NESTLED AWAY in the outskirts of Newbury lies The Vineyard– one of Berkshire’s sparkling hospitality gems. Originally an 18th-century hunting lodge, the building was owned by the prestigious Foley family, who owned vast quantities of land in the surrounding area.
Following the Foley family, the land possessed multiple owners. However, it wasn’t until 1978 that Foley Lodge was converted into a restaurant, banqueting centre and hotel.
With such an impressive history, it is no surprise that Sir Peter Michael – the property’s current owner – purchased the space in 1996. Titled The Vineyard to highlight its owner’s oenological prowess, the hotel is a haven for wine enthusiasts and gourmands alike.
Exterior of The Vineyard
And the wine theme doesn’t stop at its name. References to the world of wine are intricately woven throughout one’s stay at The Vineyard. From the names of the 49 rooms to the suites’ unique interiors, the hotel prides itself on its undeniable attention to detail.
My room, Château Montelena, was no exception. With its bottle-neck-shaped headboards, wooden wine-barrel-inspired walls and delicious hand-made wine gums, my atrium room adopted a colour scheme akin to a sophisticated white wine. Additionally, my room had been adorned with various fine art pieces for an elegant finishing touch.
Interior of The Vineyard
Interior of The Vineyard
For those with an eye for the creative arts, The Vineyard is an oasis of playfulness and glamour. Wandering through the hotel’s halls, one feels like they have entered an intimate art gallery. Boasting over 500 paintings, sculptures and more by trailblazing artists such as Degas, Henry Moore, Boris Smirnoff and Diane Maclean, the space is decadently curated and arranged for a peaceful viewing experience.
Similar artistic oeuvres are displayed throughout the hotel’s dining venues, which share a kindred aesthetic. OutSide – The Vineyard’s outdoor restaurant – takes inspiration from Sir Peter Michael’s Californian winery.
The menu features seasonal small plates such as tacos, trout ceviche and pea hummus, which have all been inspired by the Californian way of life. Open annually from May to September, OutSide provides a great opportunity to absorb some of the summer sunshine, whilst enjoying some delicious food and wine.
OutSide
Meanwhile, the hotel’s main restaurant offers more hearty dishes, including Hereford Ribeye steak, South Coast plaice, Cornish fish bouillabaisse and fine herb gnocchi. The seasonal à la carte menu’s expansive options make it an excellent choice for solo diners, couples, families and friends.
The Vineyard continues its gastronomical journey with The Tasting Room. The Tasting Room invites guests to indulge in a five-course tasting menu, which has been expertly conceived by Executive Chef Tom Scade and his team.
The Tasting Room
Since training under John Williams MBE at The Ritz London and winning the UK’s Le Taittinger Prix Culinaire in 2018, Scade’s culinary command has continued to evolve and develop over the years. Now, at The Vineyard, Scade utilises a range of flavourful ingredients to deliver innovative, contemporary plates.
Ushering in summer with a new seasonal menu, The Tasting Room courses consist of eclectic combinations such as English pea tart with truffle, hazelnut and lovage, White Cross Farm Hereford beef fillet with onion, savoury and IPA, Almond financier with apricots and rosemary and a “Dulcey” blonde chocolate with raspberry, oabika and matcha.
The Tasting Room
To add to the five courses, two extra courses are available to try. One of them, the Kings Imperial caviar “pie and mash”, particularly stand-outs on the menu – delicately balancing fresh, salty caviar with cosy, soft mashed potato. The second supplementary course is a Tunworth and gooseberry “Hot and Cold” cheese plate.
The Tasting Room
As an added luxury, each course comes with its own wine pairing. Tapping into the hotel’s collection of over 30,000 wines, the menu ensures that diners will take delight in each smooth sip.
Whether you’re hoping to escape London for a weekend retreat or looking to dive into an immersive landscape of culinary delights, The Vineyard manages to truly tailor its experience to each and every guest’s needs.
by Sophie Richardson
Prices start at £195 per night for a luxury double room. To book a room, please visit here. The Tasting Room experience costs £115 per person. To book a table, please visit here.