The Mill at Gordleton 20/25

Tel:01590 682219

Website: www.themillatgordleton.co.uk

Parking: Adjacent

Wheelchairs: Must use hotel entrance

Loos: Above average

LWL Gold Award - Re-Awarded June 2010 - Cost ££££

Ordered 2 x St Clements which were large and tasty. Expensive at £3.90 ea, but as generous portions was ok.

Peggy ordered the mixed salad to start – beautifully presented and tasty, I had the smoked trout mouse – delicious.  Home made rolls were nice – butter rather bland by comparison (would have preferred Lurpack, Presidents or equivalent).  Main course arrived almost immediately after plates for starters had been taken away – felt rushed.

Plaice in beer batter was very nice, as were mushy peas. However, many chips were over cooked and rather bland compared to quality of the fish. Guess they were oven chips. Is it too difficult to cook on site in say olive oil? Would raise the standard to rest of the food.  We asked for a break and explored the beautiful garden and sculptures.

Finished with the strawberries and Chantilly cream which was nice too.  Total bill including a glass of Sauvignon Blanc was £40 + tip.  Agree with previous marking and will definitely be back!  Cost ££££.  Must add that Liz the owner said she would try to source an alternative butter supplier, so great that she listens to customer feedback! Guest update TH

Visited April 2007. Longer, warmer days lure your friends and relatives to the New Forest area.  To find that really relaxing restaurant offering more than a good variety of food choices, follow our lead and make your way to The Mill at Gordleton.  You will need to arrive by car;  fear not the car park is very large.  The entrance to the restaurant is via a footbridge across a fast flowing stream.  Take a look at the stain glass window above the entrance to the dining room.  Today we were three ladies and two gentlemen guests.We had booked and were pleasantly greeted and shown to our table overlooking the gardens.  Such a pleasing atmosphere permeated the whole dining room.  Do visit their web site to see more of the lovely interior, including the hotel, as this venue also has luxurious accomodation.

Once settled we were offered jugged water, the Special Lunch Menu (excellent value, 2 courses £11.95, 3 courses £14.95), the a la carte Lunch Menu and the wine list.  Fresh rolls and butter were placed on the table.

We hopped between the two menus and started with Prawn & Smoked Salmon Tian topped with Avocado Mousse (pic on right); The Mill Seasonal Salad with Avocado, Parmesan, Cherry Tomatoes and Foccacia Croutons (pic on left); and a Provencal Fish Soup Garnished with Red Fish Fillet and smoked Paprika Aioli.  The first two were well presented and the Soup was a delicious meal in itself.

Main courses included Breast of Corn fed Chicken with Red Pepper Cous-Cous, Pesto and Balsamic; Traditional Lamb Hot Pot topped with Sauteed Potatoes & served with Fine beans; Cumberland Sausage with Creamy Mash served with Onion Gravy;  lastly, the two singletons (who confessed they do not cook steak for one) chose Pan fried Sirloin Steak with Potato and Onion Gallette and Wild Mushroom Cream.  The steaks were delicious and cooked to "medium" as requested.

This interesting selection was accompanied by two bottles of Pinot Grigio and a glass of Red No 35 (there is always one)!  By this time the sun had appeared we were able to take coffee and dessert on a terrace overlooking the stream.  As a testament to how filling the lunch was, only one 'pud' was ordered, Sticky Toffee Pudding served with Caramel Sauce and Coffee Ice Cream which didn't last long. Baked Blueberry Cheesecake with Vanilla Seed Ice Cream had a certain appeal but there will be a 'next time'.

The garden area is a delight in the sunshine with plenty of outside seating.  It's that rippling stream that is so calming;  as we walked back over the footbridge someone suggested Pooh Sticks!!

Ladies Who Lunch Scoring:

Quality of food 4/5
Variety of menu 4/5
Staff and service 4/5
Ambience, setting & decor 4/5
Value for Money 4/5

Total Yummy Factor

20/25

5/5 = Cannot be improved upon, 4/5 = Very good, 3/5 = Good,
2/5 = Satisfactory, 1/5 = Poor, 0/5 = Terrible

The higher the "Yummy" factor, the better the food & service. The higher the number of £ signs the more expensive. (Roughly one £ sign = £5 per head)