Whoever described Thoresby Hall as 'Magnificent' in their advertising wasn't wrong.
I'd seen the Grade I listed building from the outside before and was impressed by it's grandeur but never actually been in to what is actually one of Nottinghamshire's most important houses, until I was invited to the relaunch of their Blue Grill Restaurant.
The approach to the building, which is owned by Warner Leisure, is as grand as you'd hope, with a sweeping drop off point any Cinderella would love to draw up to in her coach. The reception is in a newer part of the building, but follow the swish rabbit warren corridors past the guest bedrooms and you arrive in simply stunning welcoming lounge areas and the Great Hall, with crackling log fires and deep arm chairs. High ceilings and original features are striking to the eye.
The Blue Grill is one of two unique restaurants at the hotel. It's name perhaps giving a nod to nearby Sherwood Forest, The Sherwood offers a Traditional Carvery whilst you can enjoy award winning cooking at The Blue Grill. The beautiful restaurant has been sympathetically refurbished. When they began renovations a small piece of original wallpaper was revealed, from which they were able to get it lovingly recreated.
It now plays an integral part of the decor in the stunning restaurant. The menu is described as 'grill style' but don't confuse it with barbecue style restaurants, it's not a burger and rib joint (OK, well they do a burger but its gourmet) What you will actually find is delicious a'la carte dishes with a grill style twist.
Open to residents and non-residents, the restaurant is elegant and welcoming. There are tables for two for an intimate meal and bigger parties are welcome at the larger tables with luscious soft backed chairs.
The menu has sharing options if you can't decide what to choose but once you try the food, you might change your mind about sharing.
After tucking into a home made bread roll (I'd call it a cob but it's quite posh here, so for tonight, I'll go with roll), for my starter I chose the Roasted Celeriac Soup with an Apple and Sage Beignet. Lovely and flavoursome and just the right consistency for a rich tasty soup. Just what you want as the nights get colder. My partner had the Pan Seared Scallops with Pea Purèe and Prosciutto, served in a seashell, he assures me they were cooked well.
For my main I opt for the tender Corn Fed Chicken Breast served with a tasty Wild Mushroom Risotto, Asparagus and Chicken Jus, whilst my partner is more adventurous and picks the Half Grilled Lobster with Grilled Asparagus and Roasted New Potatoes and a Thermador Sauce.
I ALWAYS manage to find room for a pudding. If I'd not had a starter, as a self confessed chocoholic, I'd have gone for the Chocolate Plate- Chocolate Mousse and Brownie served with White Chocolate Ice Cream and Macerated Cherries.
However, I opted for the Delicious lighter Vanilla Panna Cotta with Poached Rhubarb and Mini Doughnuts. My partner, a fan of traditional puddings enjoyed the Classic Bakewell Tart served with Clotted Cream Ice Cream, and his personal favourite, the Brandy Snap Brittle.
Live Jazz, R & B and soul played in the back ground as we enjoyed our meal and we had a lovely evening. My only regrets are not arriving earlier and exploring the stunning grounds and not booking a room for the night. If the restaurant is anything to go by then I imagine the rooms would be just as exquisite and I'd have loved to have tried the spa, which I've heard is just as luxurious, for a bit of much needed pampering. Ah well, maybe next time.
Love T xx
For more information visit the website
Disclaimer - Our meal was complimentary but my views are my own.
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