Chef Tim Love has announced his latest venture, Stewart’s Croquet & Cocktails, set to open this Spring in Fort Worth’s Riv District along the Trinity Trail. This refined cocktail bar and croquet club is designed to offer a relaxed, yet sophisticated experience that evokes the charm of an English country club without the need for a private membership. With over 25 years of experience in the culinary and hospitality world, Chef Love aims to redefine leisure and entertainment in the DFW metroplex.
Named after his father, Stewart Love, the venue pays homage to family gatherings in Cookeville, Tennessee, where Chef Love first played croquet. The 1,100-square-foot space at 4424 White Settlement Road will be renovated to offer 28 indoor seats, perfect for intimate gatherings over expertly crafted cocktails and elevated small plates. The menu will feature dishes like:
- Gulf Shrimp Cocktail: Chilled shrimp with house-made cocktail sauce and lemon aioli
- Lobster Roll: Sweet lobster with tarragon and celery on a toasted brioche bun
- Croque Monsieur: Smoked ham, gruyère, and mornay sauce on house-made tomato brioche
- Steak Frites: Wagyu skirt steak with fries and hollandaise
- Texas Blue Crab Cake: Lump crab with fennel apple salad and red currant vinaigrette
- Croquet Club Sandwich: House-roasted meats, Gemelle tomatoes, lettuce, American cheese, and mayo on toasted crystal bread
While the food is a highlight, Stewart’s will also offer a unique cocktail program featuring interactive drink presentations and bespoke libations. The atmosphere is designed to be a place for socializing, playing croquet, and enjoying delicious food and drinks, not a typical dinner spot.
The venue offers two distinct experiences: an intimate indoor bar with a private dining room for up to eight and a 15,000-square-foot outdoor lawn for croquet, social events, and more. Full service will be available on the lawn, where guests can sip cocktails while playing croquet, with “Croquet Whites” attire encouraged (though available for guests who need it). An outdoor stage will host live entertainment, adding to the lively vibe of the space.
Stewart’s is located next to Hotel Otto, Fort Worth’s first micro-resort hotel, and Gemelle, a celebrated Italian restaurant by Chef Love. Together, these three venues will create a destination for dining, leisure, and entertainment along the Trinity River.
With the opening of Stewart’s, Chef Love continues to innovate in North Texas, offering a unique, membership-free croquet club experience. This new venture is part of the rapidly growing “eatertainment” market, where dining and entertainment intersect. Stay tuned for more details on the menu, opening date, and hours.
