Last weekend, I fully admit I was spoilt... But, if it makes it any better, I didn't take any of it for granted!
I spent the weekend at
Lucknam Park - one of England's finest 5 star country house hotels. It too is a member of Relais & Chateaux with a Michelin star restaurant, but unlike my previously mentioned visit to
La Cabro D'or, this establishment surpassed my expectations.
From the charming, traditional setting to the exceptional hospitality, this was everything you would expect from a luxury hotel. The Juxtaposition of the state-of-the-art spa with the classic Palladian mansion makes for a beautifully balanced atmosphere; providing tranquility without being outdated or stuffy.
Nonetheless, I have to say I was surprised by the number of families with young children. Whilst there are facilities to keep them occupied, such as the Equestrian Centre, it seems to me much more oriented towards couples on an extravagant escape. I'm not sure I would have wanted the responsibility of keeping the kids quie
t while I de-toxed in the Japanese Salt Steam Room.
As my mum had booked us in for the 'Gourmet Getaway', we were entitled to a three course dinner at the Michelin starred restaurant ('The Park') on one evening, and an a la carte dinner in the contemporary and unassuming Brasserie on the other. I know, she's too good to be true.
After knocking back our bottle of complimentary champagne in our bedroom, we were invited into the "Georgian bow-fronted Drawing Room" in order to browse the menu in comfort over a glass of red wine. We had a slight giggle at the gently enforced, but rather gratuitous, luxury of being asked to place our order in the repose of the drawing room, before later entering the dining room to its immediate arrival. However, on reflection I can't deny that it did add to the opulence of the evening!
As much as I secretly love to find faults with restaurants that are highly regarded, I must say that there was not one element of this meal that wasn't remarkably delicious. From the amuse-bouche to the last morsel of my desert, there was not one mouthful that was expendable.
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| freshly baked individual focaccia |
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| un petit surprise from the chef! |
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| roast scottish diver scallops, carrot puree, spiced pork croquette, raisin and caper vinagrette |
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| torchon of duck froie gras, compressed pear, chamomile and sauternes jelly (with a mini brioche) |
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| loin of Andrew Morgan's venison, rolled lasagna of butternut squash and chestnuts, and a sloe gin sauce |
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| braised fillet of turbot, buttered iceberg and cornish crab, hand-rolled macaroni and lemongrass butter |
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| croustillant of roast pineapple, rum and raisin parfait, coconut sorbet, macadamia nut brittle |
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| valrhona milk chocolate tart, pistachio parfait, black cherry mousse |
more on this to come...
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