Emma Filby escapes real-life to a day-dream destination and we have a fantastic offer for Fed Up & Drunk readers…
I think it’s safe to say that we have all indulged in that dream of winning the lottery, and suddenly becoming richer than in our wildest dreams. I am one for glassy-eyed daydreams of what it would be like to be Lady of the Manor; treated like royalty and surrounded by grandeur and opulence. Usually this is halted by a brutal interruption – the alarm goes off, the dog is licking my face and I have the emotional commute to work in front of me.
Today, however, is different. I have a spring in my step, and I feel relaxed and well rested. That’s because I am still basking in the wonderful experience I had at Lords of The Manor, where I was treated to just such a daydream experience. I was treated like royalty, given the finest food to dine upon and my bank balance hasn’t suffered for it.
Lords of the Manor is one of the most acclaimed hotels in the Cotswolds and at first glance guests are treated to a quintessential chocolate-box scene. This ancient manor is nestled prettily in Upper Slaughter, surrounded by rolling countryside and Cotswold-stone buildings. As I approached, I could feel myself relaxing and thoroughly enjoying the picturesque drive along quiet roads, past gardens that looked like they’d come straight out of Country Life. As soon as you arrive at the manor, you immediately know that you are somewhere special.
I strolled through the traditional English walled garden, just coming into spring bloom, to the front door where I was greeted by a host of happy staff all busy looking after their guests. My friendly waiter made me feel instantly at ease, and I first was shown to the drawing room to peruse the menu at leisure over a selection of delicious canapés with a glass of fizz. If I’m honest, I feared I would feel a little uncomfortable and out of place being somewhere so exclusive, but that was not the case. There was a mix of guests (I’m sure there were a few real-life ladies of the manor) and everyone was treated to the same friendly, cordial service. There was no unnecessary frill or pretension. The dining room simply buzzed with anticipation of the food we were all going to enjoy.
The menu was so tempting that I found it almost impossible to chose each course. For starter I opted for ballotine of smoked ham hock and guinea fowl, Port-marinated duck liver with celeriac and French bean salad, while my companion relished a roast fillet of sea bream, served with farfalle, gem lettuce and dowsed with an indulgent truffle butter sauce. The quality of the starters set the scene for the rest of the meal – we were already impressed.
Main course saw an elegantly presented and carefully balanced dish of roast fillet of Loch Duart salmon, broad beans, tomato, pak choi, coconut and shellfish foam. My guest raved over their roast breast and braised leg of poussin, which was served with fresh English green asparagus, truffle potato, cep purée and poultry jus. The mains just confirmed that Lord of the Manor is just the place for exquisite fine dining and every dish is an absolute dream to devour. I have never tasted anything so gorgeous in my life. I was equally blown away with the price …
You might think that dining like lord and lady of the manor would make quite a dent in your purse, but with a two-course lunch for just £29.50 (or three for £37.50) it’s a treat you can definitely afford to give yourself.
PLUS, if you quote Food & Drink Guides, you will also get a free glass of wine, beer, or a soft drink to accompany your lunch.
I was pretty stuffed after two courses but obviously it’s my duty to sample the pudding. It was an easy decision for me. I plumped straight for the chocolate pavé, with coffee and hazelnut purée, cocoa nib and milk sorbet. It was everything I wanted to finish my meal – a contrast of sweet and bitter flavours, creamy consistency and cool sorbet. My guest finished on a light and refreshing note with the cardamom panna cotta with tropical fruits, and it was a dessert that looked as amazing as it tasted.
The weather is finally starting to pick up and if you need a great excuse to escape for the day and be treated like royalty, I would advise visiting Lords of the Manor to take advantage of this fabulous lunch offer.
Lords of the Manor is located in Upper Slaughter, and is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Bourton-on-the-Water, so it’s the perfect place to escape to.
To book please call 01451 820243 or [email protected]
