In a nutshell
Providing exemplary customer service, a superb winter menu and a cocktail which tasted like a walk through the great British countryside, our lunchtime dining experience at The Manor House Hotel’s Beagle Brasserie was a welcome treat on a blustery winter’s afternoon.
The review
Come in from the cold
Walking inside from the bracing winter air, a warm welcome awaited us at The Beagle Brasserie, both in terms of atmosphere and temperature.
Part of The Manor House Hotel in the heart of Moreton-in-Marsh, we were greeted by a stunning mural featuring a pack of hunt dogs, which spanned the width of the large wooden bar.
The lounge area was heaving with families and shoppers, retreating from the bustling high street and into the warmth of the cosy brasserie for a festive afternoon drink.
Taking our seats in the conservatory area we entered an oasis of calm, away from the more frenetic atmosphere of the bar, and took our time to peruse the tempting menu.
But first, cocktails
When booking our table at The Beagle Brasserie, we were advised that we must indulge in a Mulberry cocktail.
Created back in 2006, the cocktail contains Pimm’s, mint, elderflower pressé, gin, and perhaps most importantly, mulberry jam – created using mulberries from The Manor House’s very own mulberry tree, thought to be 350 years old.
It didn’t disappoint.
Just one sip was enough to transport us from The Manor House’s serene garden room to a winter ramble along the Cotswold Way. Earthy but not overpowering, the perfectly blended drink tasted like the countryside in a glass.
Our other choice was the Brockman’s Bramble, containing Brockman’s gin, St Germain elderflower liqueur, Crème de Mûre blackberry liqueur and lemon juice. A sweeter selection than The Mulberry, this fresh and zesty cocktail was also mixed to perfection, and would be the ideal choice to enjoy in The Manor House’s garden on a summer’s afternoon.
A three-course feast
The Beagle Brasserie’s excellently attentive servers kicked off our dining experience by bringing over a selection of locally sourced bread and Netherend Farm butter to enjoy ahead of our starters.
For the first course I chose the toasted crumpet with Cornish crab and spring onion, poached hens’ egg and paprika Hollandaise; while my husband opted for the smoked haddock fish cake with ginger, and a roquette, apple and walnut salad.
The crab was mild yet flavourful and presented beautifully, with a gorgeously runny poached egg on top. My husband said his haddock was delicious, and the combination of apple and walnut alongside the fluffy fishcake was something he’d be keen to try and replicate at home.
As a main course I opted for the roast rump of Lighthorn lamb with grilled Mediterranean vegetables, fondant potato and spiced yoghurt with basil pesto. The lamb was gorgeously cooked – slightly crispy on the edge and perfectly tender towards the centre, but the unexpected star of the show was the selection of Mediterranean vegetables, which completely elevated the meal from a well-cooked roast dinner, to something far more special.
My husband, on recommendation from the team at The Beagle Brasserie, selected the Venison, Cotswold ale and Portobello mushroom pie, served with garlic and chive mash and sautéed greens. On the meal’s arrival, it was clear to see why the dish had become such a firm favourite on the menu. Tender with a bold flavour, the pie was encased in a perfectly crisp pastry – without a soggy bottom in sight!
To end, our stomachs almost full to brimming, we decided to share the chocolate, pecan and caramel tart with vanilla mascarpone. The dessert was glazed like a sheet of chocolate glass, and despite being deliciously sickly, we managed to finish it, fighting over the last spoonful of creamy vanilla mascarpone.
SoGlos loves
During our time at The Manor House Hotel’s Beagle Brasserie, we were delighted by the excellent customer service we received.
The friendly and knowledgeable staff made great recommendations of dishes and drinks for us to try, and regularly checked back to ensure we were happy with our meal and that our drinks were topped up.
Professional but not intrusive, we couldn’t have wished for a smoother service.
Top tip
Alongside a meal in the Beagle Brasserie, guests can also choose to dine in the Mulberry restaurant, a fine dining space to the rear of The Manor House Hotel.
The hotel also boasts 35 spacious and beautifully designed rooms, should you wish to extend your stay, and explore the stunning Cotswold market town of Moreton-in-Marsh.
What next?
For more information, see The Manor House, call (01608) 650501 or visit cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk directly.
