Brews & Eats
REVIEW: The Bybrook

Appreciation of the Bybrook restaurant begins with the journey.

Eye-achingly beautiful stone cottages frame the narrow twisting road leading to the heart of the Cotswold village of Castle Combe.  And the drama continues at the grand entrance of the Manor House Hotel where automatic gates glide open to welcome visitors up a sweeping driveway towards the 14th century building. I was left slack jawed with wonder, as we entered a wonderland of indulgence - it was pure theatre. The Michelin starred Bybrook restaurant is part of The Manor Hotel, set in a 14th century building and surrounded by 365 acres of Cotswold countryside. We had been invited to sample the restaurant’s Autumn menu which has been carefully curated by executive chef Robert Potter - the creative driving force behind the classically influenced food served in the restaurant. Robert has recently retained his Michelin star, originally awarded last year and confirmed for 2018. He explained that the hotel’s well stocked kitchen garden provides inspiration for many of his dishes. The hotel also has a well-stocked kitchen garden that provides inspiration and produce for the restaurant’s menu design. We were treated to the 8-course tasting menu - a culinary journey through the best of what the restaurant can offer - showcasing the skills of chef Potter and his talented team. Every dish had been chosen to complement the next - with care taken not to overload the palate. And every detail had been considered with obsessive care, even down to the wine choice. We began with a crab dish exquisitely arranged on the plate with hand rolled macaroni, Exmoor caviar and a shellfish foam. Then followed a cavalcade of dishes - each one appealing as much to the mind and the eye as to the tastebuds. Salmon confit with beetroot and horseradish, foie gras, halibut with sea pursland. Then a change of direction to bold savory flavours of beef, oxtail, pancetta and truffles before being confronted with a trio of puddings so beautifully displayed that it seemed almost rude to dig in and spoil the arrangement. As you might expect, such perfection comes with a price tag to match - The tasting menu is £89 per person and wine pairings are available for £55 per person. But to my mind you are left with a memory that will linger with you for years.  Find the time and save the money - dining at the Bybrook is an experience you will never regret - I promise. www.exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house/restaurants-bars/the-bybrook

  • REVIEW: The Bybrook
  • REVIEW: The Bybrook
  • REVIEW: The Bybrook
  • REVIEW: The Bybrook
  • REVIEW: The Bybrook
  • REVIEW: The Bybrook
  • REVIEW: The Bybrook
  • REVIEW: The Bybrook