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His culinary journey , beginning at UCB College of Food , has taken him through prestigious kitchens from the Belfry Hotel to the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge , extending to global experiences in Thailand and Paris . Notably , he has held positions at Bar Boulud in London and also the D & D Group , opening 14 Hills in London .
Chef Barber ’ s arrival at Brocket Hall estate in 2022 marked the beginning of a new chapter for Auberge du Lac , characterized by his unique vision and international expertise .
LUCY HAWKINS AND THE TRANSFORMATIVE KITCHEN GARDEN
A unique aspect of Auberge du Lac ’ s culinary journey is its dedicated kitchen garden , meticulously managed by Lucy Hawkins . This garden is not just a source of fresh , organic produce for the restaurant but also a testament to sustainable culinary practices . Employing sustainable no-dig methods , she has transformed an acre of land into a fertile source of fresh produce for Auberge du Lac , enhancing local biodiversity and embodying the essence of soil-to-plate dining . The dishes created by Chef Barber make the best use of these seasonal crops , grown just meters away from where they are served .
Visitors can explore this green haven through the Garden Tour & Lunch events , with dates pending for both spring / summer and autumn seasons , offering a deeper connection with the food they enjoy at the restaurant .
THE AUBERGE EXPERIENCE
In addition to the exceptional dining , Auberge du Lac offers an incredible ‘ Auberge Experience ’ package for £ 420 per couple . This includes half a bottle of Champagne in room upon arrival with chocolates , a seven course tasting menu at Auberge du Lac , overnight stay in the Melbourne Lodge plus Full English Breakfast served at the Melbourne Club .
With stunning views of the Hall , Broadwater Lake and The Melbourne Club golf course , the 16 luxury ensuite bedrooms in Melbourne Lodge , each named after one of the great racehorses of the day , are the perfect place to stay after enjoying a sumptuous dinner . Available Thursday to Saturday Evening Only .
ISSUE 65 2024 THE ART OF LUXURY