CHATEAUBRIAND is synonymous with luxury and as the Montpellier Chapter in Cheltenham is very much a luxury hotel, it was only a matter of time before the dish appeared on the menu.

Of course, just because you’re in a swanky setting having an upmarket meal, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be any good. Creating the perfect chateaubriand, or indeed any filet steak, is a balancing act – too rare and it’s too raw, too well-done and it’s too tough.

Fortunately, the chef at Montpellier Chapter got it spot on.

The ‘en croute’ chateaubriand was magnificent: with tender steak wrapped in golden pastry and delicious béarnaise sauce on the side, the dish could not be faulted.

And the price, at £50 for two people, which includes fries and a carafe of the hotel’s house wine, is more than reasonable.

Introduced just in time for Cheltenham Festival, the chateaubriand will no doubt go down well with the racing punters who fancy a more sophisticated meal in stylish surroundings after the bustle of betting on the horses.

But the Chapter’s extensive menu and drinks list means there is far more to recommend the restaurant than just the chateaubriand.

My companion and I enjoyed tomato soup and tuna carpaccio to start and the black forest chocolate for dessert, before settling in the plush library bar for a crisp mojito and well-blended Kir Royale. As with everything at the hotel, the food and drinks were superb.

5/5

To book, visit themontpellierchapterhotel.com/restaurant/