56 - Faringdon

This was our third visit over a fairly long period. The front of house team has changed but they are excellent, and the right mix of friendliness, professionalism and humour to put you at your ease yet make it a special occasion. The food was excellent and all totally different from our last visit. We had the 9 course tasting menu with the wine flight and it was extremely good and not too much food either. All in all, a great evening and I will be very keen to return when we have an excuse to do so. They also do normal course menus so you don't have to push the boat out if you don't want to. The dining room is not the cosiest because the ceiling is very high (it being an old grand house) and I suspect they would struggle to alter it it's probably listed. The view onto the gardens from the lounge is lovely and very inviting. We will be back!

Food was excellent. Me and partner opted for the 7 course taster menu. Fresh thinking and superbly executed cooking. Matching wines good value . Interesting wines and all very very nice. Service very good. A nice touch water still or sparkling at no extra cost. Downside the decor its a lovely building but really the decor !! Does not match the excellence and freshness of the cooking. Dining room and lounge stiff and slightly uncomfortable seats a bit low. Surprising as the Magnolia Brasserie in same building is clean, fresh and modern in style. For the food would thoroughly recommend an absolute gem and ideally located for me is just a ten minute walk from home.

Our afternoon tea consisted of 3 finger sandwiches per person, 3 mini cakes per person and 2 scones each. I am extremely glad we didn't go for the champagne afternoon tea or that would have been an extra £10 for one glass each! Whilst the taste was there the cream and jam wasn't for the scones and as the waiting staff where harder to find than wally, it was a mistake that went unrectified.

Excellent, discreet service by friendly, personable staff providing a delicious afternoon tea comprising a range of mouth-watering goodies!

Our homeward lunch stop during a weekend of classic car touring and a more appropriate spot would have been hard to find. Beautiful setting for lunch. Excellent service and lovely cream tea. Thank you