Grace & Savour

Though it sits under the umbrella of Hampton Manor, Grace & Savour inhabits its own secluded corner of the grounds, separate from the main hotel. From the moment you walk into the restaurant’s tranquil courtyard, Grace & Savour whisks you away from the outside world; around the courtyard are beautiful, handcrafted suites for overnight guests, and to your right is the restaurant, resplendent in whittled wood, soft light and shades of warm orange and terracotta.

David and Anette Taylor have created a space that truly feels like a home. Much of that comes from their own warmth and generosity - they both take ample time to chat and show you around the space, as well as the old walled garden that now grows produce for the kitchen all year round. As you arrive, you’ll likely see David and team gently prepping the mammoth 15-courser that is to come in Grace & Savour’s spacious open kitchen. It’s a bit like going for dinner at your talented mate’s house and hanging out in his new kitchen.

This would all be a little superfluous if the food was below par, but the menu at Grace & Savour is exceptional. 15 courses sounds like a lot but the menu is perfectly judged, and supremely well-paced. Among the highlights are a crisp Jerusalem artichoke shell - flesh blended into a creamy puree and piped back into the skin - with a delicate layer of apple on top; a dainty taco of potato bread with lobster claw and Oscietra caviar; hand-dived scallop with a sauce of butternut squash and kelp oil; and a snow-white sheep’s milk sorbet that reveals layers of caramelised whey and rhubarb root oil as you delve in. Even more impressive is that the kitchen eschews any ingredients that can’t be grown locally and regeneratively (you won’t find any citrus fruit on the menu, for example).

The drinks list is similarly well-curated, dipping into alternative pairings like vermouth, wheat beer, Madeira and cider, as well as some fantastic wines.

David admits that the nature of how the restaurant operates means that not all dishes will work as hoped but it's his willingness to embrace the restaurant's individual evolution that makes it so exciting. If Grace & Savour is operating at this level after just six months, the sky's the limit for this idealistic rural retreat.

Set in Hampton Manor's historic walled garden, Grace & Savour topped SquareMeal's Top 100 Restaurants in the UK list in 2023, as well as winning a Michelin star for its diverse, seasonal tasting menus and outstanding hospitality. The restaurant is spearheaded by head chef David Taylor and his wife Anette - David was part of the team that won Maaemo in Oslo its three Michelin stars, so the restaurant is in extremely good hands, whilst Anette leads the front of house team. 

Hampton Manor itself is a 45-acre estate that opened in 2008, and has always had a considerable food reputation, thanks to former flagship restaurant Peel's, and Smoke, which is run by MasterChef: The Professionals winner Stu Deeley.

Upon arrival at Grace & Savour, guests are taken on a tour of the garden to explain the menu. Estate maps and wellies are available for guests who would like to explore, and living areas face the kitchen, teasing what is to come. Each of the five adjoining bedrooms has a bespoke concrete bath and overlooks the estate's original kitchen garden, while the restaurant is fitted with handmade chairs and even locally made crockery using clay from the estate itself. 

The menu is truly seasonal and governed by what is available, rather than the other way around. Dishes celebrate ingredients in their entirety, such as using the branches and leaves of the blackcurrant or imitating the life cycle of a fallow dear. Dinner is typically 12-14 courses, with the number varying depending on the availability of seasonal produce from day to day. Produce comes from the estate, or local, sustainable producers like Sole of Discretion or Paviland Farm. 

For an immersive, 360-degree, 24-hour culinary experience, look no further. Grace & Savour's offering puts you as close to the action and origins of the food as possible, resulting in an unforgettable stay. Even better, city-dwellers can easily get here on foot - Grace & Savour is just a short walk from Hampton-in-Arden station, making this perfect for overnight city escapes.