An entrepreneurial chef has taken on a new challenge by opening his own restaurant in a popular part of Cheltenham.

Sam Price, aged 37, has opened Sam's Montpellier in Montpellier Courtyard, spending over £150,000 on what was previously Flynn's Brasserie which was a regular restaurant haunt for over 20 years.

Building work to renovate and refurbish started in the summer and the restaurant opened its doors on October 19 with some of the local business community enjoying Sam's hospitality last night (Thursday).

Commenting on his new eaterie, Sam said: "I am passionate about providing excellence in food and drink in a relaxed dining space for all to enjoy. Our tempting plates offer diners the highest quality, exciting, well cooked and presented food from the earth, land and sea, followed by sweets, of course.

"Whether it's a light bite over lunch or a longer evening meal combining a number of plates, we offer choice and quality for all occasions. Because we can cook and serve these plates in a short time, business lunches can be efficient and turned around in a smart timeframe."

Beautiful modern décor, chic furniture and living moss wall art, Sam's of Montpellier is more than just a foodie heaven it is also serves craft beers, specialty spirits, mocktails, and cocktails, all shaken by Robert, the restaurant's mixologist.

Sam added: "We take pride that our meat, ingredients and vegetables are all sourced locally where possible in the county. We are aiming to make Sam's as sustainable a business as possible starting with our supply chain, food waste and recycling.

"We have even re-purposed the old Flynn's bar, complete with wine glass stains, as a nod to the history of this Courtyard venue.

"Since opening just a week ago we have already welcomed many guests who have enjoyed the setting, praised the customer service and food, and given us positive feedback. The bookings are growing nicely ready for a busy Christmas season."

Punchline editor Mark Owen caught up with Sam at the restaurant last night and discovered that Sam's older brother Matt had done the restaurant fit-out. "We did a lot ourselves," he said. I designed the restaurant myself, all the paint, mirrors, lights and artwork."

As well as four full-time front of house staff, Sam's has three chefs. "We've all been head chefs before so there's a lot of experience and we've got a very well qualified kitchen, I would say."

Sam said he started his career "in a sink". "When I was 17 and washing up, the chef walked out and I got thrown into the kitchen and from there got into cheffing," he added.

Sam's new venture builds on the success and heritage of the Craven Arm in Brockhampton, where, along with his mother Barbara, he ran the famous 16th century pub in the heart of the Cotswolds for over 17 years.

The Price family have owned the Craven Arms since 2004 where Sam built his career as a chef, after working for many years in hospitality.

Sam's is open Tuesday - Saturday 12-11pm, with food served 12-9.30pm.

For more information, please visit www.samsmontpellier.co.uk email hello@samsmontpellier.co.uk  or call 01242 252752.