Lainston House

Went to Avenue restaurant for the Tom Hamblet experience. Unfortunately it wasn’t for us. Lainstone House itself is tired looking. No one to greet us upon arrival. Eventually taken to our seats. Decor lacked character. No atmosphere in the room. And please turn off the cheap 80’s department store music!!! No explanation on menu. Only a wine menu given for drinks - nothing for other alcoholic drinks or soft drinks. Starters were pleasant although portions very small. With fine dining this is acceptable as you’re often having multiple courses. For me, this was not fine dining, Similar story with mains. I had the agnolotti dish, for me this lacked seasoning and flavour. Very small portion. My partner had the beef which was delicious. We ordered sides (there are only two to choose from) We had the truffle potatoes. These were hard boiled potatoes with a watery truffle emulsion. Insipid tasting - I’m sorry! My partner finished his glass of wine and was not asked whether he wanted another. So he didn’t. We were still hungry by the end so ordered three deserts between us. Saving Grace!!!! Desserts were delicious and very well presented. We were charged an extra £25 for one dessert on top of: £10 extra for beef dessert £12 for potatoes £85 per person anyway + drinks. Service charge. Overall bill came out a lot more expensive then I would deem acceptable for the experience holistically. Other guests were openly making negative comments. With a tweak of portion size, a little more seasoning and a good interior designer the place could be so much more. Toms dessert dish designing overall is very special and a lot of our negatives are outside of his control. Service ok. Overall we would not return.

We were originally given the Oak room and for £400 a night we had high expectations, but the bath tub in the bathroom had some rusty patches and I didn’t fancy giving my toddler a bath in there, also there were some cobwebs around the radiators too and some paint peelings on the wall in the bathroom. Understandably, we were disappointed and wanted to change rooms and the reception staff acted very quickly and gave us the Pine room next door, which was fantastic. Our stay from there was excellent, although I did notice some cobwebs between the wood beams in that room too, so housekeeping should look up more, this establishment claims to be 5* and cleanliness is basic really. Otherwise, it was all good, I would stay again if given the same room.

Disappointing dinner advertised with Tom Hamblet’s name. No time for drinks as we were taken straight into dining room. Food excellent. Portion size underwhelming. Staff perfectly trained if not warm or friendly. We expected at least a visit to the dining room by Tom, given the hype around what we thought was a bit of an “event”. No visit - not even a mention. Just a card on the table. Table also lacking - no white cloth, can’t remember the flowers - were there some? And we were two florists visiting. Just dull. We went exceptionally due to the Tom enticement (had to pay £30 a head on booking grrr) so not sure whether it was more expensive than usual but cost £230 for two of us, including a bottle of excellent wine.

A beautiful hotel within spacious grounds. You immediately feel transported to a special, cosy, cosseted world. All staff are fantastic. Keen to make your stay wonderful as soon as you step through the door. Our bedroom (Acacia)was spacious and beautifully decorated. Pillows and mattress and linen so fluffy and luxurious. Bathroom very tasteful and a great size with huge shower and whirlpool bath and underfloor heating. Food fantastic throughout. Absolutely delicious.

Stunning hotel with amazing grounds to walk around and lose yourself with your thoughts. We spent a night at Lainston and we were not disappointed with the stay. Staff were friendly warm and always have a smile. The room was spacious and beautiful. We cannot wait to return. Thank you all at Lainston for making an incredible stay.!

Attracted by dinner prepared by 'MasterChef the Professionals' winner Tom Hamblet, we enjoyed the dining experience with my siblings at the Chefs Table, facing the kitchens. An excellent and varied tasting menu, prepared meticulously, and full of flavour. The hotel itself sits in expansive grounds, a real country feel with comfortable and very well-equipped rooms

Having watched Tom’s journey through Masterchef Professionals 2023, knowing that he’d be at Lainston House was fantastic news. To sample a young, passionate chefs food, unspoilt by fame and notoriety, was an opportunity not to be missed. So I booked Chefs table for four!! Tom and his team were absolutely epic. Such an amazing evening and not what we expected given the mail earlier in the year suggesting he may not have been in the kitchen on that night. He was, and he personalised the experience completely by pandering to our insatiable request for photos and autographs throughout the four hour meal. The Chefs table was tucked away in the kitchen overlooking the pass where we were able to observe and interact with Tom and team as plate after plate of his improved Masterchef winning menu was served along with a description and wine pairing narrative. Praise also to his sommelier who was delightful assisting us with all our wine pairings. Such a humble guy. Loved every minute of it!

We were fortunate to be able to secure the chefs table and experience the fabulous Tom Hamblet, professional master chef winner. The food, the service and Toms interaction exceeded all our expectations. The overnight stay is a must after experiencing the wine flight, could not fault a thing. It’s a must do experience. Thank you Lainston.