If you’re looking for a small, intimate dining venue that’s big on cheese and wine it’s time you checked out Renoufs. This award-winning eatery in Westbourne is clear in its mission – to provide an incredible array of cheese, wine and all the delicious nibbly trimmings in a welcoming, yet exclusive environment.
Not only do they serve cheese, charcuterie, wines, gins and beers but it’s also clearly their passion. The variety of cheeses and charcuterie is extensive and changes periodically but they always stock the firm favourites. Likewise, the bar is heaving with beverage options selected to complement the food and there are more than 200 wines to enjoy. The menu is a delightful melange of fine local and international wines and cheeses sourced, selected and paired by Renouf’s knowledgeable team.
Mezze menus
The menu is extensive and mouth-watering with sharing platters and mezze boards to enjoy as a pair or in a group. The food is served in this way rather than a traditional three course meal to foster a laid-back and communal ambience. Besides the menus, which feature the most popular ‘staples’, in-house blackboards announce the local and international cheese and charcuterie options, which change daily. If you wish to discuss the choices, Renoufs’ resident cheesemongers and serving team are extremely knowledgeable and can advise you on your cheese and wine options.
To start the proceedings there’s a mouth-watering small plates and nibbles list featuring indulgent appetiser boards like stuffed vine leaves, peppersweets stuffed with Feta cream cheese and baked whole camembert.
Cheese and charcuterie
Then there’s the cheese and charcuterie boards with your choice of any four items for £13.95 accompanied with a basket of bread, biscuits, chutneys, fruits and onions. Perhaps you might plump for some Spanish Manchego or stay faithful with a Dorset Vinny. Some Wookey Hole Cheddar, Whiskey-infused Amber Mist or some Stinking Bishop. The charcuterie list is equally extensive, with Bresaola Beef, Prosciutto, Somerset Duck and many more choices besides.
If you’re feeling sociable why not share a Renoufs Party Board with your group of four? For £59.95 you can share any eight cheeses and your choice of eight meats from the blackboards accompanied by olives, humous, pate of the day, marinated cherry tomatoes and peppersweets with cheese and a basket of bread. Groups of six might select the Renoufs Supreme Board, which, for £89.95 give you a spread of twelve cheeses you choose from the boards plus any eight meats. This option comes with the same sides as the Party Board, plus baked camembert, Renoufs pork pie and hot mini Chorizos.
Cheese and wine connoisseurs
The restaurant is proud of its wine list and knowledge and works hard to pair up the wines with the cheese list. They might perhaps suggest the silky Argentinian Malbec to complement the smoked Dorset Red or a creamy Puligny-Montrachet alongside your Vacherin Mont d’Or. The bar extends beyond wine with an extensive selection of gin, Champagne, spirits and boutique beers to enjoy with and accompany your platter.
In fact, they’re such fans of gin that they run a dedicated Gin Club in the Westbourne restaurant, hosting regular tasting events and in-house gin pairings including the stars of three distilleries based right here in Dorset. Renouf’s Gin Tasting Flights are available any night you fancy so why not give them a whirl? If beer’s more your tipple you can drink Pilsner Urquell and monk-brewed St Stefanus on draught and there are many other beers and ales available including Curious Brew, Curious Porter and Alhambra Reserva.
Exclusive venue
Renoufs Westbourne is open weekdays from 5pm to 11pm and on Saturdays between 12 Midday and 11pm. If you wish to make a group booking of 20+ people you may be able to secure an exclusive hire outside of these hours or on Sundays. Please call Trevor on 07440 111131 to discuss your plans. The venue seats 50 people at any one time, making it an exclusive venue for your company team-building event or business meetings.
It also runs a popular pub quiz on a Monday evening if you want to enjoy a relaxed and informal evening with the best line in bar snacks on tap! If you’re after a weekend table please be advised that pre-booking is required for sometimes 3-5 weeks in advance to secure your preferred table and time slot.
Such as been its popularity and success that a second restaurant, Renoufs Wimborne, opened in 2017. This venue in West Borough is larger and can seat 100 people inside and under heaters on the outside patio.