Foodess' review of Hartwell House

An under-stated exterior only hinted at the rich history of a building with a grander interior. Interesting architectural features, period furniture and artworks of grand tours gave the house bags of atmosphere aided by a large dining party enjoying mid-week lunch in an adjacent room from where comforting chatter drifted through into the main dining area. This together with a brigade of young and charming staff helped dissipate the slightly stiff ambience. Canape and satisfying warm breads made a promising start to a meal which then swayed above and below mediocrity. Kitchen endeavours were quite ambitious and did result in a few pleasures like deep rich flavours of a duck main course with some rather reasonable accompaniments. (I feel a bit mean scoring 6 for food, so in reality I'd give 6.5.) A memorable country house where I can imagine afternoon teas being quite a hit with some.