Chagford, United Kingdom
From Michelin Guide
As you drive down the narrow, winding lane leading to Gidleigh Park, just know that you will be handsomely rewarded at the end of your journey. Situated inside a grand Edwardian mansion, this is the epitome of country house dining; the setting, both inside and out, is beautiful, while the cooking is underpinned by superb premium ingredients from lobster to venison. Their delicious natural flavours are showcased in classically based dishes with the odd dash of international flair. Any visit here is a joy, but staying over in the hotel makes it feel all the more special.
From Visitor Experiences
1. Location and Setting: "Set majestically on the bubbling upper reaches of the River Teign"
Gidleigh Park is uniquely situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, surrounded by 107 acres of beautiful parkland with the peaceful sound of the Teign River flowing through it, offering guests a serene natural environment that is integral to the experience.
2. Architectural and Interior Design: "Interiors draw from the Arts and Crafts movement, enriched by antiques and artwork"
The hotel and restaurant's interiors are distinctively inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, featuring antiques and artwork that create a warm, snug atmosphere within a 16th-century Tudor-style manor, blending historical charm with comfort.
3. Exclusive Activities on Site: "A range of activities, including a Peter Allis 18-hole putting golf course and tennis"
Beyond its Michelin-starred dining and luxurious accommodations, Gidleigh Park offers unique leisure activities such as an 18-hole putting golf course designed by Peter Allis and tennis facilities, enhancing the guest experience with exclusive recreational options.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred Gidleigh Park in Chagford emphasize seasonal, high-quality British produce, often from the West Country. Key ingredients and their significance include:
Trout: Featured in a starter with buttermilk, oyster leaf, sorrel, and horseradish, showcasing fresh, delicate flavors with a balance of creaminess and herbal notes.
Lobster: Used in a dish paired with carrot, sea buckthorn, and anise, highlighting the restaurant’s focus on refined seafood with complementary bright and aromatic flavors.
Scottish Scallops: Often served with apple, celeriac sauce, and truffle, representing a luxurious ingredient combined with earthy and fresh accompaniments to elevate the dish.
Salt Chamber Aged Beef Fillet: A richly savory meat dish paired with potato terrine and cauliflower purée, demonstrating the kitchen’s skill in aging and preparing premium British beef with refined sides.
Strawberries: Celebrated in desserts like strawberry mousse, jelly, and sorbet, often accompanied by basil, shortbread, or rhubarb sorbet, emphasizing pure, fresh fruit flavors and creative sweet-savory contrasts.
These ingredients reflect Gidleigh Park’s commitment to seasonal, local British produce, prepared with elegance and subtle complexity in both savory and sweet dishes.