The Lainston House Hotel is a country house hotel set in the green and pleasant land close to Winchester in Hampshire. It is a high class hotel with impressive standards and great attention to detail.
We were shown through the Drawing Room, and out to the terrace where we were seated and greeted by the breath-taking view of a tree-lined avenue. The hotel is surrounded by lush green grounds, the ideal setting for a civilised afternoon tea in the country.
Our friendly waiter took our order and we were served each course quickly and efficiently. We began with Assam tea and fresh coffee, each in a silver service, together with a lemon mousse topped with fresh blueberries to be enjoyed at the start or finish.
We requested the vegetarian option, which is offered alongside the main menu. A nice touch that we were glad to indulge.
“The Lainston House Hotel provided an afternoon tea to remember”
The first course consisted of finger sandwiches which included cheddar cheese in watercress bread, cucumber in tomato bread, goat’s curd in beetroot bread and a soft bun filled with egg mayonnaise. The breads were a delight. Each looked home-made, was fresh, fragrant and offer tastes that really complemented the fillings.
The sandwiches were then followed by sweet things, the highlight of any afternoon tea! The warm tea cakes were a delight and the beautifully fresh scones were served with delicious lemon curd, clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Everything was fresh, nicely balanced and tasted great.
The finale was a fine selection of fresh pastries, which included queen of pudding tarts, chocolate torte, strawberry delice and pistachio mousse. Each was the right level of sweetness, well balanced and was the perfect end to our tea.
The sun was out, the service was excellent, the tea fresh and loose leaf and the food was superb. It surely was an afternoon tea to remember, and one we would happily repeat.
The Bill: £23 per person
