Café René, Gloucester

Very popular with the under 30's and with great outdoor seating in the courtyard leading from the shopping centre to the front door,there was a lively atmosphere here even on a Monday evening.The interior is quirky and I liked the well in the main drinking area ,the restaurant ceiling made up of empty wine bottles and the french roadsigns and adverts.I should have followed the lead of the regulars and ordered cider ,as the ale on stillage was poor.Regular gigs and a disco called Beavers show that music is a major theme here,and everyone was friendly.Shame about the beer.

Mr Larter's accurate review below nails the main points. Cafe Rene feels more like a bistro or wine bar than a pub but it's nicely done, atmospheric and friendly with a definite emphasis on food and music. There were two beers on, both served as with the ciders and perries, from barrels on the bar: Whittingtons Cats Whiskers and Battledown Natural Selection. We tried both and struggled to finish both as they were pretty warm and not great. Maybe the thing to do here is to go local and try the ciders and many of the outdoor drinkers seemed to be doing just this. We didn't eat but some were and the food looked good. I'd come back here for something to eat or a glass of cider but not for ale.