Lympstone Manor, Devon

On a beautiful September day we travelled to Devon to visit some good friends and spend a couple of nights with them. We revived our knowledge of Topsham, the delightful small town at the top of the Exe estuary, explored the quaint Devon and Exeter Institution, in Exeter, and then prepared for the main event that had been planned a few months previously; a trip to Lympstone Manor, the upscale hotel and restaurant owned and run by Chef Patron Michael Caines MBE.

The location is outstanding, being on the western side of the estuary, just near the Royal Commando training facility, and the manor overlooks a view past their vineyard and across a lawn that sweeps down towards the water's edge

Aperitifs were enjoyed as we studied the menu before agreeing on the Estuary Tasting menu. The two other options were another tasting menu that included land based dishes (duck and lamb) and an à la carte selection that appeared to be selections from the first two. Once the choices were made three amuse bouches we served and made a great first impression incorporating smoked eel, parmesan and truffle and a salmon sable sandwich.

A German Grauburgunder accompanied everything up to the monkfish, when an Austrian Grüner Veltliner took over.

Coffee and petit fours finished the event in a comfortable lounge and then home for bed. A real treat all round.

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