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No. 6: As you pull into the sweeping drive you immediately get the feeling that you are in for something a little special. As we passed the clumps of freshly sprouting daffodils alongside the drive, Chewton Glen appeared in its stately finest.
On reaching reception we and our friends, C&T, were greeted at the door with a smile, and politely directed though the gloriously opulent country house to the recently refurbished Vetiver Restaurant. The restaurant maitre'd somehow knew who we were from the booking and welcomed us by name.
The dining room of this renowned 'One Michelin Star' and '3 AA Rosette' restaurant looked spectacular. The atmosphere was bright an airy with walls in dramatic black wallpaper with silver white flowers. The tables were immaculately laid predominately in white, with Limoges porcelain, gleaming cutlery and crystal, with purple coloured water glasses and a lime green flower vase gave a refined splash of colour. Again lime green featured on the menus and some seating areas, demonstrating a lot of thought had gone into the design detail.
First courses chosen, we given a complimentary Cod Roe and Garlic Dip, with Homemade Sesame Crackers and Bread Sticks. Soon, we were then enjoying Pea and Coconut Soup, and a my wife had a Charcuterie, featuring Parma Ham, choritizo, smoked ham and guinea foul terrine. All was accompanied by speciality breads and rolls. I managed to try at least four, with onion bread being the close winner.
Whilst the service was formal, the restaurant was also relaxed, and staff attentive and friendly. Dressed in black they had a constant eye on out table and our glasses never emptied.
Main courses arrived, and the Calves Liver with caramelised onion emulsion, lemon and anchovies was excellent. My wife's Leg of Lamb with fondant potatoes and roasted vegetables also got the satisfied nod of approval.
Finally the sweet course. The croissant Bread and Butter Pudding was a delight, and the Yorkshire Rhubarb Vacharin featured meringue which was soon devoured. As is usual my wife declined a pudding, but she did not know I had told the restaurant it was her birthday. (It wasn't!). A complimentary delicious looking rich chocolate mouse on a sponge base appeared, with a candle and happy birthday inscribed on a piece of chocolate. Suitably embarrassed, she ate a few mouthfuls and I then came to her rescue by eating the rest, leaving her of course with the commemorative candle.
Whilst choosing our sweets, we had spotted something quite unusual on the bottom of the menu. It is sadly quite normal to read that a 10% or so service charge will be automatically added to your bill. However, I quite surprised to read: "All prices are inclusive of a 10% service charge, every penny of which is shared amongst the team. Therefore no further gratuities are neccessary, nor will they be accepted." Nice to know they look after their team and finding that the service charge is included in the published prices was indeed a pleasant surprise.
On leaving we had a brief look around, and the furnishings and decoration in each of the rooms were sumptuous and refined. This place just oozes style and quality without being stuffy. It is easy to feel out of place in such an environment, and you soon see why it is a favourite of the rich and famous. We can also say that everyone and anyone is made to feel welcome. Vetiver is certainly worth a visit, not only for a special occasion, but with a Set Lunch Menu at £20 for two courses, and £25 for three, the Vetiver restaurant is accessible to many at any time.
www.chewtonglen.com/restaurantThe dining room of this renowned 'One Michelin Star' and '3 AA Rosette' restaurant looked spectacular. The atmosphere was bright an airy with walls in dramatic black wallpaper with silver white flowers. The tables were immaculately laid predominately in white, with Limoges porcelain, gleaming cutlery and crystal, with purple coloured water glasses and a lime green flower vase gave a refined splash of colour. Again lime green featured on the menus and some seating areas, demonstrating a lot of thought had gone into the design detail.
First courses chosen, we given a complimentary Cod Roe and Garlic Dip, with Homemade Sesame Crackers and Bread Sticks. Soon, we were then enjoying Pea and Coconut Soup, and a my wife had a Charcuterie, featuring Parma Ham, choritizo, smoked ham and guinea foul terrine. All was accompanied by speciality breads and rolls. I managed to try at least four, with onion bread being the close winner.
Whilst the service was formal, the restaurant was also relaxed, and staff attentive and friendly. Dressed in black they had a constant eye on out table and our glasses never emptied.
Main courses arrived, and the Calves Liver with caramelised onion emulsion, lemon and anchovies was excellent. My wife's Leg of Lamb with fondant potatoes and roasted vegetables also got the satisfied nod of approval.
Finally the sweet course. The croissant Bread and Butter Pudding was a delight, and the Yorkshire Rhubarb Vacharin featured meringue which was soon devoured. As is usual my wife declined a pudding, but she did not know I had told the restaurant it was her birthday. (It wasn't!). A complimentary delicious looking rich chocolate mouse on a sponge base appeared, with a candle and happy birthday inscribed on a piece of chocolate. Suitably embarrassed, she ate a few mouthfuls and I then came to her rescue by eating the rest, leaving her of course with the commemorative candle.
Whilst choosing our sweets, we had spotted something quite unusual on the bottom of the menu. It is sadly quite normal to read that a 10% or so service charge will be automatically added to your bill. However, I quite surprised to read: "All prices are inclusive of a 10% service charge, every penny of which is shared amongst the team. Therefore no further gratuities are neccessary, nor will they be accepted." Nice to know they look after their team and finding that the service charge is included in the published prices was indeed a pleasant surprise.
On leaving we had a brief look around, and the furnishings and decoration in each of the rooms were sumptuous and refined. This place just oozes style and quality without being stuffy. It is easy to feel out of place in such an environment, and you soon see why it is a favourite of the rich and famous. We can also say that everyone and anyone is made to feel welcome. Vetiver is certainly worth a visit, not only for a special occasion, but with a Set Lunch Menu at £20 for two courses, and £25 for three, the Vetiver restaurant is accessible to many at any time.
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