We spotted this restaurant on the Food and Drink programme, and were so intrigued by this unusual venue that we made a trip from our home about an hour away to find it. The setting is stunning, even on a rainy day, within a walled garden and fabulous views over countryside to the hills beyond. The restaurant itself is at the top of the walled garden which slopes down to the car park at the bottom of the hill (disabled bays are available at the entrance). Entering the restaurant you find an open kitchen busy with chefs and a buzz of atmosphere. The seating in within a large greenhouse, and although it wasn’t the best of weather when we visited it wasn’t cold (blankets are provided just in case you feel a chill), and there are radiators to keep things warm. What really stunned us was the exceptional quality of the food – what you might expect if this was a Michelin star London restaurant. Although the main courses were c.£20+ per plate it was worth every penny. A short and well planned and balanced menu included a veggie dish, fish, two meats (the pork belly is definitely recommended) and also a ploughman’s with local cheeses for only £8. The puds were to die for, and the recommendation to have the apple brandy with it was spot on. You do need to book – just send them an email. Enjoy!
http://www.walledgarden.co.uk/ethicurean_restaurant.html
