When the two-Michelin starred Michael Caines isn't popping up on TV cooking shows, he's running several successful restaurants across the UK. One of which is this, at the ABode hotel.
There are three menus available to choose from: the six-course 'tasting; the nine-course ‘prestige tasting’; and the a la carte. Each menu uses quality local produce to showcase Caines' flair, with the kind of impressive, inventive takes on contemporary European cooking for which he is known. Real effort has been put into the wine-matchings too, so if you're going for either of the tasting menus, go for these if you can.
And while the restaurant is unstuffy and accessible, it's stil high-end fine dining - the dainty dishes wouldn’t look out of place in a glossy magazine. Presentation is obviously a high priority and the attention to detail makes dishes picture-perfect. Highlights include pan-fried mackerel, new season lamb and an ever changing flavour of soufflé for dessert, all of which come perfectly risen, of course. Special seasonal set menus are available throughout the year and prove excellent value at around £20 for three courses of food at this level.
The Champagne bar boasts an impressive drinks list, whether your taste is for the classic or the innovative. Their highly skilled mixologists can create the perfect cocktail for you, made with the finest and freshest ingredients. The wine list consists of a minimum of 180 bins including half bottles and sweet wines, many of which are visible at the end of the bar in a stunning glass walled wine room.