SUNDAY LUNCH STYLE
BOYS HALL , ASHFORD
EXUDING AWARD-WINNING HISTORIC CHARM AND HOSPITALITY EXCELLENCE , BOYS HALL OFFERS THE PERFECT SPOT FOR LAID-BACK YET LUXURIOUS SUNDAYS ( AND MORE !) BY SAMANTHA READY
FOOD + DRINK
SUNDAY LUNCH STYLE
BOYS HALL , ASHFORD
EXUDING AWARD-WINNING HISTORIC CHARM AND HOSPITALITY EXCELLENCE , BOYS HALL OFFERS THE PERFECT SPOT FOR LAID-BACK YET LUXURIOUS SUNDAYS ( AND MORE !) BY SAMANTHA READY
Nestled in the heart of Ashford , Boys Hall threw open its sympathetically refurbished Jacobean doors just a year ago . Under the stewardship of current custodians of the manor , which has a past intertwined with history , intrigue and mystery , owner / couple Kristie and Brad Lomas ’ s unwavering commitment to heritage-focused design , local-produce driven culinary deliverance and curated experientialism has seamlessly blended old-world charm with modern hospitality . The result is a multipronged offering of boutique hotel , country pub and refined dining room which already boasts a wealth of esteemed recognition and clutch of awards , not least 2 AA Rosettes , a Michelin Guide listing and Condé Nast Traveller ’ s Cosiest New Hotel 2023 .
While I implore you to check-in and experience the full combination of sumptuous bedroom , countrycore breakfast , curated experiences from wine tours to wreath-making , and a slice of homemade-bymum afternoon cake , Boys Hall is also the perfect dining destination , especially when arriving for a laid-back yet luxurious Sunday lunch with the family .
Served in the airy yet cosy green oak-beamed and local stone dining space , set amongst the carefully planted kitchen garden and the suntrap outdoor terrace , the dining room takes on an even cosier incarnation during the dappled light winter months , with the Grade II listed mansion adding a sense of regality to your dining experience and providing the perfect backdrop for hungry guests to take their seats on plush green velvet banquette seats or at large round tables perfect for social groups or family dining .
Continuing the kitchen ethos of open-fire cooking for Sunday lunch , the two- or three-course menu
centres around a choice of flame-fire-cooked joints of meat , as well as the Hall ’ s now legendary snacks , and a collection of seasonal-ingredient driven starters and desserts .
Despite the heaving plates that await , you must sample the snacks .
The whipped mozzarella with pear , candied walnut and Wildfarm flatbread is divine , and the Ashmore croquettes with hunks of speck are unashamedly ordered and devoured every time I have the privilege of crossing the Boys Hall threshold .
If you are a starter purist , you can of course head straight for the delights of options such as smoked haddock with sourdough flatbread , baby gem , lemon mayo and poached egg , or rich bone marrow with Chart Farm braised venison , kimchi and pickled shallot before rightful attention is given to the main event .
Sourced from local producers and cooked over fire to enrich the premium cuts and add extra flavour , we opted for the roast sirloin of Chart Farm beef and the roast rare breeds Marsh Farm pork loin , both served with crispy roast potatoes , large Yorkshire puddings , seasonal vegetables such as heritage carrots and local cavolo nero and wine-rich , bone marrow infused gravy – just fabulous !
If , like me , you are a dessert aficionado , you won ’ t be disappointed , although you will likely be full ! Options include house sticky toffee pudding ; richness enhanced with beef suet and decadent butterscotch sauce , alongside seasonal delights such as dark chocolate mousse with mirror glaze , chocolate crumb and orange sorbet , or apple and cider bavarois encased in a delightful thin white chocolate appleshaped shell and bursting with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon surrounded by vanilla cider foam and bonfire toffee crumb .
Immersed in history , enchanted by statement interior design charm , surrounded by lush greenery and meticulously maintained gardens , and showcasing a culinary exemplar , Boys Hall makes for a truly unforgettable dining experience .
Boys Hall Boys Hall Road Ashford TN24 0LA boys-hall . com
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