Cliveden House - Iconic Hotels

Location No.05

A five-star country house experience.

It all started with luxury and a famous affair. Cliveden House became well known as a home for hosting iconic parties for the famous and powerful for 350 years.

On arrival, entering black gates, we drove up to a mesmerising water fountain to be presented with yet another driveway. A long pebbled grand avenue, which in the very far distance sat the well-presented welcoming historical house.

The hotel's reception held its presence with painted history which hung from wall to wall and an old wooden staircase leading up to a stunning painted celling. The reception had evening low lighting and a round dark red ottoman sofa as a centre piece.

We took a drink in the hotel's elegant Library bar, sitting by the roaring fire, admiring bookshelves that filled the walls. The bar was a representation of English countryside estate luxury with its velvet dusty-orange coloured chairs, displays of cigars, bottles of champagne and rich oak interior.

As Cliveden is famous for its Profumo affair, we ordered the iconic dark red coloured 'Profumo' cocktail and were served bar nibbles in silver goblets. Excitement haunted the bar as more guests started to arrive. The winter darkness filled the parterre and windows, reflecting the candle lit tables, imagining the bars old smoky days, creating moments in history.

We were shown the dinner menus and we placed our orders before we went through to dinner.

Stepping into the Cliveden House dining room, admiring all of the delicate detailing from floor to ceiling. Blue-green velvet armchairs, stained glass mirrors and grandest of chandeliers all caught my attention.

I sat in the corner seat, on a lovely velvet sea-green curved sofa, admiring the view of the restaurant. As we started our dinner we were kindly presented with the amoshe bouche, pickled halibut which cleansed the pallet with its fresh bright characteristics. My first dish, being one of my favourites, was the truffle risotto, so earthy, rich and perfectly al dente, yet well balanced and not too over powering. We tried the artichoke and shredded rhubarb salad which was light, colourful and delightfully tasty, with its combination of textures.

As I enjoyed the dinner experience my attention was drawn once again to the service aspect. I was very impressed with how calm and composed the staff were, with a warm gentle approach.

It was so nice to see during our dinner how the head chef took the time and consideration to come to the tables, to check on guests and engage with the guests experience. In hospitality it is crucial that we understand how service and staff interactions play a massive part in creating the experience the guest has. It is an opportunity for the chef to help explain the work and thought process behind the dish.

The seared scallops were most delightful, beautifully paired with a shot glass of warm orange coloured spiced consume, that we were advised to drink before enjoying the dish. The scallops, which were delicately cooked were served with pumpkin, cranberry and a lemongrass foam.

The main course was the most delicious halibut, with a dark red cabbage puree, perfectly seasoned shredded buttered cabbage and red wine jus.

A charming pear and apple soufflé tasted like soft fluffy clouds with its heavenly textures and divine flavours.

I had the opportunity to speak with the head chef during the meal, hearing the energising inspiration of how the chefs come up with their flavour profiles, flavour pairings and the creativity was inspiring. I understood this thought process clearly in the next dish, which was an apple and olive oil mousse, a pairing so cleverly placed together.

After the dinner, we viewed some of the hotel's magnificent event spaces, including the historical French Dining Room and the cosy secret underground Cellar Dining Room filled with wine bottles and candles.

The warm feeling of contentment from such a wonderful evening, accompanied me throughout my journey home.

CLIVEDEN HOUSE HOTEL, TAPLOW

SL6 0JF, ENGLAND