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Located in Newbury in Berkshire, The Vineyard has long been recognised as a leading destination for food and beverage. This January, the hotel will be taking its unique dining experience, The Tasting Room, to new heights with a delicious winter menu; focused on combining seasonal highlights with nature's elements within its traditional and plant-based menus.
General manager Chris Smith comments: "We are thrilled to be entering our second season of The Tasting Room with the launch of a delicious, seasonal winter menu. We have received such fantastic feedback from our guests far and wide, and we are delighted that The Tasting Room has been a huge success so far. We're so excited to see The Tasting Room grow and evolve, and we cannot wait to welcome guests to experience the brand-new winter menu."
Since first opening its doors in October 2023, The Tasting Room at The Vineyard has received an abundance of positive feedback from guests. Indeed, Chef Tom Scade, and his team, have taken this feedback onboard to devise an extraordinary dining experience like no other, combining the typical seasonal produce of winter such as Jerusalem artichokes, apples and swede with creative dishes that are a work of art.
Due to The Tasting Room's incredible success and to meet high demand, Chef Tom has now extended service to Friday and Saturday lunchtimes, alongside an evening service on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Guests are invited to take a seat this January as winter unfolds around them.
The Tasting Room's five-course winter menu will commence with seasonal Jerusalem artichokes, accompanied by complimenting flavours of brown butter, truffle and coffee. Next, guests can delve into the ocean's treasures with succulent Cornish monkfish with grapes, Tokyo turnips and mustard. For the main course, diners will be treated to a Wild mallard duck, served on a bed of swede, orange and chestnut for truly earthy flavours. Moving into sweeter territory, guests can try tempting Sicilian pomegranate with mango and coconut, finished with 'Dulcey' blonde chocolate, laced with apple, almond and pistachio.
The winter menu also includes optional additions such as Kings Oscietra or Tunworth and black fig, as well as wine pairing, which features must-try wines including Jean-Louis Trapet 1996 Pinot Noir and Tahbilk 2015 from the Nagambie Lakes in Australia. Alternatively, opt for a plant-based version and embrace the vegan lifestyle this January. Each dish on The Tasting Room's plant-based menu has been carefully curated by Chef Tom Scade to be similar to the traditional menu, ensuring that those opting for vegetarian or vegan options will still experience the unforgettable flavours of The Tasting Room. The plant-based menu also commences with seasonal Jerusalem artichokes, followed by Konro roasted cauliflower, complemented by grapes, Tokyo turnips and mustard. Next, guests can enjoy Salt baked sand carrot, paired with swede, orange and chestnut. Finally, indulge the taste buds with sweet treats, including Sicilian pomegranate with mango and coconut, and passion fruit, served with almond and bitter-sweet 68% chocolate. The plant-based winter menu can also be paired with delicious wines from The Vineyard's collection including Peter Michael Winery 2012 Pinot Noir and Pieropan 2020 from Garganega in Italy.
The Tasting Room at The Vineyard offers guests the chance to experience a whole new dimension of cuisine and immerse in the ever-changing seasons, navigating through exceptional courses devised to take diners on a journey from the Californian winery to the home of The Vineyard in Berkshire. Far from static, The Tasting Room evolves with the seasons and is a canvas for Tom Scade's culinary artistry. Tom's unwavering commitment to sustainability will be at the heart of each dish, as he strives to integrate homegrown produce into the menus by working with local food suppliers to minimise carbon emissions.
The Vineyard's impressive collection of wine, from both the New and Old World, as well as award-winning wines from Sir Peter Michael's Winery in California, are instrumental in elevating The Tasting Room experience, regardless of the season. Whatever the season, the outstanding wine collection that makes The Vineyard so distinct, complements each dish seamlessly during the sensory experience of The Tasting Room. To book, visit https://www.the-vineyard.co.uk/eat/the-tasting-room