We were lucky enough to dine at this restaurant before it officially opened, whilst staff were finding their feet. That meant that the first time we ate at Lympstone Manor, we were able to dine for 40% off of the usual price. Since tasting the equisite offerings that day, we’ve looked for any excuse to go back. So far, we’ve managed to return twice to dine from their set lunch menu, and, honestly… the only fair way to describe the food at Lympstone is perfection. Of course, it is not just the food that is so admirable here. The surroundings contribute to the whole experience and the dining rooms and views are beautiful. This isn’t the kind of place you ‘pop out’ to for lunch, this definitely feels ‘special occasion’, and everything (and everyone) looks very smart. Lunch is £60 per person, although there is occasionally an offer on, making it around £48 instead. What feels special to me about the dishes here, is that each dish is the kind of dish that you think “I have no idea what this flavour is, but it is delicious”. I love that. The dishes are never over complicated but they are always perfectly balanced and still somehow completely unique. I wanted to give as many examples as possible, so have included pictures from both of our visits. I’m hoping to return for my birthday at the end of the month.

Michael Caines, we salute you.

Canapes on both visits, including a carrot veloute, beef carpaccio with sesame and crispy chicken skin, pea (of course it wasn’t just pea, but I have no idea what else was in it that made it so delicious), and a beetroot mousse.

Appetizers on both visits, one was a goats cheese mousse with jasmine raisins and candied walnuts. The other was a velvety smooth duck liver parfait with a sauternes jelly and hazelnuts. I absolutely loved this duck parfait.

Starters on both visits, one being a beautiful salmon roulade with wasabi mayonaise, pickled cucumber, dill and caviar. The other starter was a chicken (and I think partridge) terrine wrapped in charred leek with toasted hazelnuts.

Mains on both occasions – I couldn’t tell you which I liked better as they were both perfect. One was partridge (leg and breast) with braised chicory, plump raisins, quince and a rich and slightly bitter jus. The other was pork tenderloin with pea puree, a potato gratin, perfectly sweet roast baby onion, asparagus and a sweet jus.

Okay yes, I had soufflé both times. But they were different flavours! One was a rhubarb souffle with a rhubarb and rose sorbet. The other was an armagnac and plum soufflé with an (I think) armagnac ice cream.

I hope you try it (and love it as much as I do)!