£110 for lunch for two (Chewton Glen, Hampshire)

Member Name: Lady1981

Product:	Chewton Glen, Hampshire
Date:	03/09/09 (61 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lovely setting

Disadvantages: Not worth the price

For my birthday recently, friends gave me a voucher for the Chewton Glen which is a 5 star Spa hotel set in 130 acres of countryside on the outskirts of the New Forest.

The Chewton Glen has been voted 'Best Small Hotel/Resort Under 100 Rooms in the World 2009' by The Gallivanters Guide.

I live in Poole and have been wanting to go to the Chewton Glen for some time and with the seasonal 3 course lunch menu costing £24.50 I happily went there today, clutching my £25 gift voucher.

I went with my boyfriend and we got to the hotel at about midday. We spent an hour in the lounge having a drink and enjoying the views of the gardens, the sumptious surroundings and the discreet yet friendly service.

We confirmed our menu choices to the waiters whilst in the lounge area and at 1:00 we were taken into the conservatory dining area.

The conservatory is a lovely bright room with two rows of tables along its length. The smiley and helpfull waiting staff trotted about inbetween the tables, serving drinks and food.

I had what I think was uncooked beef with cheese and salad. I wish I could remember the proper name but alas I can't! What I can tell you is that it was a tasty dish, with truffle dressing which was nice and light as I believe a starter should be.

For my main course I had grouse which did attract a £15 supplement fee. I have never had grouse before so I'm not really sure how it should be cooked. However, I did think that it was a bit over cooked. However, the jus was lovely, and the herb mash was scrumptious.

For dessert, I had shortbread with a sort of biscuity, strawberry thing. It was very enjoyable and refreshing.

I had two gin and tonics (Bombay Saphirre) during the meal which cost £10.50 each. Each!! Eeek! My other half had half pints of diet coke as he was driving and they were £2.50 each.

Although I enjoyed my meal, it did cost a total of £110, less the £25 voucher. I have eaten a much much nicer meal at L'ortolan near Reading which was much more of an event than my meal at the Chewton Glen.

To be honest, I have eaten fantastically in a couple of restaurants in Poole and spent the same amount or less for the two of us, but with much more alcohol thrown in.

Also, the majority of diners at the Chewton Glen were elderly, whereas I am in my late 20s. The age of the diners did affect the ambiance in my opinion. I think more younger diners would have made a livlier atmosphere, whereas I felt a tiny bit reserved because the dining area was rather quiet.

All in all I would say that I enjoyed my meal at the Chewton Glen but I spent £80 for just me to eat in the evening at L'ortolan and it was well worth the extra money there as it was a total experience. I don't think that the Chewton Glen was really worth the money.

PS I am unable to comment on the rest of the hotel and spa as my budget didnt stretch that far!!

Summary: I would go back but only if someone else was paying!