Lympstone Manor

Nestled along Exeter’s magnificent coastline and surrounded by 28 acres of landscaped gardens, Lympstone Manor is regularly considered one of the finest rural escapes in the country. The restaurant itself is acknowledged with similar acclaim. Leading this symphony is conductor Michael Caines MBE, who’s credentials include an 18-year career at two-Michelin-starred Gidleigh Park, before opening Lympstone and winning a Michelin star within its first six months of opening.

Here, Caines distils Devon’s natural landscape and larder into a cleverly considered dining experience. Setting and location play a major part in this, with the manor’s position at the top of a sloping hill offering sedate views over the Exe estuary and the estate’s impressive vineyard. The dining room itself is luxurious yet calming, with only a handful of tables to keep the dining experience as personal as possible, while a twinkling crystal chandelier that drips from the ceiling like water pays reference to the hotel's proximity to the sea.

Michael’s signature eight-course menu comprises some of his most iconic dishes. A soft langoustine tail served in its own bisque mingles with the umami richness of truffle cream, and is followed by butter-smooth duck liver pate offset by tangy pickled daikon and crunchy hazelnuts. The highest note of all was a dish made entirely of bass notes; a crimson medallion of venison paired with sweet chestnut puree, a viscose red wine jus and red cabbage which had been reduced to the most deliciously sweet and vinegary puree. More joy is found around every corner; a smart square of tangy blue cheese served with sweet quince puree, truffle honey and a trio of homemade crackers is the sort of crowd-pleasing dish more menus should include.

Wine plays a major role in dining at Lympstone, and if the 600-bin list makes you feel giddy, a curated wine pairing guides you through an exciting array of bottles, including a couple from Lympstone’s very own vineyard.

An experience like this comes at a price – £240 a head for the food alone – but you get to walk away knowing you‘ve experienced cooking from one of the greatest chefs of our time.

With stunning views overlooking the tranquility of the Exe Estuary and the famed Jurassic Coast, five star Lymptone Manor might just be one of the most beautiful country retreats anywhere in the UK. This five star hotel boasts 21 stunning guest rooms and suites, six charming shepherd huts, a world-class wine cellar, and 28 acres of ground, including an 11 acre vineyard. Not to mention, of course, the presence of a true legend of British cooking - Michael Caines MBE - in the kitchen.

Michael Caines has become one of the UK's best known and respected chefs over his long career. His distinctive, modern British cooking - honed on classical French technique from the kitchens of legends like Joel Robuchon, Raymond Blanc and Bernard Loiseau - earned him two Michelin stars at nearby Gidleigh Park, an award that he held for eighteen years.

In 2017, Michael left to open Lympstone Manor, and he made an instant impact, winning a Michelin star just six months after opening. The menu is vintage Michael Caines - international influences, smart flavour combinations, all underpinned by old-school technique. Starters on the a la carte at the time of writing include confit salmon with honey and soy vinaigrette, wasabi yoghurt and a salmon consomme, and pan-fried duck liver with braised orange chicory, orange puree and anise-scented duck jus. Mains are a little more classic, like butter-poached Brixham turbot with braised leeks, poached scallops, truffle and chive butter. And who could possibly turn down a pistachio souffle for dessert, cooked by the master?

Aside from the a la carte there are two tasting menus available - the signature, and the 'Taste of the Estuary' that celebrates the best ingredients from the local area. And finally, appreciation of fine wine is also integral to the Lympstone Manor experience. The world-class wine cellar has over 600 bins representing some of the finest wine estates from around the globe.