Rutland Restaurant Guide

“On a hot day there is the terrace with its glorious views over the water. On a cooler day, it’s time for the comfy seats by the log fire. Whatever the weather, there is always a top quality meal to be had” at this “stunning” country house hotel (back in the day, owned by the Hoare banking family, and which actually pre-dates the surrounding reservoir, created in 1975, by many decades). Its “opulent” lounges and dining room epitomise “old-fashioned elegance” and provide “the quietest and most relaxing environment”. Staff are “professional but very friendly” and “go above and beyond to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience”. Chef Aaron Patterson has been at the stoves for a remarkable three decades and his cuisine “tends towards the traditional but is none the worse for that”. It’s superb quality but not showy food – “his deft touch lets the locally sourced, seasonal, food sing, rather than the chef!”. Owner Tim Hart (whose sons run Quo Vadis, Barrafina, El Pastor, etc in the capital) has amassed a fine wine list and “they have started providing some of their brilliant cellar wines by the glass, a great opportunity to experiment”. For a romantic stay in particular, it’s “truly wonderful and well worth the cost”.