If you’re looking for a grand and exclusive dining venue that’s big on cheese and wine, it’s time you checked out Renoufs. This award-winning eatery in Wimborne is clear in its mission – to provide an incredible array of cheese, wine and all the delicious nibbly trimmings in a welcoming, yet impressive environment. The restaurant has taken on a beautiful Grade II listed property in East Borough right by the Tivoli Theatre and seats double the diners of its original Westbourne cousin.
Cheese and charcuterie
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.
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. In addition to 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.
Indulgent appetisers
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.
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 in your group of four? For £59.95 you can share any eight cheeses and your choice of eight meats 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 hearty spread of twelve cheeses of your choice plus any eight meats. This comes with the same sides as the Party Board, plus baked camembert, Renoufs pork pie and hot mini Chorizos.
Perfectly paired wines
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, the Renoufs team are 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 here in Dorset. Renouf’s Gin Tasting Flights are available from both venues any night you fancy, so why not give them a whirl? If beer’s more your tipple you can order 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 bookings
Renoufs Wimborne 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.
Renoufs Wimborne seats 100 people at any one time, making it an exclusive venue for your company team-building event or business meetings. 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.
If you’re planning a night on the Bournemouth side of town, why not check out Renoufs Westbourne, a cosy and intimate venue on Poole Road just a five minute drive from the beach.