Horn of Plenty, The Reviews

Having attended one of the splendid cookery courses run by The Horn of Plenty, I decided to take my husband and seven-year-old daughter down to lunch on a Sunday. The service was impeccable, the wine list extensive and the food perfect, a real culinary delight. We were lucky that my daughter has tried many different dishes, since if you take children the menu might not suit everyone. I have a particular problem with desserts and never before have I managed to eat the whole serving whilst in a restaurant; at The Horn of Plenty however, the dessert was sublime and my taste buds would not allow me to leave even one mouthful.

10/10 from me and although I now live in Cornwall, I have travelled far and wide and must say that this is the first time I have wanted to actually write a small review about a restaurant I have been to. Peter Gorton and staff, I take my hat off to you, excellent.

My advice to diners - if you love food, wine and good service and a little peace and quiet, book early to avoid disappointment.

This is a truly superb restaurant. For those that might be put off by the price - don't be! Sometimes I go to restaurants and pay similar for food that I or my wife could cook ourselves if we pushed out the boat. The food served in the Horn is so superb that there is frankly no way that I, or anyone I know, could come close. I think that the best items to go for would be the fish, although I had a butternut squash tortellini starter that melted in the mouth. There is no real need to say what else was eaten, as it was all superb. Also, the choice was excellent (I was torn between about 5 things - a rarity). Did I mention how good this place is? OK - if I am to niggle, the service is not 'London', i.e. it is genuinely friendly and personal. Some people dont like that (londoners apparently), but for my money that makes it better.

We turned up out of the blue, not dressed for the occasion or with any preparation. We'd just been down to see some friends in the nearby village of St. Annes Chapel.

Luckily for us they had a single table free for the evening. We were early for dinner so we were asked if we would like to take drinks in the reception room before dinner. Log fire, comfy sofas, a full size cafetiere of very smooth coffee and a glass of merlot.

The food served was wonderful, we were served a parsnip soup with freshly made wholegrain bread and rolls as a brief appetiser before our starter. For starters I had a grilled partridge breast with parmesan tuilles, my partner had a salmon mouse with tempura fried king prawns. Both were exquisitely delicious. The main course quickly followed. I had venison served on a bed of red cabbage with lightly fried vegetables surrounded by a rich red wine sauce. My partner had roast pork with blue cheese ravioli in a mushroom sauce. The selection of after dinner teas, coffees and ports was excellent. For desert I had a chocolate mouse with jaffa orange sorbet and fresh glazed orange. My partner had ginger sponge with poached pears and pear compote.

The meal was a fixed cost of £39.50 per person. Pre and after dinner drinks were extra.

The service was low key and excellent. Our glasses of water were topped up regularly from an iced jug, there were always staff around to service any need.

The restaurant is located in an idyllic setting though as it was dark we could not really see anything.

The service was excellent. There are many 'extras' that I have not included in this description. We never felt anything but wanted and cared for.