Review on The Avenue Restaurant, Lainston House
A long winding drive through acres of Hampshire parkland leads the way to Lainston House, an opulent seventeenth-century country mansion out in the country just a few miles from Winchester.
Taking its name from a spectacular mile-long avenue of ancient lime trees that is visible from the windows of the dining room, the verdantly titled Avenue Restaurant makes a sumptuous setting for elegant country house cooking. Portraits look down from panelled walls and light comes from sparkling chandeliers.
Freshly picked garden herbs add a special flavour to the food, and the carte offers contemporary Anglo French cooking along the lines of beef consommé with horseradish tortellini, noisettes of lamb with cauliflower ravioli, baby leeks and lentil jus, and individual baked meringue with mango ice.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, the star turn is the chef's 'gourmand menu', a six-course palate-teaser with appropriate wines for each course: try a glass of Côtes du Rhône, Les Deux Frères, Eugène Ellia with crisp Gressingham duck, Ricotta gnocchi, peas and beans, for example.
Alternatively, relax on the new al fresco Terrace with its beautiful hand-cut Indian stone, giant umbrellas, heaters and light menu of dishes with a healthy bias.
The Avenue Restaurant, Lainston House is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Hardens, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Modern British
Chef
Phil Yeomans
Restaurant Opening Times
Breakfast: 7.00 - 10.00am (8.00 - 10.30am Sun)
Lunch: 12.30 - 2.30pm Sun (12.00 - 5.00pm Mon-Sat & 2.00 - 5.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 7.00 - 9.00pm Sun-Thu (6.30 - 9.30pm Fri & Sat)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express
