or go sweet potato fries) which comes sprinkled with moorish, creamy feta and oregano.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="900" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-69.jpg" alt="coal kitchen in glos" class="wp-image-50433" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-69.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-69-800x720.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-69-400x360.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/1-69-583x525.jpg 583w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



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<p>Visiting with vegan preferences? Although there&#8217;s no separate vegan menu as such, there are several vegan options so you&#8217;ll be well catered for here.  The Baked Cauliflower with Cous Cous and Pomegranate, and Asian Noodle Salad (which you can pimp up with halloumi) looked delicious.</p>



<p>There are five tightly curated desserts to choose from, we went for the Churros rolled in cinnamon with a chocolate dip, which were divine, and the Apple Crumble and vanilla ice-cream, which was sweet, tangy and heavy on the crumble, which the kids loved.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="710" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/6-3.jpg" alt="coal kitchen in glos" class="wp-image-50430" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/6-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/6-3-800x568.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/6-3-400x284.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/6-3-739x525.jpg 739w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



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<p>The rarified waterside location really lends Coal Kitchen that chilled summer bar vibe, and it has a cocktail and world wine and spirits menu to cater well for sundowners on the terrace. I had a Gin Blush, and may have found my new favourite summer drink, made with Gordon&#8217;s Pink Gin, rhubarb tonic, strawberry and the most fabulous, real dried rose floating petals on top! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="740" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/5-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50429" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/5-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/5-3-800x592.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/5-3-400x296.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/07/5-3-709x525.jpg 709w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The service was great throughout the visit, really friendly, and super attentive. I thought maybe being out on the terrace would mean we&#8217;d be out a limb a bit, but the opposite was true, they look after you really well wherever you are.</p>



<p>There&#8217;s a cute &#8216;CK&#8217;s Bar&#8217; curated cocktail selection too if you&#8217;re in for a proper session, which looked highly quaffable too. Featuring goodies like Barrel Aged Negroni and Kaffir Lime Margarita. Plus, at the moment there&#8217;s a brilliant 2 for £13 offer on cocktails, so what&#8217;s not to like?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



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<p>Well, for starters you&#8217;re about 20 steps away from Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet. If you haven&#8217;t been (where have you been!) you&#8217;ll find a range of fashion and lifestyle shops with a massive 75% off the RRP here. My personal faves? All Saints, Ted Baker, Dune and Phase 8. The docks themselves are really nice to talk a wander around, watch the boats and barges sail past, or browse at the regular monthly market here overlooking the water.</p>



<p>Want to take in more sights? The world famous Gloucester Cathedral is walkable from here and really worth a visit (used as a backdrop to many a film including <em>Harry Potter</em>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE DAMAGE</h2>



<p>Pretty reasonable and average for a great meal out with ethically sourced food. A full, three course meal for four of us (including two big teen boy appetites) came to just over £100. Add drinks to that &#8211; a Gin Blush, a beer, and some Passionfruit Mojito Mocktails for the kids &#8211; brought it to £125. Do be aware though, there is a 10% service charge automatically added to the bill at the end. Knowing means no nasty shocks! And we did think the service was excellent from beginning to end.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> A top place for families, retail refuels, mates and dates &#8211; Coal Kitchen is a real crowd-pleaser hang out. You&#8217;ll be well catered for whether you want a superb, locally-sourced flat white, cocktails, or something more substantial. Spot on for lovers of waterside views &#8211; a rare find indeed in Glos.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Possibly not top of the list for smoochy candlelit dinners. The vibe is informal here, so don’t expect starchy tablecloths and five course tasting menus. </p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">INSTA SNEAK PEEK</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu6z02jslMT/?hl=en-gb">Go see it on Instagram here.</a></p>



<p></p>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.coalkitchen.co.uk/kitchens/gloucester-quays">The Coal Kitchen</a>, Gloucester Quays, Merchants Rd, Gloucester GL2 5RG, tel <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+cola+kitchen+gloucetser+quays&amp;oq=the+cola+kitchen+gloucetser+quays&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRhA0gEIMzg0MWoxajeoAgCwAgA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#">01452 523760</a></strong>.</p>


Review: The Coal Kitchen, Gloucester Quays

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