Review October 2018
Lewtrenchard Manor

My husband and I made the trip up onto Dartmoor and headed for what felt like a secluded valley, where we came upon this magnificently set Jacobean Manor. Arriving a little early, this gave us a chance to walk around Lewtrenchard’s majestic gardens with lush, green sunken lawns surrounding a flower bed and a tranquil bubbling pond.

After entering through the stately hallway, we relaxed in the cosy lounge while enjoying a pre-dinner drink, with olives, nuts and delicate canapés. We perused the menu before being escorted into the carved wood-panelled dining room with candles flickering on the white linen-covered tables.

The charming waiter brought out a freshly baked rosemary and sea salt focaccia and a surprise amuse-bouche of carrot velouté with a honey foam, which was subtle in flavour and warming.

For starters, I chose a pot-roasted wood pigeon breast, complemented with pickled blackberries, which was served pink (as it should be), and was very tender. My husband went for the pan-seared trio of fish served with a sublime rich, creamy bisque. Being a fish lover, he then chose the roasted fillet of halibut for main, which came with little braised leeks and delicately cooked vegetables. My choice was the sous-vide featherblade of beef, again served pink, and beautifully tender.

With room for dessert, but a tough choice, I opted for the dark chocolate jelly and my husband chose the iced peanut butter parfait, both of which were surprisingly light and a perfect end to an exquisite meal. Every plate was meticulously created with wonderful complementing flavours to savour, served by attentive, friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Head Chef Tom Browning likes to source seasonal, fresh and local ingredients including delicious home-grown produce from the Manor’s walled kitchen garden. Dinner is a three-course event, or you could choose the Surprise Menu – a seven-course Tasting Menu with an optional wine flight.