The Oak Room Restaurant

Set in a magnificent Victorian-era mansion amidst 66 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and grounds, visitors are surrounded by grace and grandeur as soon as they arrive at Tylney Hall. Widely regarded as the go-to destination for a memorable dining experience, this little piece of paradise forms a perfect escape. The two-AA-rosette-awarded Oak Room Restaurant is truly a place for special occasions. Oak-panelled walls, long silk curtains with tasselled swags and spectacular chandeliers create a sumptuous setting, while guests can enjoy beautiful views of the garden and lawns.

Executive chef Michael Lloyd joined in 2016 and has since worked his magic, presenting refreshing and innovative menus with a distinctly British twist. Incorporating the freshest ingredients possible, Lloyd wowed with a tasty amuse-bouche of honeyed carrot with star anise, followed by homemade bread – which I always appreciate. Starters comprise seven delectable dishes; my honey-whipped goat’s cheese served with paper-thin onion wafers and soaked prunes managed to both whet my appetite and delight my palate, while my partner’s creamy caulifl ower soup had the added interest and flavour of artichoke.

After some deliberation choosing my main course, I settled for the pea and truffle risotto. The dish had the perfect balance of seasoning, the fresh spring pea flavour bursting to the surface, with just a touch of Parmesan and truffle. My partner plumped for the duo of Cornish seafood, comprising stone bass and salmon served with lobster bisque. A keen seafod-lover, he was extremely impressed with the freshness and flavour of the dish.

I was by now replete, but my partner indulged in dessert, opting for homemade ice cream. With a crumb base and served with fresh strawberries, he declared it a total triumph. Excellent coffee and petits fours rounded off an exceptional meal. To complement the food is an award-winning wine list, with an excellent selection of home-grown options as well as some carefully selected worldwide favourites. The attentive and knowledgeable team is always on-hand for recommendations.

The elegant yet warm surroundings, attention to detail and exemplary service make any visit an unforgettable experience. It’s no surprise that this is such a popular destination.