Ah Bailiffscourt – what fond memories I have of you. Sadly, the older you get the more you realise just how time flies by. I recently just turned 30, yet I can recall being 21 as if it was only last month. But believe it or not, there is a silver lining to getting older. Over time you build up a library of memories to never forget and one of those was actually created here at Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa. Ten years ago (I know) me and my partner used to spend a lot of time at this hotel. From its four-poster rooms, to its modern barn – fondly recalling being woken by peacocks. Yet within the many times we stayed here one thing we never did was eat in the restaurant.
The Tapestry restaurant is the main eatery in the hotel and it exudes history, along with a little opulence. Rich mustard yellow walls, wooden beams, antique paintings and polished silverware. You feel as if you’re eating in the set of a Medieval movie. Looked after by head chef, Russell Williams we started our evening with a plate of olives and selection of cheesy puff goodness.
There’s a few menus to choose from here at Bailiffscourt and each one has something different to offer. We dined from the a la carte Climping menu which is priced at £53.50 for three courses. A little steep in pricing perhaps, but if staying at the hotel (like we was) the menu is included as part of your dinner, bed and breakfast rate. Kicking off our evening was a gorgeous plate of cured gravlax which tasted incredibly fresh, but even better was risotto. Rich, decadent and flavoured with cep mushrooms and aged parmesan cheese. A really lovely dish which was packed with flavour.
Star dish of our entire meal (apart from dessert of course) was the main course. An absolutely stunning showcase of just how good quality ingredients can be when well-cooked. The herb crusted saddle of lamb had so much flavour and was perfectly pink in the middle. It arrived on a bed of smoked aubergine caviar, drizzled in a rich glossy jus and served with a side of creamy dauphinoise potato. If this dish is on the menu when you visit – order it.
Desserts were rather epic too and one in particular. To look at this souffle doesn’t give much, but take one spoonful and you’re transported to a state of food euphoria. Quite honestly the best souffle I have ever eaten. Coffee flavoured and served with a scoop of Kahlua parfait and a pistachio and cranberry biscuit. The souffle itself was like eating a cloud it was that light and the coffee flavour was just the right intensity. A solid offering from head chef Russell Williams.
Another lovely plate of food was the fine apple and almond puff pastry galette. Drenched in a rich caramel sauce and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It washed down well with a wine pairing too – a delicious late harvest Chenin Blanc.
Rather full and a little tired by this point after our ever so relaxing afternoon in the spa, we retired back to our bedroom and took our petit fours with us to enjoy next to the roaring fire over a glass of red wine and game of chess. We had such a lovely evening at the Tapestry restaurant and it was great to finally eat at the hotel restaurant which we never did before. Yet another lovely memory created by Bailiffscourt Hotel for us and I can’t wait to make many more again here in the future.
NB: I was invited and my meal was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight
The dessert is literally my perfect dessert!
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Was SO good!