New Kid on The Block: The Stable

"When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie. That's amore."

... And yes Dean Martin, it really is amore with Cheltenham's latest food joint. Serving both pizzas and pies, this place is already a hit with me. Then adding in a healthy supply of cider, well that just sweetens the deal. Cheltenham, say hello to The Stable.

Having taken over the old D'fly/Ange Noir building on Clarence Street, and undergone extensive refurbishment, The Stable opened their doors just a month ago - prime time in the run up to Christmas. It's a big space, one which previous occupants have struggled to fill, but that doesn't seem to be the case here; locals have been constantly flocking to the restaurant to get their proper pizza fix, and I'm guessing it's because decent pizza is something that we've been missing in the town for quite a while.

Now I know The Stable is a chain - and we all know how I feel about chains - but this one is different. With just 13 locations, solely in the South West, there's a lovely story to how the business has got to where it is today. Long story short (you can read it all on their website if you wish), founders Richard and Nikki Cooper bought a hotel in Dorset that had an outbuilding/former stable at the back. Deciding to do something with it, to share with the locals, they started with the obvious; Dorset = Real Cider. Richard’s brother Andy, who also happened to be a chef, got in on the action and the trio began experimenting with creating some extraordinary sourdough pizzas. The concept was born; fine food and crafted cider set within an alluring atmosphere.

What I really like is that despite the growth, ingredients are still sourced locally to each venue (Gloucestershire bacon, Severn and Wye smoked salmon and cheese from nearby dairies feature on Cheltenham's menu). Inventive names and a truly local approach, as they say, "keeps The Stable grounded with its community and continues to win the hearts of its customers." I'd have to agree.

The Chap and I went along to the launch night, where we tried every pizza available - probably equating to at least 2 pizzas each - and sampled a hell of a lot of cider too. I definitely regretted telling the barman that my favourite kind was "the dangerous side of dry"... Ouch! To get a less hazy experience, we promised that we'd go back before the New Year, and sure enough we did.

It was utterly miserable weather, but we battled the wind and rain to get there, only to find that everyone else clearly had the same idea, and we struggled to find a table! You find a spot, order and pay at the bar, then wait for your food to come... Simple. And even though it was heaving, it really didn't take very long.

Having drank our weight in cider on our last visit, The Chap chickened out and tried one of the local ales, whilst I had a pint of Gwatkin's Silly Ewe (from just over the border in Herefordshire). There are over 100 ciders to choose from - sweet, dry, sparkling, you name it - though if you really can't decide, you can opt for a special tasting board; 5 different ciders, each 1/3 pint, for £7.50.

Foodwise, we ordered two pizzas to share between us, though we probably should have got one of the pies to get the full Stable experience (The Lamb Bam Boogie with lamb, rosemary, garlic potato and honey sounds delicious).

The Blue Forest (£10.50) was one of our faves at the opening, so we had to go for that again; herb roasted potato, Fowlers Forest blue cheese, roasted Spanish onions, English spinach, our fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella. Our other choice was The Blazing Saddle (£13.00); slow roasted pulled beef, Gloucestershire smoked bacon, caramelised onions, roasted red pepper and mozzarella. Topped with sour cream and jalapeños, it was flippin' fabulous.

Thin and crispy, The Stable's pizzas aren't too stodgy, leaving you feeling overstuffed, and with generous toppings, you're not left with any naked boring crusts - yay! It's a pizza dream.

Good food at a good price (and even better on Tuesdays, where you can get a pizza, side salad and a pint for a tenner)... Welcome to Cheltenham The Stable, I can tell we're going to be great friends.