Imminent closure comes after closure of cafe on same street and prompts calls to support independent restaurants
A second Regent Street food and drink venue is about to close(Image: Rob Jenkins)
A French restaurant that has a high 4.9 rating on Tripadvisor and is ranked the 11th best in Cheltenham has shocked fans by saying it will shut permanently at the end of this week. Domaine 16, renowned as a cheese and wine bar, in Regent Street was opened back in April 2019 by Stephanie Ronssin, who had co-founded the town’s Purslane restaurant in Rodney Road.
But a message posted on social media last night (Monday, June 23) said the town centre venue will shut for good on Friday. It said: “It is with a heavy heart that we decided to close Domaine 16 permanently at the end of this week.
Our last service will be Friday evening (27/06). Book your final Cheese Fix Now. Steph and the Dream Team will be thrilled to welcome you at D16 one last time.
“Saturday 28/06 We will be hosting a D16 Sale event at the restaurant (Wine, Fondue Sets, Equipment). See you all this week!”
Domaine 16 in Regent Street, Cheltenham(Image: Rob Jenkins)
The imminent closure comes shortly after another Regent Street eating place also closed. The Find cafe closed earlier in June and owner David Orme said they weren’t sure if it would open again.
The double blow prompted a message from Pak-Wai Hung of 288 Bar and Wok in Cheltenham’s High Street urging people to back their local independent restaurants. He said on social media: “I knew Stephanie (Domain 16) and David (The Find) personally and I knew that they were passionate and dedicated to their businesses.
“Both restaurants had become local independent institutions. Many small restaurants are run by their owners. We are jovial hosts whilst front of house and plumbers, cleaners and staff counsellors out back.
David Orme of the The Find, in Cheltenham(Image: Gloucestershire Live)
“We don’t have rich backers and we are constantly worried about our cash flow and the bills. We employ local people, we live locally and we spend locally. Cheltenham is blessed with many small independent restaurants, cafes and bars. But our numbers are diminishing.
“We survived 2 recessions and a pandemic but recently it’s become really difficult for the industry. Rising energy bills, increased ingredient prices and taxes all contribute to our burden. This post isn’t about 288barandwok. I’m not asking for sympathy but ask that this month you make one extra visit to your local independent restaurant, cafe or bar.”
People left messages of shock and support for Stephanie and the Domaine 16 team. You can read some of the comments below and our review of Domaine 16 back in 2022 here.
Messages of support for Domaine 16
One person said on the restaurant’s Facebook page: “Gutted for you (and for us) You are fabulous, Steph. Thank you for the way you made us feel when we stepped into your restaurant – you’re a rarity.”
Another added: Nooooooooo I’m so glad we got to have our last wedding anniversary with you guys! It was so good! All the best for the future to you all!”
Other comments included: “Your friendly knowledgeable smiling service has always made visiting experience” and “One of the best restaurants in Cheltenham. Always a warm welcome and excellent food.”
Others said: “So sad to hear this. You were a great restaurant. Glad we had our anniversary meal there last month. Huge loss to the town.” And “First The Find and now you guys?! And you were on my wish list to try.”
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