Rhinefield House

Visited November 2006

This is truly a wonderful venue and our enjoyment of a get together of all 4 "ladies" was enhanced by the drive through the gorgeous colours of Autumn in The New Forest. If you look at the web site of handpicked hotels, of which Rhinefield is a member, you will see that they have some spectacular locations!

One little tip ladies, the car park is a bit of a walk from the main entrance so if it is wet make sure you have a large umbrella and perhaps don't choose to wear your favourite Jimmy Choos!

Upon arrival we were taken through to a large lounge bar (mid pic above) - bar snacks are available here too - where we were expertly served with our usual G&T's but, as we are getting even fussier, we were pleased to be offered Tanquery gin..... it's stonger! We spent sometime deciding on our choices from the set lunch menu, 3 courses for £21, 2 for £19.50. Eventually we were taken through to the Armada restaurant (above left), we needed to be guided as this hotel is a maize of rooms!

In the Armada we were looked after by the charming and attentive Edmund, the only waiter we have encountered who managed to make the one delicious bottle of rose we allowed ourselves (all driving) last the entire lunch...... he only poured about 1 inch each time ensuring it remained at the correct temperature.


Thai Fish Cakes	New Forest Game Pie	Pesto, Pumpkin & Rocket Risotto	Parley & Parmesan Crumbed Trout

Crème Brulee	Apple & Raspberry Crumble	Chocolate Terrine	Rhinefield Ice Cream

All our food was enjoyable, the only disappointment being the Thai Fish Cakes; the favourite starter, not pictured, was the Soup of the Day, sorry can't remember it's correct title but it was thick, warming, very green & full of garlic! The Trout was delicious as was my choice of Risotto. Puds were wonderful. We finished with coffees in the lounge. If our experience was anything to go by Rhinefield encourages long leisurely lunches so I recommend you tell them if you are in a hurry.