If you indulge in only one festive feast this month, then it has to be a visit to the Wernher Restaurant at the historic Luton Hoohotel, where their festive menu is full of delightfully delicious dishesthat not only look divine they taste divine too.
Arriving at the hotelwe’re greeted by the doorman who leads us through the elegant entrance lobby, with its intricate rugs, gold-plated mirrors, ornate fireplaces and antique furnishings and shows us into the opulent restaurant, with its glittering chandeliers, tapestries and floor to ceiling marble, you can’t help but feel you are being transported back in time, to the charms of yesteryear to a dining room that wouldn’t be out of place in a Royal Palace.
Seated in front of a beautiful marble fireplace we sit back and relax with an aperitif and appetisers of beetroot and apple marshmallows whilst we peruse the festive menu and what foodie delights it has to offer.
We begin with starters of roasted parsnip soupfor myself and salmon gravlax for hubbie. Infused with curry oil and apple chutney, thesoup was flavoursome with a slight hint of curry beneath the strong flavours of the parsnip, a real treat for the taste buds. The gravlax was presented beautifully, the squid crisps and pickled beetroot not only added texture but also enhanced the full flavour of the salmon.
No festive menu would be complete without traditional roast turkey served with all the trimmings, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The turkey was succulent, the mini sprouts a delight and the Madeira gravy was the ‘icing on the cake’ – an explosion of flavours that went down a real treat. Line caught supreme of cod was our other choice, sprinkled with a crunchy salt and vinegar crumb in a white wine sauce, beautifully presented. The cod was some of the tastiest I have ever eaten, all accompanied with a refreshing white Beaujolais as recommended by our sommelier.
Attention to detail in the Wernher Restaurant is second to none, from the exquisite décor, to the knowledgeable, friendly staff – nothing is too much trouble. Each dish is an aesthetic dream served with precision and care.
Desserts looked just as tempting and although Christmas pudding is on the menu, we decided to skip it and opt instead for the yule log (a chocolate lovers dream) served with Guinness ice creamthat complements effortlessly. Cranberry and orange frangipane was the other dish, a creamy citrus delight with pastry that literally melts in the mouth proving that every dish you eat is just as good as the last.
Coffee was accompanied with delicate petit fours, and as with the rest of the evening they were faultless.
Service and attention to detail in the Wernher Restaurant is excellent, add to that the stunning surroundings of Luton Hoo and you have the perfect evening of food, drink and luxury.
The Festive menu is available now until Sunday 23rd December, price at £46 per person for dinner and £27 per person for lunch. Definitely a must for a pre-Christmas get together with family or friends.
To book your festive dining at Wernher Restaurant contact reservations on: 01582 698888 or visit www.lutonhoo.co.uk
