Hunstrete House Hotel has been named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the ten best country hotels in England, and it's easy to see why. This quintessentially English, 18th-Century Georgian manor house is idyllically situated in 71 acres of beautiful woodland, gardens and deer park in the folds of the Mendip Hills, and provides luxurious comfort as well as spectacular fine dining, thanks to the craftsmanship of head chef Matt Lord and his dedicated team.
Matt uses freshly grown produce from the hotel's Victorian walled garden, as well as the best quality seasonal ingredients and speciality products from the Mediterranean. Imaginative presentation and complementing flavours are designed to excite diners' senses. Menus change seasonally to make the best of local and home-grown produce. In summer expect light fresh starters such as seared south-coast scallops with sweet fennel salad; or chargrilled asparagus with black olives, tomatoes, spring onions and Parmesan. Mains follow suit with summery delights like fillet of farmed halibut with fresh peas, new potatoes, pancetta, thyme and red wine jus. For dessert try a summer pudding featuring berries from the garden.
In autumn you may find pan-fried duck foie gras with raspberry brioche, wild mushrooms and tarragon dressing, followed by loin and leg of wild Wiltshire venison, braised red and green cabbage, home-cured pancetta and roast baby onions, as local game comes into season. Desserts also reflect autumnal flavours with rhubarb clafoutis accompanied by rum and raisin ice cream, rhubarb fool and caramelised pistachios. Finish your meal in style by sampling the comprehensive cheese menu - all the cheeses are local and the menu gives a detailed profile of each - and why not also indulge in some fine port. The service at Hunstrete House is personal and friendly.
The team is able to create seasonal dishes for all occasions and are happy to discuss your personal tastes and dietary requirements. They are open daily for lunch and dinner, so treat yourself and head out soon for some fresh country air and spectacular food.
