Restaurant at Homewood Park, The

Homewood Park is a manifestation of the von Essen hotel empire in the West Country. As with the other hotels in the group the aim is to offer the perfect country retreat and so successful are they that it is sometimes less than easy to find superlatives equivalent to describe them adequately.

A recent (2004) addition to the group, Homewood is already a valued part of The Country Set, only a relatively short distance from the classic Georgian city of Bath. Built in 1832 is has all the confidence and comfort of a Victorian family home.

Surrounded by 10 acres of private parkland, there is a fine collection of mature trees that shields the house from any intrusion, with magnificent views over to the Limply Stoke Valley, and the grass kept trim by a flock of Jacob sheep. However time moves on and not all progress is disruptive or irksome.

This certainly applies in the kitchens where a contemporary and expansive cuisine is masterminded by a team who are encouraged to be adventurous. This has resulted in the award of the title of Country Restaurant of the Year in the Good Food Guide, as well as Two AA Rosettes.

The a la carte menu compiled by Chef Paul Burrows reflects an eclectic approach to the subject with starters of crotin goat's cheeses and red pepper tart with rocket salad and vincotto dressing, terrine of Scottish smoked salmon with crayfish salad, lime and vanilla oil, Isle of Skye scallops, celeriac puree, crispy pancetta with celeriac velouté, pressed terrine of free range chicken and foie gras with fig chutney.

An excellent selection of main courses are offered by the line caught Cornish brill with buttered spinach and shellfish nage, pan fried fillet of sea bass, confit Jerusalem artichoke, rocket and king prawn tempura, fillet of angus beef with pomme fondant, swede purée, French beans and red wine jus, duo of Welsh lamb with ratatouille, rosti potato and thyme infused jus and risotto of wild mushrooms, poached hens egg, asparagus and cepe foam.

Each of the memorable desserts comes with the Sommelier's recommendation, starting with the chocolate and walnut mousse with caramel ice cream and coffee sauce, pancakes with boskop apples and suzette sauce, tartlet of rhubarb and apple with apple crumble topping and candied ginger ice cream and a fresh orange parfait with kumquats compote.

Homewood is the most perfect place should you be planning a wedding. They are licensed for Civil Ceremonies for up to 50 guests. The three dining rooms enable them to cater for 10 to 80 guests.

A marquee in the garden copes perfectly with those who wish to invite up to 125 guests, for whom it would be difficult to think of a more gracious and enchanting setting. Everything is attended to down to the last detail, and a tailor-made menu seems to present no problems. For further details on this delightful and unique spot, visit their Website .