LIVE24SEVEN // Wining & Dining Mallory Court A HAVEN OF TRANQUILLITY IN WARWICKSHIRE
Situated in the heart of Warwickshire, just outside Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick, Mallory Court is the perfect retreat from the stresses and strains of life. A haven of tranquillity, surrounded by landscaped gardens, it’s located in picturesque countryside on the doorstep to Warwick Castle, Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon and a wealth of National Trust properties.
Arriving at Mallory Court was the start of a very special evening to remember. First impressions are well, quite simply, spectacular! On arrival, we were greeted by our charming host for the evening, offered pre-dinner drinks and given time to relax in the sumptuous lounge area. The lounge offered stunning views of the elegant gardens and, relaxing on comfortable sofas, we soaked up the atmosphere, enjoying the soft music and admiring the beautiful fresh flowers that adorned the room of which the focal point was a very large open fireplace, which would be amazing in the winter months. Our host delivered the tastiest of canapés and explained that we would be indulging in the seven-course taster menu which would be accompanied by a flight of wines – carefully chosen!
The candlelit restaurant forms the perfect backdrop to sample the best of Paul Foster’s famous culinary skills. From Raymond Blanc’s two-Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, to winning the coveted William Heptinstall Award, to an internship at the ground-breaking WD50 in New York and working at two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham, Paul’s career offers an insight into the excellence he achieves today.
❝ / 84
‘Picky’ would be a word to describe the sourcing strategy of this talented chef and his team, who use only the very finest, seasonally-based ingredients, locally sourced where they meet their rigorous standards, from the first spring asparagus, hand-dived scallops and Cornish blue lobster moving through the year to venison, mallard and other game.
THE DISHES WERE NOT ONLY SUPERBLY CREATIVE, BUT ALSO OFFERED A DEPTH OF FLAVOUR AND PERSONALITY ALL OF THEIR OWN.
The menus are constantly evolving and encompass modern techniques and trends whilst also revisiting things that have been long forgotten – this we noticed during our dining experience.
The wonderful thing about a taster menu is the variety it offers the diner – a symphony of first class dishes, which for us, on this occasion, included succulent scallops, quality pork, beef and asparagus to name just a few tempting flavours. The dishes were not only superbly creative, but also offered a depth of flavour and personality all of their own. A wonderfully rich chocolate dessert and light seasonal fruits brought the culinary experience to a delicious conclusion and the carefully selected wines for each course really did make for the perfect partners. It was additionally comforting to know that should we have not enjoyed any of the wines served, they would have been changed, a comfort that wasn’t necessary at all, as each wine was divinely compatible with each course, drawing out and enhancing flavours, each perfectly pitched. From sparkling whites to rich reds and sweet dessert wines, the experience provided a wonderful education to some exciting wines.
Paul Foster is no stranger to praise; his taster menu has received applause from even the most discerning of critics. It’s not often you can’t select a favourite course during such a taster experience, but Paul really does make it difficult, there’s this constant and consistent standard that delights every time. The portion size also hits the mark. I’ve returned on several occasions since our review, and every time has felt special, like the first time dining – like reliving that perfect first date time again!
Guests enjoying the food, wine and superb hospitality can also enjoy a stay in one of Mallory’s 20 manor house bedrooms, combined with 11 Knight’s Suite rooms, which provide the perfect mix of traditional country house charm and contemporary style.
❞
It is very obvious that food and drink are at the forefront of the Mallory experience. With numerous awards and exclusive Relais & Chateaux membership, you’re assured of quality and service which is synonymous with an award-winning hotel and restaurant.
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