The Charrington Restaurant at Dovecliff Hall

I have rarely written reviews, but this beautiful place truly merits the effort: a faultless location, considerable charm, highly personable and professional staff, and locally sourced food of a very high quality. My friend and I first called in a couple of weeks ago, more out of curiosity than anything, to scout it out. We arrived to discover a beautiful place set in an attractive rural location, with beautifully kept gardens and a wonderfully warm welcome from the reception staff, who engaged with us so positively from the outset. We decided to order a sandwich with coffee and tea, served by Alex out in the paved area, where we basked in glorious weather and peaceful surroundings. Her professional, attentive and personable manner added to an already delightful experience — and, having glanced over the Sunday menu, we decided there and then to return for Sunday lunch. We booked a sensible 1:00pm slot, and on arrival the welcome mirrored our previous visit: a delightful smile and greeting from Alex and colleagues, who escorted us to our table in a beautifully decked-out restaurant comprising several rooms, with a large birthday party being catered for separately in one of them. Real roses adorned every table, the linen (serviettes included) was spotless, and the table was well presented and laid. The room itself is delightful and airy, with panelled glass doors overlooking the gardens outside. The varied menu offered plenty of appealing dishes; we opted for the sirloin of beef, cooked to perfection, with an imaginative selection of high-quality, tasty vegetables. Although busy, everything felt relaxed, with no excessive noise. We were served by a very capable young man, Logan, who was attentive and sincere in checking that all was well, and obliging in every respect. We were surprised to learn he had been engaged only about a fortnight ago, yet his enthusiasm for good service was evident throughout. Afterwards we relaxed with coffee and tea outside on the comfortable furniture. On leaving, I was keen to pass on to senior management our delight with the whole experience, recognising also the contribution of Ella F. We just missed the senior manager, Luke, but I assured his junior, Radu, of how pleased we were to have discovered — so rarely nowadays — a traditional hotel whose standards considerably exceed the many poor imitations so common these days. This hotel is an oasis of excellence and cannot be commended highly enough — a hotel of charm and exceptional standards. A perfect venue whether it be a wedding, birthday or any celebration; we shall certainly be regular visitors, and we strongly encourage others to pay a visit and enjoy all this wonderful hotel has to offer. Thank you to all the staff and management for their hard work and considerable dedication.