Melksham’s culinary scene has just gotten a whole lot more exciting with the opening of Tapadeli, a tapas kitchen located upstairs at the Hiding Place bar in the town centre.
Promising ‘small plates and big flavours’, Tapadeli boasts an array of tantalising dishes along with Sunday lunches.
“We’ve joined forces with new business Tapadeli who work from our own kitchen upstairs to produce the most incredible tapas dishes and delicious Sunday Roasts,” said Malcolm Shipp from the Hiding Place.
“The area upstairs is perfect for a cosy dinner, a family meal out or lively gatherings with friends or you can eat downstairs in the bar and just enjoy a single plate or two for a snack”
The tapas kitchen has been opened by chef Claudiu and general manager Roxi who learned their trade working alongside renowned chefs like Margot Henderson at the Three Horse Shoes in Batcombe and at country pubs including The Bradley Hare in Maiden Bradley and The George & Dragon in Rowde.
“We’re delighted to have opened our own tapas kitchen here in Melksham,” said Claudiu. “We hope we’re bringing something a bit different and a bit special to Melksham town centre. We’re passionate about food and we’re excited to share our love for good food with the local community.
“We create all our own dishes and our aim is to produce amazing food using the best fresh ingredients, locally sourced and supporting local farmers and other small businesses.
“We produce everything fresh here on the premises, nothing is brought in or made off site.
“The menu changes regularly – check us out on Facebook where we post the latest menu.
“Some of the popular dishes have included Dutch bitterballen, venison toastie, haddock croquettes, garlic and chilli king prawns and pig skin.
“Desserts include strawberry eton mess, rhubarb crumble and vanilla custard and chocolate and raspberry roulade.
“Our Sunday lunches which are available 12 noon to 6pm are proving really popular with some customers coming back every week since we opened! We have a different meat each week such as rib of beef or lamb shoulder with roast potatoes, roasted vegetables and Yorkshire pudding and a vegetarian choice such as harissa butternut squash and feta pie.”
The Hiding Place bar opened in March 2019 and quickly established itself as a venue for top quality modern beers, wines and spirits in the town centre.
They are also the only pub in the town currently recognised for four years in succession by CAMRA featuring in the 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 Good Beer Guide.
“The tapas kitchen has brought in a lot of new faces who haven’t visited us before and the regular visitors have also been working through the entire menu and booking tables,” added Malcolm’s wife and co-owner Karen. “We were looking for food which would complement our beers and Claudiu and Roxi are the perfect fit. The food is fantastic, the service is great and it is something new for Melksham.”
One customer on Facebook was full of praise. “Absolutely the best restaurant food I have tasted in a long time. We enjoyed last Sunday eating your wonderful Sunday lunch and I thoroughly recommend you to all. Wishing you much success because you deserve it! X”
• Tapadeli is at 15 High Street, Melksham SN12 6JY and is open Thursday & Friday: 5pm-8.30pm; Saturday: 12pm-8.30pm and Sunday: 12pm-6pm.
