Glasses of Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve from Hampshire set the mood as members and guests gathered in the bar.

We moved through the restaurant and out into the Glasshouse with a grand view of the neatly clipped gardens and acres of clear blue sky to elevate any winter blues. A warm Beetroot and Smoked Eel soup garnished with horsradish and dill or a Crisp Polenta parmesan cream and an arc of Delicia Pumpkin with crispy sage soon graced the table with artistic flourishes and pops of welcome colour. Each dish had a seperate pairing either Domaine Corsin Macon Villages or Maison les Alexandrins Viognier.

Local Roast haunch of Fallow Deer braised faggot parsnip pickled prune and walnut received resounding approval and was paired with Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d’Abruzo DOC. Ricotta Agnolotti kale hazelnuts and black truffle was the option served with Santiago Ruiz Albarino O Rosal Rias Baixas DO. Portions were generous; flavours spoke out and textures complemented each other.

The crowd then tucked into a Choux Bun with hazelnut and a coffee chocolate sauce. Replete coffee was served. The gathering declared the opening lunch a great success and applauded Chef Josh and he service team.