Wharf House, The

Hidden away with the idyllic peace of the banks of the River Severn at Over, The Wharf House nestles between that and its newly restored Canal Basin, offering visitors a blend of countryside relaxation with modern, but local, food and drink. The Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust designed and built The Wharf House in order to provide a steady stream of funds to restore, maintain and promote the canal which, when completed, will once again wind itself from the River Severn at Over to Hereford.

To be opened in Autumn 2009 are 7 luxury bedrooms, all with their own style and character but with the shared benefit of panoramic views of the River Severn and Canal Basin. With a range going from standard double rooms to two luxury large double rooms with connecting central lounge that can be hired to make a suite for 5 persons, The Wharf House has something for everyone. All rooms will be fitted with wide-screen TV, full data link-up, video conferencing, film on demand, DVD and music systems and en-suite facilities.

The restaurant and tea rooms offer a delicious array of dishes to tempt the senses and tear your eyes from the idyllic views surrounding this fantastic location.  Lunch and Evening menus surprise the diner with such delectable foods as a smoked trout and green bean salad or broccoli and dolcelatte soup to start, followed by a medley of vegetables enrobed in red onion marmalade set within an aubergine tower, or delicious Herefordshire sirloin of beef with a creamy green peppercorn cause accompanied by a beetroot and potato gratin.

Desserts come in the tempting form of a traditional crème brûlée; mango and ginger fool with sweet butter biscuit thins, or - a customer favourite - a dark chocolate cup infused with orange served with a white chocolate cup permeated with lime and raspberry - naughty.

The constantly changing menu can be tasted daily, with lunch served from 12 - 3pm, and evening meals starting from 7pm. Throughout the day one can have a preview of what's on offer with coffee and cake from 10am, as well as light bites - grilled smoked haddock served with a mixed salad and poached egg; crab and mango with a rocket salad; or a rustic baguette with a choice of fillings - and new this year, 'Tapas on the Terrace'.

Tapas on the Terrace provides the perfect opportunity to sample the skills and interesting food fusions invented by the up-and-coming chefs employed at The Wharf House whilst enjoying a chilled glass of local wine or soft drink with friends, or to relax after work and take in the view. Think Herefordshire pork in a creamy cardamom, basil and coriander sauce; Mediterranean vegetables topped with rocket and parmesan shavings; pepper boats topped with red onion marmalade and goats cheese; tiger prawns in tempura with spicy pineapple; toasted baguette slices with hummus and Mediterranean vegetables or a beetroot gratin topped with chives, all falling between £1.95 and £3.75.

There are fewer places in and around Gloucester where such a fine blend of setting and dining can be merged so successfully, but The Wharf House truly achieves this goal, making it a fine destination for a relaxed meal with family, a celebration, or even a wedding reception with a difference. Find out more by visiting their Website.