Rose May - Rushcliffe

We visited Bingham for a few days and were delighted to find this wonderful little bistro. The outdoor seating area is beautiful with flowers and herbs. The menu is varied with an emphasis on local food. The owner spoke to us about the local cheeses, cured meats, ham and bread. We had a delicious ham and mustard baguette which was freshly made and one of the best we have eaten. The shop inside is packed full of local and handmade produce such as beer, cider, chutney, preserves, oils, vinegars etc etc all from a few miles away. The owner and staff were all engaging and very pleasant. A real must for visitors to Bingham.

Before I repost my original review, which was removed because the owner falsely told trip advisor my review was in breach of its rules, which it is not, I didn’t see the email from trip advisor sent in the 4th as I work as a nurse in the NHS and work unsociable hours, I can’t believe the sheer petulance of an owner trying to silence someone’s personal opinion. Flagging my review won’t make your coffee less tasteless, your waiter less scruffy, your shop more interesting, all feedback is good feedback if you take it in the manner it’s intended, which is to make you improve. We visited the wonderful market town of Bingham visiting family for a fortnight in the vale of belvoir. We stumbled across the courtyard which was a hidden gem of shops containing boutiques health shops hairdressers and a wooden toy shop, we actually visited the courtyard twice on our stay to pick up gifts for home. When we arrived in the courtyard the waiter was stood round the back smoking and talking to another person, after a brief stroll around we decided to get coffee and asked the waiter if we could sit anywhere, there was no one else about and he said we could sit wherever. He returned a few moments later with a menu which contained a very basic selection of offerings, although hungry there was very little on the menu that took my fancy, I asked what they had on the menu that was local and was told the bread was from a local bakery, we just had coffee, it was overly bitter and quite weak, and even with Extra sugar was still unpalatable. When paying I had a browse around the inside which is fitted out to be a shop with a tiny almost pointless deli counter fridge containing products covered over in paper, the waiter who had served us was also the person who makes the food and drink, it was at this point I became aware of how over bearing the smell of cigar smoke was on his person, which as a food handler I think you need to take care in your appearance and hygiene, I was actually quite put off by his general scruffy appearance and overbearing smell of cigar and even though I had only had a coffee it made me feel quite sick. I was personally surprised by how highly rated this business was, perhaps my experience was unlucky, perhaps the scruffy food handler was having an off day, but my consensus was it lacked identity, lacked local menu options, and lacked direction.

Whether you want a hearty lunch (or bistro meal available on Friday evenings), a sandwich made with locally sourced bread or just a coffee, from local roaster, then Rose May has it all. Loose leaf teas, served in pots with strainers are also served (supplied by another local, small business). The marvels that are produced in the small but perfectly kitted out galley kitchen are very tempting. Don't get me started on the cakes!!! Throughout lock-down, Ian his fabulously friendly team have worked above beyond to keep everyone safe supplied with all manner of foods drinks. If you venture for a lunch or bistro evening, be sure to check out the varied drinks (alcohol in/out) as there will definitely be something to complement your food.

Excellent food, excellent service, a real gem, we have now had a number of meals here and we have never been disappointed. Ian and all the staff are genuine real people who care about the food they are providing....

We had a great take out chilled dinner, Beef Bourginone with side orders, smoked chicken salad starters and desserts. Absolutely gorgeous, we will be back. Thoroughly recommend.