THE ambience of a Parisian café and a menu inspired by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay are the themes behind a new jazz restaurant in Trowbridge.

Everything from steak in a peppercorn sauce to salmon fillets in lemon and parsley butter are on the menu at the new Berkeley's By Night restaurant in Fore Street. which opened on February 1.

Berkeley's is a café by day, but at night the upstairs is transformed into a quaint candlelit restaurant with live jazz and jam sessions.

Owner, chef and musician Richard deCesare, 38, and his partner Carol, 43, moved to Southwick before Christmas.

Mr deCesare said: "Gordon Ramsay is my inspiration, to keep the menu simple but wholesome good food. The prices are very good too. We don't want to rip people off.

"I've worked in various places as a chef across the county but working for other people isn't quite like working for yourself."

With wooden tables and chairs, ensuring seating for up to 40 people, the restaurant is modern and fresh with paintings adorning the walls.

The restaurant is initially opening on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm, until enough interest is generated to encourage the new owners to open during the rest of the week.

The main menu includes a range of starters such as soup, grilled goats' cheese and pâté with toast, while main meals include penne bolognaise with a mixed salad, Mediterranean aubergine with basmati rice and mixed salad and grilled chicken fillet with garlic and ginger butter.

Desserts include lemon and ginger cheesecake and apple pie and custard or cream.

Live music is played every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with special Gypsy jazz jamming sessions on Thursdays.

A tapas-style mezze menu and drinks is also served on Thursday evenings, and costs £4.90 for one or £8.90 for two to share. The mezze menu includes houmous, olives, salami and pitta breads.

Mr deCesare said: "I don't think Trowbridge has any restaurants like it. This is new.

"There won't be any pinging of the microwave here. It's inspired by Gordon Ramsay but I like to do my own thing."

FACT FILE:
  • Berkeley's By Night, 61 Fore Street, Trowbridge. Tel (01225) 344514
  • Food is served from 7pm with last orders for food at 9.30pm
  • Prices: starters from £3.90, main meals from £8-£12, desserts all £3.90
  • Children are welcome and smaller versions of meals can be provided for them at a reduced cost
  • The owners regret there are no disabled facilities currently available as the restaurant is upstairs.