Now, if there is one meal of the week that I always look forward to it has to be the Sunday roast. Whenever I have been abroad I look forward to getting home for my roast be it beef, lamb, chicken or pork you can’t beat it, in my view. So I was delighted, beyond words, to be invited to the amazing Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa to sample their Sunday lunch.
Pennyhill Park is nestled in 120 acres of parkland in Bagshot. It is one of Surrey’s most luxurious spa and hotel retreats, offering guests the ultimate reset button. The hotel has two restaurants Latymer, which is a Michelin star and 5 AA rosettes fine dining restaurant. We would be eating at Hillfield a more relaxed dining experience with a British menu using local products.
Hillfield offers a Sunday Feast offering Soups, breads and butter, Buffet of starters, choice of Roasts with family-style sides and a Buffet of desserts. National Chef of the Year 2024 finalist, and Head Chef, Adam Fisher has curated satisfying dishes that can be enjoyed by families and cater to all tastes. Fisher’s dedication to using the best local ingredients ensures a memorable dining experience. With his expertise and recognition as a top chef, guests can expect a culinary journey that combines creativity and tradition.
So let’s start with the soup. We had a lovely cream of cauliflower soup. Not a lover of cauliflower was sure I would like this but the taste and creaminess was a massive surprised and I just wished there was more. I see why there isn’t more when we came upon the starter buffet.
I don’t think you can beat a starter buffet allowing you to pick from a variety of starters is a great way to try new things or indulge in what you like. The range at Pennyhill is amazing and my photos doesn’t do it justice. There was everything you could think of. There was salads, salmon, trout, crab, oysters, a selection of cold meats and pate. The range just went on and on. But don’t fall into the trap I did and fill your plate you need room for the main event.
The main course is not a buffet and your order is taken before you are served your soup. You have a choice from Beef, Pork, Half a Chicken or a combination of beef, pork and chicken. there is also plant-based Wellington or Roasted Halibut if you don’t want a roast. They are all served with duck fat roast potatoes, carrot & swede mash, Hispi cabbage, cauliflower cheese and of course Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Special mention for the gravy the taste was something else and went well with all the meats.
I went for the traditional roast sirloin of beef with slow roast short rib. My wife went for the Pork while my son went for the combination. What we loved about the main meal is you informed the waiter/waitress when you are ready for it. They don’t just bring it out when you are just finishing your starters like most places. Which after the starters we had was great to have a small pause in eating.
When they did arrive the portions were not small. At first I thought this may be due to the fact we were writing a review. But, looking around the room everyone was getting the same. The meats were cooked perfectly and there were plenty of vegetables to go round. I have mentioned the gravy before what we liked is they ask you if you want more, which we did.
The thought of dessert after what we just ate was going further from our minds we were full.Dessert was once again a buffet and looking at the vast selection I was still regretting the size of my starter. At the dessert section there is a make your own mille-feuille station were a member of staff will create a delicious dessert using filo pastry and a selection of creams, fruits, chocolates and custard. I wanted something light so I went for this. I picked strawberries and cream and it was wonderful.
Beside the desserts is a coffee and tea station where you can help yourself. We didn’t use this. As for drinks our waiter picked a bottle of red wine for us which was smooth and lovely. Pennyhill has a vast wine list with prices ranging from £38 a bootle up to bottles in their hundreds.
Cost,the Sunday Feast is £65 per person which includes 4 course meal above. A discretionary service charge of 13.5% will be added to your bill, which is shared in full with the team that created your experience. As I said at the begining I love a sunday roast so would I return and the answer is YES. Not every month but will be going back. The setting is ideal for a special occasion as it was there were a few birthday parties taking place.
In conclusion if you want fantastic cooked roast with a great choice of starters and desserts in the grandeur of lovely surroundings making you feel a little bit special this is the place for you.
For the current menu CLICK LINK
We would like to say a very big thank you to all the staff at Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa
We would like to point out that the review above is our personal view, and we were invited by the restaurant to do the review, and we were not paid to do this review.