Great Fosters. Former hunting lodge of King Henry eighth, and steeped in Tudor history. It surprises me how many people are unaware of its existence. I must confess I fell into that category, a close family member suggested dining there. I had no idea quite what to expect of Great Fosters, but its unique history excited me.
Set in beautiful grounds and now a credited hotel, you feel a real sense of occasion as you walk through its wooden doors. Seated in the Tudor room, beautiful wood panels and paintings create a wonderful feeling of grandeur.
Looking through the menu dishes hinted of a clever complexity. Head Chief Douglas Balish has bought The Tudor Room Michelin star accreditation. Choosing Langoustine Tea and the flight of wine to accompany my meal, I waited with anticipation for my starter.
Langoustine arrived in a deep plate like bowl, edible flowers resting beautifully and the ‘Tea’ was poured to cover. Not quite clear enough to be a consommé but too light to be a soup this clever elixir tasted incredible. Depth of flavour intensifying the Langoustine, the most delicate note of leaf Tea altering the taste dynamic.
My main of Turbot was plated beautifully, fish slightly golden and resting on a silken cauliflower puree, served with gnocchi and capers. Meaty Turbot flakes married so well with the sauce combined with the sweetness of the cauliflower providing a perfect backdrop for the capers to ‘sing’. Gnocchi added texture and balance, simply stunning.
For Dessert, I had chocolate on my mind. Valrhona chocolate caramel with Tonka beans Feuilletine to be precise. Every texture seemed to be present. As my spoon cracked though the thin crown, clipping smooth Feuilletine and the coarse ground Tonka. Each element of the dish captured a different intensity of coco and tasted incredible.
My dining experience at the Tudor Room can only be described as magical. Food at times some of the best I have tasted. The flight of wine perfectly matching every course. The technical knowledge of the sommelier surpassed anything that I have previously experienced. For a special occasion I would be hard pressed to recommend anywhere with such a unique mix of history and fine dining.
Expect to pay £65.00 per person without drinks.
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