Hartwell House

Modern European·
££££
·

SquareMeal Review of Hartwell House

Extended & adapted since the 17th century, the splendour of this substantial house is matched by its extravagant landscaped grounds. Hartwell may exude a certain formal charm, but the sunny dining room is less daunting than many country-house piles & the food shows a light, cosmopolitan touch. Confit of gently smoked Loch Duart salmon is imbued with flavours of beetroot, while smoked chicken cannelloni is paired with artichoke purée, kale & forest mushrooms. Mains also reveal first class-sourcing – perhaps loin of fallow deer with caramelised chicory, sprouting broccoli & rich red wine jus or fillet of brill with crushed Whitchurch potatoes, sauté leeks & Granny Smith apple cream. Well-spaced tables, attentive staff & a wide-ranging wine list add up to a tempting offer just 40 miles from London – it’s perfect for lunch, & impressive public rooms also beckon for classic afternoon tea (£19).

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
Modern European
Food Hygiene Rating

Location

Oxford Road, Near Aylesbury, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR

01296 747444 01296 747444

Website

Opening Times

Mon-Sun 12N-1.45pm 3-5pm 7.30-9.45pm

Reviews

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1 Review 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Wendy M

02 December 2009  
Food & Drink 3
Service 3.5
Atmosphere 4
Value 3.5
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.
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