Lainston House, an Exclusive Hotel

Didn’t stay in the hotel, but we will definitely be coming back for a stay in the near future. We came to eat in The Avenue, had eaten in Camellia South Lodge, when Tom Hamblet was cooking there, wanted to see how his cooking had progressed, wow has he moved up a notch or two, we had an absolutely amazing meal, truly memorable. We arrived had a cocktail in the bar, then went through to eat, kind impeccable service from the waiting staff and the very knowledgeable sommelier . We were then served some delicious canapés, stand out one was the chicken liver parfait in brick pastry, a wonderful explosion of tastes, smooth and crunchy. This was follow by probably the finest brioche I’ve ever eaten, laminated with fennel pollen, my husband was particularly impressed with the herb garden butter. Then on to first course, pigeon for me, beautiful pink, a fabulous well reduced sauce, the duck liver Bon Bon so smooth, like silk in the mouth. Followed by lamb, beautiful rendered fat, crisp outer, extremely well made sauce, you could taste the pea , onion and mint , garnished with a sweetbread and lambs tongue, but the real high light for me was the lamb tartare, sweet meat, perfect temperature, just divine. I finished with the caramelised puff pastry, not too sweet, which for me was perfect, loved the really smooth raspberry sorbet. My husband had the scallop first course, then turbot, he said fish was perfectly cooked, fabulous sauce as well. A superb bottle or Pinot Noir to accompany our meal, went down perfectly. This was probably one of the best meals I have ever eaten, as a chef myself I’m hard to please, but this was perfection on a plate. Tom you have really moved on, I see a Michelin star very soon.

This is a wonderfully luxurious sanctuary set in beautiful countryside - peaceful, calming, welcoming. The rooms were exceptionally well equipped and generously sized. The restaurant food and wine were of the highest quality and above all the entire staff from front of house to support staff were all so welcoming, kind, polite and a joy to interact with - I can't recommend an overnight stay or a weekend away here highly enough,

The hotel is lovely . The staff are courteous and extremely helpful and friendly . The setting superb. It echoes back to grander days without feeling at all dated . The room was lovely and pillows and bed fabulous. Enjoyed the tv over the bath which was a first for me . Plumbing all worked and was easily operated. it’s amazing how many hotels delight in making operating showers akin to a military comprehension test. The lady on reception showed us around our room , which again was a pleasant exception and a good introduction . Food excellent too . Ample parking . All good and will go again .