Luxury travel and food writer Eve Hartridge discovered Alan Murchinson’s out of town offering
L’Ortolan is well worth a saunter down the M4 (exit 11) as housed in this former rectory is a charming restaurant run by Alan Murchison. It is no surprise, given Alan’s credentials – Claridges, Nobu and Le Manior Aux Quat’ Saisons that this is the only Michelin starred restaurant in the area.
Cuisine is modern French using local ingredients where possible, there are a variety of menus and private dining options to make L’Ortolan the perfect choice for business or pleasure.
I sampled The Gourmand Menu with suggested wines which offered a variety of dishes each made up of exquisite combinations. The Octopus salad with mango was perfectly light and flavoursome, the baked Barkham Blue cheesecake a superb alternative to soufflé and the poached Nashi pear with black current and fennel a crescendo of fresh fruit to leave the diner satisfied without the ache of over indulgence.
Sommelier Craig Steven made adventurous pairing suggestions including a “Poire Granit” by Eric Bordley to accompany dessert which was divine.
The Gourmand Menu is priced from £71.00 per person.
