The Dining Room at Cliveden

Famed for its racy aristocratic shenanigans back in the day, Cliveden still lives and breathes unashamed extravagance – although it’s also an entrancing prospect for high-end gustatory satisfaction. The sumptuous, softly hued dining room sits well amid the hotel’s flamboyantly Italianate glamour with its billowing drapes, ostentatious crystal chandeliers, portraits and velvety fabrics, but for all its adornments, there’s a feeling of genuine intimacy about eating here – and the views are stunning. As befits such a setting, the gently stimulating contemporary French cuisine promises rich seasonal rewards: Orkney scallops are simply served with radish, lemon and herb oil; ‘locally stalked’ fallow deer might arrive with watercress, chestnuts and pickled blackberries; rack of Devon lamb is embellished with artichoke, sprouting broccoli and lavender. Mighty servings of beef Wellington please the old guard, while desserts include peanut butter parfait with toffee, chocolate and honeycomb. Service is suitably “gracious” and the spectacular wine list is tailor-made for living the high life, although diners who don’t belong to the National Trust may baulk at paying a surcharge for ‘admission’.

There are few restaurants across the country that really live up to the word iconic, but Cliveden House, a country manor in Berkshire with over 350 years of dazzling history, really does. Built in 1666, Cliveden was a gift from the second Duke of Buckingham to his mistress and since then, has been the site of roaring parties held by the likes of Winston Churchill and John Lennon. 

Within this stunning, sprawling Grade I Listed building you'll find The Dining Room, a lavish restaurant serving an a la carte, tasting, Sunday lunch and afternoon tea menus. The Dining Room was originally the house's drawing room and faces south with views overlooking the beautiful gardens. The huge windows fill the space with natural light and the sumptuous decor features impressive chandeliers and ornate ceiling cornicing. 

The food takes its cue from local, seasonal produce and throughout the year chefs take great efforts to ensure that the menus are at least 30% vegetarian and vegan friendly, showing off the work of nearby growers. All menus are available online and to get a flavour of what to expect, check out the a la carte which showcases stand-out dishes like confit lemon sole with brussels sprouts, ponzu and blood orange to start, slow-cooked guinea fowl with glazed wing, pickled grapes and white carrot for mains, and spiced pineapple with passion fruit, coconut sorbet and lemongrass for dessert. 

For a special occasion, it has to be the tasting menu with eight fabulous courses. We won't spoil all the surprises for you, but we love the sound of the seared scallop with pumpkin, rehydrated cranberry and lemongrass, as well as the Earl Grey crémeux with Granny Smith jelly. The team at Cliveden have also put together a brilliant selection of wines to go alongside, with options to go for the classic pairing, or sommeliers’ cellar selection.