Hambleton Hall (British, Modern Restaurant)

SRA Rating

“A beautiful country house hotel, with wonderful views over Rutland Water” provides the setting for Tim Hart’s long-established East Midlands temple of gastronomy. It is “very expensive”, and one or two reporters qualify their feedback with the odd reservation regarding the overall approach (which can seem a little “stiff and old-fashioned”), but these are minor concerns, as few restaurants can match its “old-school charm”, or are as “consistently exceptional over the years”. “Service is really spot-on (friendly but always professional)”, and Aaron Patterson’s “classic” cuisine is “always perfect in every respect”, and matched with an “astonishing wine list” – “with many unusual items, ranging from everyday, affordable discoveries, to the most famous first-growths”.

“Classically traditional in every way, and none the worse for that!” – Tim Hart’s “grand” and luxurious mansion enjoys “an idyllic setting with views over Rutland Water” (although, in fact, the house was built before the lake!) The “consistency of excellent standards here is extraordinary” over many years – not least Aaron Patterson’s classic cuisine that’s “perfectly balanced and packed with taste”; “superb wine” too.

The complete country house dining package doesn’t come much better than at Tim Hart’s “truly unforgettable” house, with its “lovely situation overlooking Rutland Water”; Aaron Patterson’s “solidly classical” cooking is “extraordinarily consistent” and matched by “terrific” wines, “perfectly pitched” service and “beautiful” decor.