A new smokehouse restaurant and taproom is set to open in Cheltenham this autumn, showcasing locally sourced smoked meats, craft brews, and live-fire cooking.
Brew & Que, founded by chef-restaurateur Lewis Spencer and co-owned by Jay Rahman of JM Socials, will open for a soft launch on 17th October at the former Mayflower site. An exclusive invite-only launch party will take place on 16th October, bringing together family, friends, and the wider community for a first look at the new venue.
The restaurant concept draws inspiration from Lewis’s travels across the USA and Mexico, where he discovered his passion for barbecue and developed an appreciation for the culture and craftsmanship behind it. Having worked alongside American chefs to perfect his approach, Lewis has designed the COALHOUSE kitchen to blend the flavours and techniques of both culinary traditions.
Speaking about the opening, Jay said, “It’s a space that feels alive, welcoming and social. I’m very excited to bring this new culinary venture to Cheltenham – it’s an opportunity to introduce flavours and techniques Lewis has honed from years of travel and collaboration, while creating a place where people can come together and get stuck into the simple joy of great food and drink.”
Lewis has an extensive background in hospitality, having created well-known brands such as The Duchess, Chuck Burgers and Elote. Over the past decade, he has frequently collaborated with Jay on a range of other successful ventures.
Reflecting on the launch of COALHOUSE, Lewis commented, “Barbecuing, as a craft, has always been about getting together to share and create memories around food. At COALHOUSE, we’ve built the restaurant with that spirit at its heart, incorporating live-fire cooking, smoky flavours and dishes that are meant to be enjoyed together.”
While celebrating its American-Mexican roots, the restaurant is committed to supporting local suppliers, sourcing its meats from award-winning Gloucestershire butcher Martin’s Meats in Toddington. Diners can expect a menu centred on smoker-led dishes and open-fire cooking, featuring options such as 18-hour smoked brisket, St. Louis pork ribs, stacked burgers, cedar-plank salmon, and miso-glazed aubergine.
The drinks list champions local artisans and breweries, including two bespoke white-label brews developed with Cornwall’s Harbour Brewery, a rotating line-up of guest taps, and local favourites from DEYA Brewery and Dunkertons Cider.
The interiors will combine earthy tones and textures with rustic-industrial touches, incorporating reclaimed wood and oak finishes. A long open bar will take centre stage, allowing diners to enjoy the lively atmosphere from bar stools, while an upstairs speakeasy-style bar, 18th A, offers a more intimate setting for cocktails and light bites.
For more information on COALHOUSE and its opening, please visit: https://coalhousebrewandque.com/.