Brightside: Reviving the Joy of Roadside Dining in Rutland

Brightside: Reviving the Joy of Roadside Dining in Rutland

Inspired by nostalgic childhood road trips where a stop at a roadside restaurant was a highlight, Brightside is bringing a fresh perspective to roadside dining. This burgeoning chain, spearheaded by Loungers Co-founder and Chairman Alex Reilley, aims to recapture the simple pleasures of those journeys with a focus on freshly cooked, comforting food and genuine hospitality.

Reilley's own fond memories of Little Chef and Happy Eater during family trips from Leicester to Suffolk ignited the spark for Brightside. He recalls those stops as his early introduction to hospitality, unknowingly planting a seed for his future career.  The closure of such establishments left a void, and Reilley saw an opportunity to reimagine the roadside dining experience for the 21st century.

Drawing upon the expertise of their successful Lounge Café Bars and Cosy Club brands, Reilley and his team embarked on creating a concept that could thrive in a unique roadside environment.  The challenge, he noted, was different from the high street, requiring a strong and recognisable brand presence to capture the attention of passing travellers.

Brightside's journey began in February 2023 with the opening of their first restaurant on the A38 near Exeter.  The concept quickly gained traction, leading to the launch of Brightside Saltash in June 2023 and Brightside Honiton later that summer. Now, Brightside has arrived in Rutland, breathing new life into the well-known Ram Jam site, located beside the A1 and accessed by the B668.

The menu at Brightside is designed to appeal to a broad range of travellers. Diners can expect classic, comforting dishes, perfect for a mid-journey refuel. From tasty brunch options to satisfying burgers and proper pizzas, there's something for everyone.  Brightside also caters to families with plenty for little ones, and thoughtfully includes vegan and gluten-free choices, ensuring no one is left out.

Today, Oakham and Rutland News paid a visit to the new Ram Jam Restaurant in Rutland to experience Brightside firsthand. Our findings were overwhelmingly positive. The staff were friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The service was efficient, and the food delivered on its promise of being good and satisfying.  Cleanliness was also a priority, with the restaurant and even the gents' toilets being well-maintained.  Our only minor observation was the absence of dessert pancakes, a small detail in an otherwise enjoyable experience.

The Restaurant is also dog friendly.