Published: 28/02/2009 00:00 -
Updated: 29/01/2010 19:20
BY SIMON HUTCHINSON
When the idea of Moggerhanger House came up for a birthday meal for my big brother, I wasn't too sure if this was the place for the Hutchinson family.
Stately Homes and a 36th birthday party aren't usually linked but all I can say is that I am delighted we went.
The house is a Georgian Grade 1 listed building which was designed by Sir John Soane and is recognised as the most complete, surviving example of his work.
On entering the Grande foyer you are greeted by a team of waiting staff who whisk you to a cellar bar for a pre-meal drink and chance to peruse the menu.
After selecting what delights your fancy the staff return a few minutes before the meal is to be served.
For starter I chose a breast of wood pigeon pan fried served in a pastry case with a creamy butter bean puree finished with a red wine and roasted tomato sauce. This is something that I would never probably order but due to the fine surroundings it seemed appropriate and thankfully it was delicious.
Other meals starters selected included Moggerhanger Park mushrooms cooked in a cream sauce with smoked bacon and glazed with cheese, comfit of goose served on a sage and garlic crust with mushroom butter and glazed with mozzarella, and Parma ham melon salad served with orange segments and a basil dressing - all of which, I was informed several times over, were scrummy.
After a complementary lemon sorbet it was down to the main and for this I chose lamb fillet, pan-fried pink, with a red wine sauce and mint cream served with Speckled Hen mushrooms, dauphinoise potato and winter greens.
The lamb was succulent and the vegetables that accompanied the meal were cooked to perfection.
My wife opted for duck breast, also pan fried pink, served on a bed of chicory with parsley puree, with a port wine sauce, dauphinoise potato and mange tout. Although her meal was just as tasty she felt that the duck was a little over-cooked but with a large party it was easy to forgive.
Although there wasn't room for desserts we felt that it would be rude not to as everything else had been scrumptious. Bailey's and white chocolate cheesecake, Knickerbocker Glory, Bread and butter pudding made with Grand Marnier soaked fruit and an English cheese board were a few of the choices and I can highly recommend the cheesecake.
What really made this meal special was the price. The three courses followed by coffee and chocolate mints came in at just £28 per person. So the next time that you are looking for top quality food in wondrous surroundings, give Moggerhanger House a call.
When the idea of Moggerhanger House came up for a birthday meal for my big brother, I wasn't too sure if this was the place for the Hutchinson family.
The house is a Georgian Grade 1 listed building which was designed by Sir John Soane and is recognised as the most complete, surviving example of his work.
On entering the Grande foyer you are greeted by a team of waiting staff who whisk you to a cellar bar for a pre-meal drink and chance to peruse the menu.
After selecting what delights your fancy the staff return a few minutes before the meal is to be served.
For starter I chose a breast of wood pigeon pan fried served in a pastry case with a creamy butter bean puree finished with a red wine and roasted tomato sauce. This is something that I would never probably order but due to the fine surroundings it seemed appropriate and thankfully it was delicious.
Other meals starters selected included Moggerhanger Park mushrooms cooked in a cream sauce with smoked bacon and glazed with cheese, comfit of goose served on a sage and garlic crust with mushroom butter and glazed with mozzarella, and Parma ham melon salad served with orange segments and a basil dressing - all of which, I was informed several times over, were scrummy.
After a complementary lemon sorbet it was down to the main and for this I chose lamb fillet, pan-fried pink, with a red wine sauce and mint cream served with Speckled Hen mushrooms, dauphinoise potato and winter greens.
The lamb was succulent and the vegetables that accompanied the meal were cooked to perfection.
My wife opted for duck breast, also pan fried pink, served on a bed of chicory with parsley puree, with a port wine sauce, dauphinoise potato and mange tout. Although her meal was just as tasty she felt that the duck was a little over-cooked but with a large party it was easy to forgive.
Although there wasn't room for desserts we felt that it would be rude not to as everything else had been scrumptious. Bailey's and white chocolate cheesecake, Knickerbocker Glory, Bread and butter pudding made with Grand Marnier soaked fruit and an English cheese board were a few of the choices and I can highly recommend the cheesecake.
What really made this meal special was the price. The three courses followed by coffee and chocolate mints came in at just £28 per person. So the next time that you are looking for top quality food in wondrous surroundings, give Moggerhanger House a call.
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