Starters offered classics such as soup of the day and salmon , though this incarnation was a beetroot-cured dish with Keta caviar no less . Our picks , the fabulously seared scallops with pork belly served with celeriac puree , apple gel and the richness of a red wine jus ; and a wonderful crispy duck egg - think Scotch egg without the sausage - the soft-boiled duck egg encased in crispy crumb sat atop crisp asparagus and Parma ham .
With mains sectioned into ‘ From the Ocean ’, ‘ Little Italy ’, ‘ Mains ’, ‘ Steaks ’ and ‘ Sharers ’, even the fussiest of eaters would be hard pressed not to find more than one alluring dish among tempting dishes which included lobster linguine with tarragon ; seasonal risotto ; aged Wagyu Manor burger ; roasted half-chicken ; and a selection of steaks .
Wanting to relish a child-free celebratory evening , we opted for the 17oz Chateaubriand sharer . Perfectly seared and , crucially , well-rested , the beef was beautiful . In a fleeting moment of disappointment , the triple-cooked chips had been replaced with fries , fortunately the double portion of crisp , salty French fries placated Mr R immediately and worked very well dunked into the red wine and port jus and peppercorn sauces we ’ d opted for .
Dessert was another carefully curated selection of classics with a twist . The smooth panna cotta , served in a mini glass jar , was a triumph of citrus hits - with flavours of lemon , lime and passionfruit offset with the sugar hit of mini meringue . While my chocolate tart was a generous slice of thin , short pastry and thick bittersweet ganache , the vanilla ice cream and smooth , rich caramel sauce was a welcome accompaniment .
As always in my experience here , service throughout our visit was pleasantly efficient and unobtrusive , with genuine care for guest experience .
While the majority of diners proved to be manor residents , taking advantage of romantic breaks away in the historic mansion or relaxing spa breaks , visiting dining at the Brasserie still holds an unrivalled allure ; perfect for date nights , celebrations , or family-and-friend catch ups , the main challenge will be securing a soughtafter table , but when you do , you won ’ t be disappointed .
Brasserie at The Manor Eastwell Manor Eastwell Court Boughton Lees Ashford TN25 4HR
0343 224 1700 www . champneys . com / hotels / eastwellmanor / dining
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