Lainston House

Had an incredible overnight stay with my girl friends this month. Our room Begonia was amazing, it was so spacious and perfect for our girls night! We had dinner booked in a private room in the evening where Nick looked after us. He really made our experience and went above and beyond by telling us lots of history about the hotel. I cannot stop thinking about the Butternut Risotto I had for my main meal - it was AMAZING! Everyone at Lainston really looked after us, it was the perfect stay away. We enjoyed a lovely walk the next morning exploring the grounds and the kitchen garden. We will certainly be returning again, thank you everyone!

We were so looking forward to our meal in the Avenue as was a Christmas present from my wife to taste the food from Tom Hamblet. Unfortunately the experience was not what we expected. The Hotel and grounds are stunning and with even more excitement we were shown to our table. We were both surprised the finer details of a tablecloth on such an occasion was not present, fixtures and fittings had seen better days, but that didn’t bother us as we were there for the treat. We ordered the Lobster and Pigeon breast to start. Lobster was an extra £10 on top of the £85 meal. However we were both really disappointed. The Lobster was over cooked, tough and tasteless, the pigeon was similar. All I could taste was the chocolate sauce and not the pigeon on top of that the celeriac was hard and not cooked through so we half complained and mentioned the staters were only ok. The mains came Lamb and Turbot, our two favourite meals. The Lamb was so fatty and not what was expected, it was completely tasteless as we were told it was sous-vide, I guess the turbot was done the same way. It was salted as that was all you could taste. Additionally the asparagus you could not cut as it was so stringy and the side of new potatoes were not cooked through. So complaints were made and were told in no uncertain terms we are the only ones complaining, however the two tables either side of us were not impressed, but I guess people don’t want to make a fuss. We were asked if we wanted something else, but after what we had eaten we lost confidence in the kitchen. My wife kept saying that no way was Tom there….we proceeded to pudding and thankfully the cheese was good and the chocolate and peanut was fabulous. We asked to see Tom as we had travelled from Nottingham and you would of thought that having unhappy diners he would come out, we were told he would after service was finished, but no show and when we asked again he had apparently gone home. In the end we were not charged for the starters and mains, but we would of much rather of had the experience we wanted and we left deflated and disappointed.

Went to Avenue restaurant for the Tom Hamblet experience. Unfortunately it wasn’t for us. Lainstone House itself is tired looking. No one to greet us upon arrival. Eventually taken to our seats. Decor lacked character. No atmosphere in the room. And please turn off the cheap 80’s department store music!!! No explanation on menu. Only a wine menu given for drinks - nothing for other alcoholic drinks or soft drinks. Starters were pleasant although portions very small. With fine dining this is acceptable as you’re often having multiple courses. For me, this was not fine dining, Similar story with mains. I had the agnolotti dish, for me this lacked seasoning and flavour. Very small portion. My partner had the beef which was delicious. We ordered sides (there are only two to choose from) We had the truffle potatoes. These were hard boiled potatoes with a watery truffle emulsion. Insipid tasting - I’m sorry! My partner finished his glass of wine and was not asked whether he wanted another. So he didn’t. We were still hungry by the end so ordered three deserts between us. Saving Grace!!!! Desserts were delicious and very well presented. We were charged an extra £25 for one dessert on top of: £10 extra for beef dessert £12 for potatoes £85 per person anyway + drinks. Service charge. Overall bill came out a lot more expensive then I would deem acceptable for the experience holistically. Other guests were openly making negative comments. With a tweak of portion size, a little more seasoning and a good interior designer the place could be so much more. Toms dessert dish designing overall is very special and a lot of our negatives are outside of his control. Service ok. Overall we would not return.

We were originally given the Oak room and for £400 a night we had high expectations, but the bath tub in the bathroom had some rusty patches and I didn’t fancy giving my toddler a bath in there, also there were some cobwebs around the radiators too and some paint peelings on the wall in the bathroom. Understandably, we were disappointed and wanted to change rooms and the reception staff acted very quickly and gave us the Pine room next door, which was fantastic. Our stay from there was excellent, although I did notice some cobwebs between the wood beams in that room too, so housekeeping should look up more, this establishment claims to be 5* and cleanliness is basic really. Otherwise, it was all good, I would stay again if given the same room.

Disappointing dinner advertised with Tom Hamblet’s name. No time for drinks as we were taken straight into dining room. Food excellent. Portion size underwhelming. Staff perfectly trained if not warm or friendly. We expected at least a visit to the dining room by Tom, given the hype around what we thought was a bit of an “event”. No visit - not even a mention. Just a card on the table. Table also lacking - no white cloth, can’t remember the flowers - were there some? And we were two florists visiting. Just dull. We went exceptionally due to the Tom enticement (had to pay £30 a head on booking grrr) so not sure whether it was more expensive than usual but cost £230 for two of us, including a bottle of excellent wine.

A beautiful hotel within spacious grounds. You immediately feel transported to a special, cosy, cosseted world. All staff are fantastic. Keen to make your stay wonderful as soon as you step through the door. Our bedroom (Acacia)was spacious and beautifully decorated. Pillows and mattress and linen so fluffy and luxurious. Bathroom very tasteful and a great size with huge shower and whirlpool bath and underfloor heating. Food fantastic throughout. Absolutely delicious.

Stunning hotel with amazing grounds to walk around and lose yourself with your thoughts. We spent a night at Lainston and we were not disappointed with the stay. Staff were friendly warm and always have a smile. The room was spacious and beautiful. We cannot wait to return. Thank you all at Lainston for making an incredible stay.!

Attracted by dinner prepared by 'MasterChef the Professionals' winner Tom Hamblet, we enjoyed the dining experience with my siblings at the Chefs Table, facing the kitchens. An excellent and varied tasting menu, prepared meticulously, and full of flavour. The hotel itself sits in expansive grounds, a real country feel with comfortable and very well-equipped rooms