Chef Tim Love Opens Stewart’s Croquet & Cocktails

Chef Tim Love has been eyeing the former home of George’s Grocery for years. Now, the little white building adjacent to his Gemelle Italian and his on-site shipping container hotel, Hotel Otto, has been added to the party as well. Stewart’s Croquet & Cocktails becomes Love’s 14th hospitality concept. It’s now open at 4424 White Settlement Road. All three concepts are situated along Fort Worth’s Trinity Trail, backed by its lush levee.

Always looking to introduce Fort Worth to a new experience, just like his Gemelle which remains one of the city’s best outdoor patios, or his Spanish Tapas ode to the Barcelona bar scene that he achieved at Atico, Stewart’s Croquet & Cocktails aims to “provide patrons a luxurious yet approachable atmosphere. Inspired by English country clubs with a decadent Gatsby-era feel,” according to a release.

“Being outdoors makes people feel happy,” Tim Love tells Fort Worth Digital Diary. So, like Gemelle, the main draw at Stewart’s will not be its snug indoor space, but the croquet lawn beyond. And, for those who recall George’s homey charm, know this was a labor of love. Just leveling those floors was a feat. The quirky middle-eastern eatery and grocery was in rough shape.

“It would have been much more cost-effective to just level it and build something new. But George’s was founded in 1951. It’s a piece of local history that we didn’t want to lose,” Love tells Fort Worth Digital Diary.

Stewart’s Becomes Fort Worth’s First Dedicated Croquet Club

The interior is now sophisticated with 28 seats. But the two croquet courts are the star attraction with a 15,000-square-foot lawn accommodating up to 12 players per court. “Guests can engage in traditional croquet games, leisurely hitting their balls through six hoops in strategic sequences to victory,” the release goes on.

“Whether visitors stay for a quick cocktail and small plate or settle in for an extended visit, Stewart’s offers an atmosphere perfect for enjoying a high-class day. The menu emphasizes elevated bar food and decadent bites, each presented beneath gleaming cloches, enhancing the sophisticated experience,” they say.

Guests are encouraged to get into the theme by wearing classic croquet whites, jackets, or sweaters ― the preferred croquet club attire. This English country club experience is a bit different though in one respect. No membership is required. It’s a “Country Club for the people,” a place for social play. Pro tip: There’s even a private karaoke room hidden behind a bookshelf.

Elevated Bites  

The menu will amp up the performance art as well. They will serve Caviar Bumps ― your choice of black or platinum caviar served directly on the back of your palm, as well as tableside desserts. Other menu highlights include:

• Zucchini Carpaccio – pine nuts, mint, olive oil
• Fried Cheese – potato-crusted brie, osetra caviar, caramelized onion
• Texas Blue Crab Cake – fennel and apple salad, red currant, sauce gribiche
• Stewart’s Flat Bun Burger – double smash wagyu, shallot, Stewart’s sauce, housemade American cheese
• Lobster Roll – tarragon, celery, brioche
• Not Your Basic BLT – bacon, fresh lettuce, tomato on crystal bread or napa cabbage leaf

Bespoke Cocktails

Guests can expect interactive drink presentations, including the signature Martini Cart which allows bartenders to “stir or shake premium vodkas and gins alongside a bespoke blend of dry vermouths and a selection of six custom bitters, finished with a twist or olives at tableside.”

Signature cocktails will include:

• Stewart’s Standard ― featuring Seagram’s VO whiskey, lemon-lime oleo, Earl Grey, and citrus liqueur foam
• Croquet Cup ― with rosé, Lillet, raspberry coulis, lemon, and mint
• Silver Fin ― featuring Royal Ossetra caviar served with six chilled Grey Goose shots

Stewart’s Croquet & Cocktails will be open seven days a week. Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm; Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm; and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm.