Cosy hidden restaurant 18 minutes from Surrey you'll want to find to gaze at the night sky
Located less than a 20-minute drive from the Surrey border is a restaurant like no other. Named Hearth, the stunning open-fired dining spot is perfect for enjoying a comforting - and extra special - meal when the weather is chilly.
Thick warm blankets are draped over chairs for guests to snuggle down with, and a magnificent floor-to-ceiling window allows diners to gaze at the twinkling night sky. Overlooking a 438-acre countryside estate, the destination restaurant is hidden from public view, and is stationed within the beautiful grounds of Heckfield Place, a five-star hotel.
Once the estate stables, the sympathetic restaurant conversion retains all the textures and character of the original building, and the exposed red-brick and natural décor is utterly gorgeous. The intimate and relaxed spot also has an outdoor courtyard for alfresco dining in the summer months.
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To reach the magical dining room, customers have to cruise along a sweeping driveway, then down an endearing dark staircase of the charming country manor. Easily considered as a hidden gem, it's understandable why so many people don't know the fine-dining restaurant even exists.
The warm, atmospheric, countryside setting is reflected in the menu, and culinary director, Skye Gyngell and her team prepare heartfelt dishes that continually change to reflect the season and what the onsite biodynamic, organic Home Farm has to offer. Unlike your typical restaurant, diners are invited to choose four to five dishes to share, all of which are lovingly prepared in the open kitchen in front of them.
Current veggie dishes on the October menu include roasted beetroots with labneh, cobnuts and Muscat reduction (£18), risotto with grilled king oyster mushroom (£26) and charred leeks vinaigrette with egg mimosa (£19). The fish and meat selection features wood roasted lemon sole with brown butter, almonds and capers (£38) and braised pork cheek with parsley root puree and green fig mustard (£34).
But the star of the show has to be sirloin of beef with green peppercorn sauce. Costing £85, the huge hunk of meat is epic. The slab is wonderfully juicy and cooked to your preference, and the thick and creamy gravy is silky smooth and utterly divine.
As for dessert, there are three tempting options; affogato (£11), tiramisu (£15) and apple and blackberry pie (£20) - the ultimate showstopper to round of your experience.
What to expect at Hearth
While the restaurant oozes rustic and natural Scandinavian vibes, it is predominately a fine dining spot and a visit is more of a treat than an every day occasion. The staff are professional, friendly and super welcoming, giving guests a personalised experience from the moment they step foot in the warm and cosy venue to the minute they wave goodbye.
Open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday, it is also open for lunch on Saturdays from 12pm to 2.30pm. With just a dozen items on the menu, the choice may be selective, but each dish is zealously prepared and flawlessly presented, with attention made to every detail.
Diners receive a homemade wedge of freshly baked bread to nibble on with homemade butter while perusing the menu, and the elegant drinks selection is exceptional. Heckfield Place is also home to another restaurant, named Marle.
Awarded a Green Michelin Star for its sustainable practices, Marle holds itself accountable for both its ethical and environmental standards, and work with sustainable producers and suppliers to avoid waste and reduce, or even remove plastic and other non-recyclable materials, from its supply chain.
Heckfield Place is a lovingly restored Georgian house and a pure example of peaceful English countryside living. Located south of Reading, and one hour from London, the luxury hotel boasts indulgent rooms, a tranquil spa and soothing wellbeing activities.
How to book a table a Hearth
Address: Heckfield Place, Heckfield, Hook, RG27 0LD.
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 6pm-9pm and Saturday 12pm-2.30pm.
Parking: Large, free car park within the hotel grounds.
Telephone: Call 0118 932 6868.
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