Esseborne Manor

Foodess ( 50s, Female, United Kingdom )

Faddy, no, but traditional yes in every way. Critics might defile this modus operandi, but I see nothing wrong with competently cooked Sunday lunch served in relaxed surroundings by accommodating staff – enjoyment doesn’t always have to encompass trendy, though I am the first to admit it can be such fun. This occasion was enhanced by the company of some good friends.

A little worn at the edges – as many are – this country house, set in pretty grounds pleasantly reflects the bucolic character of the region. A place for the VFM conscious, at under £20 per head for 3 courses which included a fine array of buffet style starters to satisfy the carnivore and those piscine inclined, although the veg lover may feel a tad deprived. Five main courses from which to choose could be followed by selecting from half a dozen puddings including unquestionably fresh fruits over which you could cast an eye before committing. Then to add to your decision process there was an adequate if slightly staid, help-yourself cheese board. One of the most sensibly priced wine lists to be seen [generally sub £100] plus a more modest and concise house list. Two bottles of Pomerol worked nicely for us.

I failed to find many reviews, but the few I did were ‘good’ and that just about fits. Could I have awarded 6.5 for F&D then I would have done…Not sure I am curious enough to find out whether the kitchen can successfully deliver the modern dishes that appear at other times, unless it proves to be a convenient bolt hole in future, then it would deserve fair consideration.