It’s been a month since The River House opened their doors in the evenings and things are looking, and tasting, good!
The River House café, located over the river on The Bridge in Frome, extended their opening hours back in mid-April to open in the evening from Tuesdays through Saturdays until 11pm with the kitchen serving to 9pm.
Enlisting the help of local chef, Pascale Vickery, who has worked for the likes of Soho House, the new evening menu comprises of a small but impressive selection of ‘small plates’ offering veggie, vegan, meat, fish and gluten free options.
“Pascale has created a varied menu that focuses on fresh flavour with good quality, seasonal ingredients from local producers,” explained owner, Ellen Porteous.
“The small plates are a great way to explore different flavours and ingredients by offering people the option to mix and match, so you’re never left wanting what the person next to you ordered.
“They’re also great for sharing, or for grabbing a light bite whilst enjoying our new cocktail menu”
As well as the small plates menu, the café offer up a selection of entrées as well as nightly changing specials for those looking for a main meal.
“The small plates can easily act as a starter” continued Ellen, “with our nightly changing specials as mains. By offering nightly specials we’re able to keep things new and exciting whilst working within a limited kitchen space! And of course, similarly to the daytime, we’ll always have a delicious selection of sweet things to choose from.”
The café is now working with local fruit and veg suppliers, butchers, bakers and fishmongers to supply both the evening and daytime kitchen with high quality, responsibly sourced ingredients for its ever growing menu.
The evening bar has also extended its alcohol selection, offering a new menu of wines from around the world, boutique beers & ciders, obscure spirits and an ever changing seasonal cocktail menu.
Charlie Campbel-Martin, a successful events organiser with bar experience from Babington House, is now managing The River House bar, creating new drinks menus and exploring flavours for the booze lovers of Frome can enjoy.
“Charlie really knows his stuff when it comes to mixing drinks – with him on the bar and Pascale in the kitchen, I’m excited to make The River House a real destination for food and drink in the evening, just as our wonderful team have done for the daytime café over the last 18 months”
Ellen has also praised the town’s community, who have allowed them to grow.
“The feedback so far has been fantastic with people returning and re-booking, which of course is always the biggest compliment. We’d like to thank the continued support of our regulars in this big move for us; it’s our customer’s ongoing support that has allowed us to grow and expand into these new territories, and we’re all truly grateful”
The café continues to serve up its popular brunch and lunch menu until 4pm daily, with coffee, soft drinks and cakes also available into the evening.
The River House are now taking bookings for evening meals, open for food until 9pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays and drinks until 11pm. Walk ups are welcome though due to the café’s limited space, booking is advised to guarantee a table. To book please call 01373 464847.
For more information and to view the menus please visit www.river housefrome.co.uk or follow the café on facebook.com/theriver housefrome and Twitter & Instagram @riverhouse frome