Review on The Elderflower Restaurant
The Elderflower Restaurant is set in a charming Grade II listed building on cobbled Quay street, in the picturesque town of Lymington in the New Forest district of Hampshire. The premises were previously occupied by The Bluebird, a restaurant established by Georgina Campbell, daughter of Donald Campbell, the famous water and land speed record holder. New owners are husband and wife team, Andrew and Marjolaine Du Bourg, who have realised their dream of establishing their own unique venture.
Andrew, the former Head Chef at the five star Chewton Glen hotel has worked his way through several top kitchens, most notably Michelin-starred restaurants Club Gascon and The Square, whilst Marjolaine who looks after front of house was the Food and Beverage manager at Cellar Gascon. The restaurant opened its doors in March 2014, after a sympathetic restoration saw contemporary flourishes added to the traditional setting of low beamed ceilings and cosy casement windows.
Describing his concise menu as modern British with a sprinkling of French, diners can expect innovative dishes strongly tied to the seasonal availability of top quality ingredients from local suppliers. Typically you could begin with Hampshire trout gravlax, avocado, strawberry and red pepper salsa and garden flowers or smoked Beaulieu Estate venison haunch, confit tomato, summer vegetables, and summer truffle. Main courses pick up the theme with grilled line caught sea bass from Lymington Quay, squid variation, warm fregola salad, and anise or for meat lovers there's Hampshire sirloin steak served with crispy shallots rings, roast field mushroom and roast cherry vine tomatoes. Finish with desserts in the shape of the quirkily named 'Close But No Cigar' consisting of whisky mousse, coffee ice cream and cigar smoked chocolate or New Forest gateau, tangy apple, crunchy hazelnuts and milk chocolate paired with mead ice cream.
Service led by Marjolaine and her team is attentive, courteous and delivered with a smile. The Elderflower has three stylish rooms available should you wish to explore the glorious Hampshire countryside.
The Elderflower Restaurant is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Modern British / French
Chef
Andrew Du Bourg
Restaurant Opening Times
Breakfast: 9.30am - 2.30pm Sat
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.30pm Tue-Fri
Dinner: 6.30 - 9.30pm Tue-Thu (6.30 - 10.00pm Fri & Sat)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card