One of the perks of living out in the village life of the Home Counties is that we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to luxurious hotels in beautiful, sprawling grounds. The Vineyard is one such hotel, and has been on my visit wishlist for a little while now. Based in Newbury, this luxury hotel, restaurant and spa boasts five AA Red stars, an award winning wine list and a private art collection handpicked by the Michael family since 1996. The name doesn’t just refer to their wine collection, which contains over 30,000 bottles including their own brand – the Michael family behind The Vineyard also own a vineyard in California, and their wines are stocked in the transparent cellar located in the hotel entrance.
Arriving at The Vineyard, I was greeted by Kara, the hotel’s friendly marketing manager. Kara led me through to the dining room, where the smiley staff offered me a drink, took my order and suggested a recommended wine based on my order (it was delicious by the way, a red Beaune 1er Cru France 2011, which had a look and taste of Christmas.
The meals at The Vineyard are based on a 4-5 course format, with all of the focus being on bitesize dishes packed with flavour. I started with the Parsley root velouté, ceps, shallots, a warming autumn soup (perfect after coming in from a chilly day outside). Next up was venison with horseradish and butternut squash crispy shreds. As delicious as it was aesthetically pleasing. Course three was loin of veal, Jerusalem artichoke, rainbow chard, hazelnuts and sweetbreads (the latter was a first for me, and something I’ll happily try again). I finished with Chocolate, salted caramel, cacao nibs croquant, fromage blanc sorbet. Choctastic.
As you’d expect from a fine dining menu, prices started from £12 for the parsley root and went up to £28 for the veal. The menu itself changes on a regular basis, revolving around seasonal produce. You can also choose from a tasting menu (lunch prices start from £29 a head for 3 courses and dinner prices start from £54 for 4 courses). The Discovery Menu is also worth a look too – five dishes for £49 and matching wines for each course for £45.
While the food itself was impeccable, it was their customised wine service, and the huge variety available, that really makes The Vineyard stand out. I loved all the little details, like when guests who stay on a Friday or Saturday night receive a glass of wine in their room to relax with before coming down for dinner. Or when they open an iconic (huge) bottle of wine every Saturday night for guests to try by the glass, so you can try a usually very expensive wine for an affordable price. The Vineyard is an essential pitstop for wine fans.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Vineyard, and would certainly consider buying one of their gift vouchers in the future (in fact, I’ve got my eye on the Afternoon Tea one for my mum). If you fancy really indulging or treating someone, The New Year’s Eve Big Bottle Bash is worth a look. It includes a Champagne aperitif with canapés, six course dinner with matching wines poured from a variety of large bottle formats, followed by a live band, fireworks at midnight and a special toast to see in the New Year. That package, for New Year’s Eve, is £295 pp.
Images sourced from The Vineyard’s website
The Vineyard
Stockcross
Newbury
Berkshire RG20 8JU
TEL: 01635 528770
