Nestled in the heart of the magnificent Ellenborough Park Hotel, this opulent dining experience at their 3 AA Rosette Beaufort Dining Room is not to be missed. The dining room sets the scene for an intimate and special evening from the moment you step foot inside. The oak panelled walls set a sophisticated tone, there is a minimalistic and warm colour scheme that keeps you embraced with the historic building, and the contemporary cuisine delivers on every level. The fine dining menu is a celebration of British produce and the service is professional and in-keeping with the surroundings.
We started our evening with an aperitif, two fine glasses of Billecart-Salmon Rose, a charming and fruity rose.
To begin, I ordered the Uig Lodge Smoked Salmon, with parsley mayonnaise and classic garnish. The salmon was delicate and flavoursome, and the presentation was excellent. My partner opted for the Marinated Garden Courgette, which was served with tomato, creamed feta, along with a spiced tapioca crackling, another dish packed with flavour which certainly didn’t disappoint.
“The contemporary cuisine delivers on every level.”
For my main course, I ordered the Bovril Seasoned Beef Fillet, with haricot ragout, wild mushrooms, artichoke and potato puree. The beef fillet had been perfectly seared and the Bovril gave it a much deeper flavour which was very satisfying. All the flavours on the plate were well executed and can’t be faulted. My partner ordered the Fillet of Sea Bass, served with slow roasted fennel, lemon cultured cream, black olive, and confined tomatoes. The sea bass fillet was presented on a bed of fennel and tomato and was wonderfully fresh. There was no hesitation finishing this dish and it’s one we’d happily order again.
For dessert I decided to sample their Lemon Mascarpone Posset, with beurre noisette ice cream, and a lemon sherbet. I was not disappointed, this dish is a must for the sweet-toothed and was a happy end to my evening of dining. My partner ordered the Vanilla, poppy seed, and blood orange baked Alaska, flamed with Chase marmalade vodka. Another excellent dessert that left us with both a pleasant taste in our mouths and memories to match.
Ellenborough Park have an extensive wine menu, to drink we opted for a bottle of 2012, Chateau La Croix Ferrandat. A wine with strong aromas of plum and blackcurrants, with delicious, gentle and subtle spicy notes.
If the allure of Ellenborough Park isn’t enough on its own, visiting the restaurant and sampling some of the dishes from their menu is. We look forward to returning in the future.
The Bill: £65 per head
