It’s good to share at Chego’s
Town centre bistro perfect to meet up with friends over delicious food
ONE of Newbury’s newest eateries has been a long-held ambition for one of its owners.
An intimate bistro serving cheese and wine, Chego’s had been on my ‘to try’ list since it opened on Bartholomew Street in November.
Influenced by the importance its owners place on family and friends, the restaurant’s aim is to bring a shared eating experience to Newbury.
“The response has been amazing,” said Jamie Allen, one of the owners.
And I can see why.
The atmosphere, matching the décor, is relaxed; music playing but gently enough that the diners can all chat leisurely.
And talking about the décor, no review of Chego’s would be complete without mentioning the beautiful, intricate mural – painted by Sian Story Art and including colourful flowers and birds.
The friendly staff were happy to offer their advice when we were perusing the menu and it was much appreciated as there were so many delicious-sounding dishes on offer.
There were plenty of nibbles to keep you going while you waited for the main course, including quail Scotch egg and aioli, focaccia and cheese nibbles, manchego and Hillside honey.
We enjoyed a large bowl of mixed olives (£4.50) while we waited for the main event.
It’s all about sharing at Chego’s and there’s grazing boards or fondue to choose from.
It came highly recommended and – because we wanted to relive our visits to the Alps – we opted for the Fondue Chego (£17.50), which serves two.
A delicious, gooey raclette and Emmental fondue, packed full of garlic, white wine, bacon and lots of flavour. It comes with baby potatoes and warm bread to dip.
When it comes to fondue, it’s definitely all about the experience – and trying to not spill any while dipping!
We also ordered a few side dishes from the host of ‘pinchos’ and croquettes on offer – the patatas bravas – potatoes with spicy tomato salsa, olive oil and crispy onions (£6.50) – and salt cod croquettes (£8.50).
The croquettes were smooth and creamy, with a strong, but not overpowering cod flavour.
Before it was not something I would usually opt for, but now I would definitely order it again.
Two friends meeting for supper at the table next to us had opted for a sharing grazer (£34 for chef’s choice, £37 for your own selection) of three cheeses and three charcuterie.
Beautifully presented, this looked delicious and I’ll be going back to try that one soon.
After much debate we decided we could just about manage a dessert.
I chose the churros with chocolate sauce (£7), while my dinner date for the night went for the Basque cheesecake with poached fruit (£8).
Warm, with a slight crunch, the churros were a perfect, sugary end to a sharing meal.
As you would expect of a cheese and wine bistro, there’s an extensive wine list, including collaborations with Enborne-based All Angels and The Vineyard, with reds, whites, roses, sparkling and fortified wines by the glass and bottle.
“People are really liking it here,” added Jamie.
“The fondue has gone really, really well too.
“I am so pleased with it.” We went on a Wednesday evening, but Chego’s is open all day and has just started serving breakfasts too.
There’s sandwiches, soup and pastries for lunch, Fondue Thursdays and a Chego’s Taster Experience, as well special wine nights hosted at the bistro.
Chego’s is the perfect place to meet friends for a relaxed atmosphere, with delicious food and wine.
It is well worth a try.