Exquisite Dining - The Clock Tower @ Netley Hall Estate
2020 has certainly been a strange and challenging year, weddings, holidays, birthdays all cancelled, lots of uncertainty in every direction, however I truly believe some good has come from it all, and for many that is discovering the beauty that lays on our very own doorstep.
Being a massive holiday goer, I have struggled to be at home looking at the same four walls without that ‘holiday escape’. On an attempt to perk me up and break routine, my partner Mike has recently suggested a few local get aways offering a change of scenery. The other week we went to Chester, and just that one night away was priceless as a stress release, so we were keen to make it a monthly treat and this time opted for even more local and booked a nights stay at Netley Hall Hotel in Dorrington.
Arriving on the hotel grounds we were simply amazed at this truly stunning mansion house, as we entered there was two large grand wooden chairs with carved lions for the arms and further inside was the largest chandelier I’ve ever seen, just totally mesmerising. The entire place just burst with character and delight. We checked in to our room which was equally as grand with all amenities including superior toiletries, a Sky box and a Google Play speaker for music. There was an information booklet in the room detailing the history of the Hall which made a really good read. I was amazed the hall was originally built in 1855 and gifted as a wedding gift to the Hope & Edwards family. The fireplaces in the dining room also have there faces carved into them.
We had booked into Netley Hall’s Clock Tower Restaurant for our evening meal and headed downstairs for a pre-meal drink. I was delighted to see a comprehensive cocktail menu, there was plenty of gins on offer too along with Peroni on tap. The Mixologist clearly knew his stuff as the cocktails were presented very professionally and tasted equally as good.
The Front of House Manager Cat, came over to introduce himself and offered us the menus to peruse. The Clock Tower offers a superior á La Carte menu Wednesday through to Saturday from 5.30pm and based on the quality of the hotel and atmosphere so far I was quite shocked at how reasonably priced such a menu was, one course £29.50, two courses £34.50 or three courses at £39.50.
There was plenty on offer for all tastes with meats, fish and veg options all being available for starters and mains, Mike had opted for the slow cooked ox cheek for starters and I toyed between the salt baked beetroot, horseradish yogurt and candy beetroot or the pea velouté, eventually choosing the beetroot.
Cat had taken our orders and soon after to our surprise we were presented with a canapé each; Chicken liver parfait, wow, what a start and utterly delicious, creamy pâté on crispy bread and delicate caramelised onion to top. Shortly after we were shown to our table and again presented with another appetiser. This time a spiced sweet potato velouté with seeded crack bread and finely sliced chilli, a little miniature soup with big attitude bursting with flavour, we really did feel spoilt and it certainly set the standard for what was to follow.
Next to appear was freshly baked bread rolls and our starters. First class presentation, especially my beetroot, it looked to good to eat. Mike’s slow cooked ox cheek was presented within a fried potato nest and topped with sautéed leek. The moist ox cheek was shredded and so succulent and meaty, the crispy nest complimented the dish perfectly. My starter looked incredible, slices and chunks of salt baked beetroot, dollops of creamy horseradish yoghurt all topped with sweet candy beetroot strings. The contrast of flavours was fabulous, sweet, sour and spice all in one, a real taste explosion. It really was amazing how much flavour you can get from just simple beetroot and horseradish, the freshly baked bread complimented this dish well. Two very satisfying and faultless starters.
Whist we awaited our mains we decided to choose a bottle of wine to complement our meal. They have a great choice of wines on offer coupled with a very knowledgeable Cat to give his recommendations, we chose a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, perfect!
We had had a debate over mains as we both wanted the fillet of steak however I suggested it would be great to try two different dishes and share so we could explore and experience more flavours. Mike eventually agreed and went for the herb crusted rack of lamb.
Again, arriving like culinary masterpieces, everything just made you feel incredibly special, from the outstanding quality and presentation of the food and the astounding service and knowledge all staff offered. Mike’s lamb was served pink on the bone with a herb crust laying on a bed of pearl barley and broad beans and accompanied with charcoal onion and herb oil. The pearl barley and broad beans was a great alternative to risotto and seasoned to perfection, soft but not too creamy, I could have just eaten a bowl of this. The lamb was very tender and mouth-watering with the flavours from the crust complimenting the lamb perfectly. All ingredients of this dish created an exemplary main.
I was surprised my dinner knife hadn’t been replaced with a steak knife, however it soon became very obviously one was not needed, the fillet steak literally fell apart and just melted in your mouth, sitting on a bed of sauteed kale and topped with an crispy onion and garlic dusting, it was seasoned perfectly. The creamy celeriac fondant was just divine and went superbly with the steak. Sitting on top of a glazed shallot was a bone marrow bom bom just an incredible crispy ball of perfection, just delicious! To top it all off everything was drizzled with a truffle jus. Another flawless main that was thoroughly enjoyed.
We were so pleased with our choice of venue and food and was already discussing our return as I wanted to try the pea Velouté for a starter and Mike the sea bass fillets for main, although I’d imagine we will both chose the fillet of steak as it was so good.
For dessert there was a definite choice with the Valrhona Manjari 64% chocolate cremeux, crispy sponge and passion fruit sorbet, we did debate another dessert as again we both wanted the chocolate cremeux, but decided we would try the cheese board for a change.
The chocolate cremeux was just a pure indulgent delight covered with passion fruit seeds crisped sponge and passion fruit sorbet sitting on a bed of granola. A fantastic combination offering a chocolate kick and a zesty refresher a superb dessert. Our cheese board consisted of slices of a strong black bomber cheddar, Newport 1666, a Wrekin blue and an Italian brie accompanied by artisan crackers and honeycomb and a dollop of apple chutney, the different flavours from all the cheeses and the sweet honeycomb and chutney was fantastic along with the crisp crackers, an excellent end to our meal.
Shortly after our plates were cleared, we were offered a tea, coffee or hot chocolate to end our meal, I couldn’t resist a hot chocolate with a dash of dark rum, simply splendid.
We retired back to our room and enjoyed some Sky TV and relaxed, who thought you could be 20 minutes from home and just so relaxed and tasting top quality food. The comfy bed and toiletries in the morning made the stay a delight.
Waking for breakfast, we had pre-ordered the night before, a full English and eggs benedict so we were looking forward to heading down to the restaurant, plenty of juices and teas and coffees available along with cereals and a fruit bowl. Shortly after seating our breakfasts were delivered and lived up to every expectation, we did have to request toast, but everything was spot on and a great start to the day.
Leaving shortly after to return home, it was lovely to have just a short journey and be back. The overall stay was fantastic with the á la carte meal being the real icing on the cake that I would highly recommend to all. 100% fresh, quality food cooked with passion and a service to match. Not at any point did we feel rushed and soon there is to be live music every Saturday to make it even more of an experience. I would confidently say that Netley Hall is one of the top dining experiences within Shropshire and would not be surprised if it is soon award winning.
After the year we have all had, Netley Hall’s Clock Tower restaurant truly would give any foodie a delight or a romantic gesture for anyone wanting to treat their loved one.
