Coworth Park House is a handsome Georgian building dating back to 1776. Throughout the 1800’s the estate passed through the hands of several owners. It is perhaps best known as the home of the 17th Earl of Derby who bought it in 1899 and lived there for almost 50 years until his death in 1948. His love of racing led to three winners of the Derby, named after the 12th Earl, and six of the St Leger. However, Coworth Park’s association with equestrianism began even before Lord Derby bought the estate; the Prince and Princess of Wales, the future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra stayed there in 1879 and 1883 to enjoy the racing at nearby Ascot.
After Lady Derby’s death in 1957, the house was converted first into a convent school and later into offices. In the mid 1980’s Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason founder, Galen Weston took over ownership and developed its first polo field. In 2001 it was taken over by Dorchester Collection who painstakingly recreated the Georgian Manor House and picturesque grounds to create a truly stunning Country House Hotel and Spa.
The H&C News Ascot office is 3 miles from Coworth Park, 5 of our team had never been before until we decided to have our Christmas dinner celebrations there last Friday evening. I guess it’s a bit like living in London where I grew up, you tend not to visit all the local sights.
On arrival, you are presented with a stunning manor house hotel set in 240 acres of Berkshire parkland. The doormen greet you warmly and as soon as you get beyond the front doors, you sense you are in for a treat. The décor is subtly splendid.
The restaurant is set out in such a way that although it’s full it isn’t busy. You are welcomed and shown to your table with minimal fuss, everything is relaxed and efficient.
Once we are all seated and enjoying a drink, the house red is a must! We start to peruse the Christmas Menu. For starters, Tea Smoked Salmon is almost unanimous, however I opted for the Celeriac Velouté. Verdict on the Tea Smoked Salmon was solidly positive and the Celeriac Velouté was sublime.
For main course, we all opted for Coworth Park’s excellent version of a traditional Christmas lunch/dinner, Norfolk Bronze Turkey, Root Vegetables, Chestnut, Sage and Cranberry. I would have to say and around the table there was undisputed consensus, it was as delicious a Christmas dinner as any of us has ever tasted. The vegetables particularly were cooked to near perfection.
Dessert split the table, two decided to pass from being full and satisfied already, one chose Apple Millefeuille, Caramel, Almond and Calvados and the favourite order was for Chestnut Parfait, Pear, Milk Chocolate. Those who were still eating were comparing notes and sharing their findings enthusiastically.
Coffee and tea was ordered, received with a delightful selection of chocolates and mini macaroons.
The service was as attentive as the food was delicious. The overall experience however was what stood out, you sense you are somewhere very special and are made to feel so seemingly without effort.
So, a huge thank you to the team at Coworth Park for a truly memorable visit, we will certainly be back soon.