Turtle Bay Winchester

I was treated to an amazing surprise meal at The Avenue, Lainston House for my birthday and would highly recommend it. Due to the size of our party we had a private dining room and this really enhanced the experience and made my family and I feel even more special. Chloe was assigned to us and ensured our glasses were full and we knew exactly what we were eating at each stage of the 8 coarse tasting menu. Each coarse was amazing and also pushed some of our boundaries, as new tastes were experienced. Each item on every plate was beautifully paired and had different textures and looked exquisite. From the pigeon, to sweetbread, to crab and lamb, all was devine and looked too good to eat. Dessert and the "Squeeze them in" were all so delicate and packed with flavour. The pastry on some the tartlets and accompaniments were so fine,it amazed how they held the filling. Despite the food looking like delicate art on a plate, we all left full and very satisfied. The evening was completed with an appearance by the very humble and talented, Professional Masterchef winner,Tom Hamblet himself. Tom has designed and executed an amazing menu that I am sure will be receiving at least one Michelin star very soon. If you like fine dining, The Avenue at Lainston House Hotel is a must.

I am blown away at how good this meal was. I have been to the finest 3 Michelin star restaurants in the world, and this beats most of them. I’d highly recommend visiting. To the chef, please don’t change anything about this menu so I can come back and have it all again. The chef starts you out with three “snacks” all three are amazing the liver mousse being the star, and the salty ham and truffle bite was also incredible. Get the pigeon as a starter, is absolutely beautiful and tastes fantastic. The sauces are so deep flavorful, you just want to eat more and more. The bread course is by far the best bread I’ve had in a restaurant. The only complaint I have all night is, I would like 2 pieces instead of one, it’s just that good. The pre dessert was stunning, maybe the best pre dessert I’ve ever had. And the dessert was a show stopper. I had the coffee and chocolate mousse, with the banana ice cream it was a standout dish and one of the best desserts you will ever have. BUT the Mille-Feuille was even better. Honey Caramelized pastry crust, with sharp rhubarb and sweet orange zest. It was a top 3 dessert. I can’t wait to come back, if you are on the fence about visiting, trust me, come now before Chef gets 2 Michelin stars and the price goes up.

Wonderful food from Maestro Tom Hamblet, backed up by the attentiveness of all staff. A beautiful venue. It's a personal preference, but I wouldn't have had the selection of Muzak which included heavy rock! Not very relaxing! That doesn't affect the 5 star review, however, well deserved.