Bistro Lotte

The story

Bistro Lotte in Frome: A Classic French Dining Experience in Somerset

The kitchen and its ingredients

Bistro Lotte in Frome brings classic French dishes to a former Edwardian townhouse near the town’s artisan quarter. The kitchen has operated continuously since 2018, grounding its menu in regional British produce rather than relying on distant suppliers. Every cut of beef and pork arrives fresh from Cayfords Butcher next door. This direct supply chain supports robust preparations like slow braised boeuf bourguignon and tender coq au vin blanc with roasted new potatoes.

Standout plates and daily service

Guests navigate a flexible schedule that shifts from morning coffee to evening supper without breaking stride. The kitchen applies rigorous French cooking techniques to every plate, starting with a breakfast spread featuring freshly baked sourdough loaves and buttery croissants alongside smoked salmon bagels. Midday tables fill with orders for buckwheat galettes and creamy tartiflette before the dinner crowd requests garlicky king prawns or saffron potato bouillabaisse. Vegetarian diners find steady support through sun-blushed tomato arancini and spiced vegetable tagine options.

The dining room and adjacent bar

High ceilings and original wooden panelling frame the main dining floor while dinky carafes of French wine circulate among guests. The Good Food Guide recently singled out this relaxed venue as a Local Gem for its consistent standards and welcoming staff. Patrons seeking live entertainment step across the threshold into Bar Lotte, where manager Koschin Omar crafts seasonal cocktails like the raspberry Bonne Framboise. Wednesday and Sunday evenings draw crowds for jazz sessions that keep the energy steady until closing time.