The WinePress Restaurant

With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, attentive waiting staff and an extensive 50 page wine list, The WinePress is an excellent award-winning restaurant that everyone should enjoy.

Popular for business, golf breaks, weddings, locals and wine-lovers, the snugly tucked away restaurant is the perfect setting to wind down after enjoying the delights of the local area or relaxing in the hotel spa.

We visited the WinePress restaurant this month. Having received a warm welcome from the friendly staff, we browsed through our menus which reflected the 2 AA Rosettes. At a reasonable £28 you can choose from the delectable three-course ‘Market Menu’. This menu took me by surprise and offered an attractive choice and all served in wholesome portions.

Considering that this restaurant is owned by Sir Peter Michael of the Vineyard, the endless wine list did not come as a shock. I began with a glass of 2011 Agiorgitiko, a Greek white wine with a light fruity taste that accompanied my starter of creamed mushrooms on a toasted brioche with a poached egg – a first class starter with deep, well-balanced flavours.

For mains, I was lured by the lamb, a hearty dish served with exquisitely rich dauphinoise, matched with a perfect Chilean Malbec. I also tasted another main course, a sumptuous paupiette of lemon sole with a fricassee of grape. This was top end technical cooking from Head Chef Kelvin Johnson who has held his brigade to very exact standards in his 23 years at the WinePress.

For dessert, I had a chocolate torte and the Australian pudding. Every mouthful of food was simply sublime and the huge variety of wines available made this experience just that little bit more amazing.

The only improvement to the atmosphere would be a few candles to complement the mouth-watering cuisine and excellent service. The WinePress is definitely a local restaurant to be added to your diary if you are looking for quality and value for money with a great setting.