The aptly named Restaurant at Mount Somerset is a fine dining establishment set inside a 4-star hotel in the middle of the countryside. It shares the same décor and views as the superior hotel, and is designed to complement the excellent service the hotel offers.
We were greeted and seated promptly and presented with the menu. At first glance, the menu looks very fussy, but this is fine dining and the dishes coming out looked excellent.
Our order was taken and we waited, and waited. Service in the restaurant is a bit on the slow side. The staff are very helpful and friendly, but the food wasn’t leaving the kitchen quickly enough.
Our meal began with warm parfait of driftwood goats cheese with baby gem lettuce, parmesan crisp, and Caesar dressing. We also had tartar of Mount Somerset smoked salmon served with Cornish white crab, caviar and mini capers.
The interestingly named goats cheese salad was very good. It was light, well-seasoned and dressed and nice to eat. We can say the same for the smoked salmon too. The fish was fresh, cooked very well and the caviar was that lovely side of salty that made our mouth water.
Main course was pan fried fillet of Cornish lemon sole with English asparagus, roasted Jerusalem artichokes, herb risotto and vermouth cream and roast rump of English lamb with Indian cauliflower compote, dauphinoise potato and a beef tomato and coriander jus.
The lemon sole sat well with the fish starter as it too was light, well-seasoned and perfectly cooked. The asparagus was al dente, and made that crunch sound that only they make. The vermouth cream was also delicious, a sharp taste to complement the smooth fish.
The lamb was equally well done. Light brown on the outside and pink in the middle. It wasn’t fatty at all and with the cauliflower compote produced a very original taste.
Dessert was warm fondant of Belgian chocolate and salt caramel served with caramelised banana ice cream and chocolate syrup. We both had the same because it looked so good. It was. Chocolate and salt are old friends. They work well together.
This is definitely fine dining, and if it wasn’t for the slow service, our experience would have been completely positive. It isn’t slow enough to put us off, but just enough to mar the occasion.