Have you ever had a meal so perfect that it has stayed in your memory forever?
That is what happened to me when I visited Catch, the seafood al fresco dining experience at The Vineyard Hotel in Newbury.
This established, traditional 5 star hotel executes manicured luxury so well and the icing on the cake is the dedication to culinary excellence and of course that wine List!
Owned by Sir Peter Michael, owner of Californian Vineyards, the hotels wine theme runs from their 30,000 bottle wine cellar through to the names of the rooms and artwork. But this is no gimmick, they have won over 20 prestigious awards for their wine list and I can see why. We sampled some superb locally produced sparkling wine from All Angles Vineyard in Newbury and a well-balanced Rosé Cuvee from Winding Wood in Hungerford.
The rosé was suggested by the passionate and knowledgeable restaurant manager and allowed our whole meal to sing. Now back to that meal! We started with Caviar on home cooked crips blinis with cultured cream and caviar. I have had caviar many times but this was a completely different experience. It was exquisite and has ignited a new, expensive passion in me. I’m not sure if I am happy or mad about it but all I know is I need more!
The Seafood Platter was not only visually stunning, the entire spread was fresh, cooked to perfection and served with a trio of perfectly matched sauces. Sat in the gorgeous Catch restaurant with views over the garden, it was truly magical. We also sampled the Jambon carved on order and the Grilled Whole Lobster and Moules mariniere. Delicious!
The rooms here are generously proportioned and if you book the Atrium Suites you get a lovely terrace to relax on surrounded by high trees so it feels private and relaxing.
This is a great location for a spa weekend. The hotel has recently partnered with Irene Forte Skincare and we had the most divine, relaxing hot and cold stone facial. I have never felt so pampered and relaxed in my life.
They have a lovely lunch menu which can be eaten in the spa or on the lawn with another delicious glass of wine! I went for Rock Angel Cote de Provence 2021 and it was the perfect lunchtime tipple.
The Catch restaurant and spa are open to non-residents and I urge any seafood and wine lover to go before it closes for the winter even if you don’t make it an overnight stay, although that is also a very good idea. You wake up to a freshly cooked breakfast menu and home-made smoothies. Bliss!
Highly Recommended!
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
