THERE are few things that anger a Brit more than a poor Sunday lunch - the meal is an institution and, for many people, getting it wrong should be punishable by law.

The Montpellier Chapter in Cheltenham has long been known for its quality Sunday roasts and with the recent addition of a Chef’s Table, from which diners can graze from a selection of unlimited hors d’oeuvres before the main course, I decided to book a table for lunch.

Fortunately, I found that the Chapter’s reputation is well deserved.

The Chef’s Table, essentially a starter buffet, was packed with delicious dishes - artisan breads and cheeses, pâtés and terrines, fresh salads and hand-carved meats.

For mains there are seasonal roasts, and when my friend and I visited the choice was between a prime bib of black angus beef and Normandy corn-fed chicken. We both went for the former, which was served with homemade thyme and rosemary Yorkshire puddings, honey-glazed parsnips, carrots, buttered greens and a generous helping of crispy roast potatoes.

The meat and sides were superb with everything perfectly done, and my only minor criticism was that there wasn’t quite enough gravy for the packed plate.

For dessert, the options were warm valrhona chocolate and cardamom pudding with cherry sorbet, sticky toffee pudding, vanilla crème brûlée, hot chocolate with marshmallows and fruit crumble with custard or ice cream. I chose the crumble while my friend went for the sticky toffee pudding, and neither of us had any complaints.

At a reasonable £21.95 per person (£9.95 for children) for the Chef’s Table, roast and dessert, it’s hard to find fault with the Chapter’s Sunday lunch. Add in the beautiful setting of the grand hotel and its perfection all round – if you ask for a little more gravy!

5/5

For more information and to book, visit themontpellierchapter.com or call 01242 420164.