The popular country house retreat unveils Woven by Adam Smith

 Words: Jonathan Whiley

Refined, contemporary dining that champions the best of British produce is at the heart of Coworth Park’s new restaurant offer. The ever-popular five-star hotel, a country retreat in the beautiful Berkshire countryside, recently launched Woven by Adam Smith.

The restaurant takes the place of flagship Restaurant Coworth Park (Smith was also at the helm) and has a sleeker, more striking dining room. Martin Hulbert Design is responsible for creating the new-look space which sets itself apart from the Georgian manor house setting, but still compliments its surroundings.

As a showcase, it’s here to make a statement but never show-off; a striking plaster relief set with root vegetables is the fitting centrepiece of the 44-seater room and a contemporary lighting installation cleverly mimics a woodland canopy. There is a new wine room and pantry with two floor-to-ceiling wine cellars and a light-filled conservatory (catering for 12) that will make you swoon.

The menu kicks off with classic snacks ‘from the pantry’ given a twist (from devilled egg to Coronation chicken and cured seabass), before continuing with a choice of dishes ‘from the larder’. These include the likes of brown crab with radish, apple and basil and Hen of the Woods with Old Winchester, turnip and truffle. Seasonal dishes take centre stage ‘from the stove’ (Hereford beef to share, salt-aged Yorkshire duck with black garlic, John Dory with cucumber, cauliflower and caviar), while desserts include the likes of black fig with honey from Coworth’s estate.

Leave room for the moreish bread basket and show-stopping cheeseboard (the pantry selection is incredible) and host of petit four treats (lemon and ginger meringue tart and an apricot ‘sandwich’) and then retire into one of the 71 plush rooms with copper roll-top baths.

Come the morning, savour an innovative breakfast menu back in the dining room which includes classics such as the Woven Full English (a plant-based version also available), as well as delicious creative creations such as brown butter pancakes with meadow honey and blueberry compote and a toasted crumpet with Tunworth cheese, grilled mushroom, sticky short rib and fried egg.

Set in 240 acres of picturesque parkland, the hotel (part of the Dorchester Collection) has much to offer; from an indoor pool and spa (with ishga treatments) to an award-winning afternoon tea in the Drawing Room and even its own polo fields. In short, it’s become a classic country bolthole with impeccable credentials for very good reason.

Menu priced at £80 per person for lunch and £130 for dinner. Wine pairing £80 per person. 
dorchestercollection.com/ascot/coworth-park/