On my previous visit in march I stated the Five Fields had become a real favourite. We’ll if that statement needed any confirmation then today’s visit would definitely enhance that. This was hospitality at its finest. The food , wine and service was exceptional and only michelin knows the reason why this restaurant hasn’t been given the highly deserved award of two stars.
This is a restaurant that is serving food of the highest order under the influence of chefs Taylor Bonnyman , Marguerite Keough and their amazing team in the kitchen. The front of house team led by Jason , Sandra and Michaela simply glide through service with outstanding friendliness and professionalism. Our sommelier Chris who is new to the restaurant kept up the high standard by recommending some fabulous wine that paired with the food perfectly.
Our latest visit started in the usual manner with a warm welcome from manager Jason before he escorted us to our table. As we settled we received nice greetings from other members of the team who were very pleased to see us again. A nice touch was to follow as we were poured a complimentary glass of champagne to welcome us back to the restaurant. This we enjoyed with a delightful selection of snacks including a tomato tuille , cheese and onion tart , spicy carrot tartlet and a duck and rose consommé.
There is only one menu available which is a seven course tasting menu that for the amazing quality of the food is priced at only £95. Now it was time to put new sommelier Chris to the test and I have to say he passed with flying colours. He asked what wine we preferred and what budget we would like him to work with which to be honest for a first time meeting a sommelier I liked as it takes away any uncomfortable situation’s. With this he came back with a couple of fabulous recommendations and after a discussion between ourselves we opted for the Combe Trosseau Stolpman Vineyards 2016 a fantastic Californian light red wine. This turned out to be a perfect pairing and a wine I would highly recommend trying.
It was now time to begin with our first course BEETROOT which was cured with plum gazpacho and oyster. This was presented in three different ways that took you on a mini journey of delight. This was followed by the KOHLRABI. Firstly roasted Scallop with green tea , kohlrabi broth and meat radish and finally braised with scallop roe. Once again another extremely clever dish.
What was to follow was a fabulous gesture from head chef Marguerite as she sent us a complimentary dish of LOBSTER. This was a roasted tail with a pumpkin seed juice. It was an absolutely stunning dish and we were very honoured to have been given the opportunity to try it.
Next to arrive was the POTATO with duck liver and a preserved potato sauce. It was simply the best shepherds pie you will ever have. This led us to the main event and another excellent dish. The FALLOW DEER was a saddle with glazed celeriac and douglas fir. It was absolutely sublime.
Before moving on to dessert we decided to share a CHEESE course. A selection of four cheeses accompanied with bread , crackers , honey , apple chutney , celery and walnuts.
We then moved on to the pre dessert a delightful and refreshing LEMON VERBENA. This was chiboust with oats. So we just had dessert to go but not before a fabulous surprise as head chef Marguerite came out of the kitchen to come and say hello. This also gave us the opportunity to thank her and her team for the amazing food we’d experienced today and also for the complimentary dish. It really was lovely to finally meet her and you could clearly see the passion and desire she has to keep pushing on to even greater heights. We then finished with a delicious APPLE which was baked with apple marigold and cider sabayon. This was paired with a fantastic Ice Cider from Domaine Leduc – Piedimonte 2011 in Quebec , Canada.
We finished with a coffee to bring to an end a truly outstanding dining experience and one I can’t wait to repeat again very soon. The food was amazing , the service was impeccable and the wine pairings were first class. I really would highly recommend a visit and enjoy a fabulous afternoon or evening in their very comfortable and relaxing dining room.
Thank You Marguerite , Jason , Sandra , Michaela and Chris for an amazing lunch and look forward to seeing you all again soon
My Hospitality Life 