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An Inspector Calls at Summer Lodge

2008-07-16 14:20:28

On the hall table at Summer Lodge sit reviews of the hotel as they’ve appeared in various publications around the world.

There’s one from a U.S. newsletter: ‘Here is a symphony of the most extraordinary kind. We have known few places on this planet where all is in perfect harmony, where man and nature join in an embrace to produce the very best experience that makes you truly love life.’

Gracious! Steady on with the expectations, if you don’t mind. Actually our hopes are already high because this is a Relais & Chateaux establishment that has just had hundreds of thousands of pounds spent on it.

We were greeted warmly and showed to a huge room that has two bathrooms, one with a roll-top bath and a flat screen TV, the other with a walk-in shower and lots of Penhaligon’s products.

Without asking, we’ve been upgraded and I like hotels that upgrade you when space permits. There’s a four-poster bed, with a TV strapped to the inside of one of the uprights and the décor is opulent – but nothing compared with dinner.

We start with drinks in the drawing room, where several other couples are perusing the menu. Canapés come and go (Cornish turbot n little pieces of cucumber, duck confit with chilli mayo, cheese straws) and then the sommelier arrives to make a few recommendations.

He thinks a white rioja will do the job and I tend to agree before noticing it costs £63 a bottle.

Summer Lodge is expensive, but the food is a triumph and the service spectacular. We are given an amuse bouche, comprising a tiny baked spud topped with crème fraiche and caviar. Then I move on to a sensational salmon terrine, while my companion purrs about her pheasant and chestnut soup.

I keep going with fish – Cornish brill fillet with gnocchi in a herby sauce – while she plays safe with Aberdeen Angus fillet with oxtail and brisket hash. Safe but very sure. I’m sure chef Steven Titman will get a Michelin star soon.

Certainly, the ‘less is more’ principle has been lost at Summer Lodge, you need to arrive hungry and be ready to receive some tender loving care from the capable staff.

Just before we leave, the dapper South African manager appears and wishes us well. Then we are handed two brown carrier bags, each containing a bottle of water, a chocolate bar and fruit. It’s a nice touch.

Summer Lodge deserves to succeed – and it will once it gains in confidence and stops leaving glowing reviews in the halls.

Author: Daily Mail

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, Evershot, Dorset

2008-07-16 09:52:36

I don’t usually walk along the pavement in my dressing gown and slippers but I bet I’m not the first, or last guest who does this when staying at Summer Lodge, a rather luxurious Relais and Chateaux country hotel in Dorset.

On arrival I had expected the hotel to be a rather imposing, Georgian house with a formal atmosphere. But this attractive building, with roses neatly snaking around the windows, felt far too modest to accommodate 24 bedrooms and suites. Some staff, who were busily digging the immaculate flowerbeds, actually appeared to be enjoying themselves, and two elderly guests were dozing in deckchairs on the lawn.

I felt uneasy. Would the rooms border on the "cosy" or the "cupboard" side with chintzy furnishings and faded floral curtains? And would the service be so relaxed that it would resemble an old people’s home?

None of my fears rang true. A short tour revealed that in addition to the main house, two converted buildings (the coach house and stables) offer a handful of rooms, and none of the rooms are poky. Some even have two bathrooms (one with a toilet and the other with a walk-in shower and freestanding roll-top bath) while others have small private patio gardens, ideal for guests with dogs or those who want some private time al fresco.

Each room is individually decorated, with plush fabrics and original antiques. Some offer four-poster beds, others come with magnificent embroidered bedsteads coupled with modern amenities such as flat screen TVs. Some emit a traditional country cottage feel, while a couple have a crisper feel, while number 5 has a large mirror on the ceiling above the bed - a handy tip for couples who want to book - or perhaps avoid - it.

The hotel has also converted several cottages on the grounds or in the nearby village and it was in one of these, Ivy Cottage, where we stayed. Situated overlooking the village’s main street, Ivy Cottage is 50-metres walk from one of the hotel’s entrances (which is why I found myself one morning stepping out of my front door in by dressing gown, dressed for my session in the hotel’s mini-spa).

But I wouldn’t wish it any other way. There are few places where you can truly enjoy the space and privacy of a two-storey cottage next to all the facilities of a full-service hotel. Room service still operated like clockwork (and with a genuine smile). And we were able to breakfast in our private patio garden, dressed once again in bathrobes and slippers, before disappearing into a small summerhouse at the end of the garden for a dip in our private Jacuzzi for two.

Feeling so relaxed I only just remembered to get to dressed to explore the village, which is featured in many of Thomas Hardy’s novels. A stroll up the high street reveals a quintessential English village. Most of the buildings date from between the 17th and 19th centuries; there’s a thatched cottage, quaint church, bakery and a stone-built 16th-century village pub (The Acorn Inn) and post office store which were bought and run by the hotel in order to help sustain village life.

Next to the hotel’s vegetable garden is a small spa, indoor swimming pool and sauna, all housed in a large glass house with doors that can be rolled back in summer to sunbathe. The talented spa team is led by therapist Rosemary, who can perform all manner of magic tricks on your face and body. I enjoyed a 60-minute Swedish massage (£65) and was impressed by her intuitive nature. Using appropriate oils for my mood and concentrating on my problem areas, she soon had me wishing I had booked several sessions. While there are a range of slimming treatments, manicures and tanning, I would recommend the opportunity to sample aromatherapy, reflexology and Reiki, alongside other holistic treatments.

For those feeling a bit more active, there is croquet, an all-weather tennis court and numerous walking and cycling paths close by. The hotel adjoins a 9,000 acre deer park and bikes are available for hire. The staff will happily provide maps and suggest routes depending on your time and fitness. They have even mapped out routes where you can let your dog off lead.

But in my opinion, you’ll need the exercise. Food, served up by talented executive chef Steven Titman, is so divine in this three AA Rosette award-winning restaurant that you won’t be able to control yourself. Typically local, dishes are bursting in flavour with a clever combination of herbs and textures and many guests love the bread so much they ask to take some away.

For starters I enjoyed the pan-seared local scallops with plum tomatoes green asparagus and herb salad. Perhaps a little pricey at £17.50, but well worth the money if you can afford it. My husband ordered the duo of local beef, croquette and marinated, with rocket Mayonnaise (£16.95) and was suitably impressed.

My main course of freshly caught local sea bass with aromatic herb noodle salsa and wild garlic pesto (£27.50) was delicious although I found the anchovies a little overpowering and my husband had no complaints with his, the signature dish, a roast loin of Dorset lamb.

The Austrian sommelier Eric Zwiebel paired our wines perfectly and, for dessert, we fought over the Taste of Summer Lodge (a selection of miniature desserts to share). After all this, we could not do the gigantic cheeseboard justice and vowed to return again if we could afford it. At least for Sunday lunch, which is a real bargain (three courses for £25 with a choice of three dishes).

Equally tempting are the cream teas, taken in summer on the well-manicured lawns or the Thomas Hardy room.

The house has seen its fair share of celebrities. In 1995 the cast of "Sense and Sensibility" stayed at Summer Lodge while filming at nearby Montacute House. And in 1996 Gwyneth Paltrow was a guest here while scenes from "Emma" were filmed in Evershot. I just wonder if she dared venture out in her dressing gown. If she did, I think the villager postman would have paid slightly more attention than they did to me.

Dorset Business Award 07

2008-07-16 14:19:51

Summer Lodge, the luxury country house hotel and restaurant in Evershot, Dorset, scooped one of 11 coveted prizes at the Dorset Business Awards '07, held at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday night, 29th November.

At a glittering black-tie ceremony attended by 650 guests, Summer Lodge was awarded the accolade of 'Dorset Restaurant of the Year 2007'. The award was accepted on behalf of Summer Lodge by Steven Titman (Executive Chef) and the hotel's Sales Manager, Kevin Reid.

The Dorset Business Awards are hosted annually by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce (now known as Dorset Business) and the 'Restaurant of the Year' category was sponsored by Poole Audi. The event grows in status each year and attracts prestigious sponsorship at the highest level, from national and international businesses with operations in the South West, as well as municipal bodies and local centres of education.

Cited in the judges' decision to award Summer Lodge the title was the unique dining experience to be had at the hotel. Under Steve Titman and his brigade, the fine-dining restaurant serves exquisite food backed up by intelligent, informed service, from a thoroughly knowledgeable and fluent front of house team. Quality, presentation, locality and seasonality are all watchwords, as year on year the restaurant grows in popularity and stature.

Summer Lodge is committed to offering the very best in the heart of West Dorset. The award from Dorset Business, in the face of stiff competition in an increasingly professional market place, is timely. The hotel and restaurant acknowledges the honour bestowed on it and will, of course, build on its success. The objective is to offer both new and returning customers the very best product available, in one of the area's loveliest settings. The entire crew at Summer Lodge works tirelessly to achieve it.

Summer Lodge wins the Andrew Harper Grand Award

2008-07-16 14:18:50

The annual Andrew Harper Hideaway Grand Award list singles out properties that have demonstrated a strong individual personality coupled with devotion to personal service. This is the exact ethos of Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, an idyllic hotel situated in the picture postcard village of Evershot, deep in Thomas Hardy Country in Dorset.

The Andrew Harper Grand Award title separates those properties that are merely good or even great from those that are truly enchanting - hotels that not only go the extra mile but also manage to create unforgettable experiences for their guests.

Being small in size is a must for this award, as is a hotel's spirit of plenitude, abundance and genuine and unstinting hospitality. The accolade is prestigious; the Hideaway Report is a privately published newsletter dedicated to the sophisticated traveller, with 85% of the recipients of the monthly Andrew Harper newsletter holding the title of CEO, President, Owner or Partner.

Situated south of Sherborne, Summer Lodge, a five-star member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, is a classic country house hotel though hardly typical of the genre. A member of the highly regarded Relais & Châteaux organisation, all the fabrics are bang up to date, the furnishings are luxurious, the antiques are original, the plumbing is superb, the service is warm and intelligent and the answer to every question is 'yes'.

The restaurant at Summer Lodge is under the baton of Executive Chef Steven Titman who has a remarkable handle on local produce and respect for the seasons, while Sommelier Eric Zwiebel is a Ruinart Best Sommelier of Europe titleholder.

For details and reservations call: + 44 (0) 1935 48 2000, or email summer@relaischateaux.com.   Visit our website at www.summerlodgehotel.com.

Red Carnation Hotels is a collection of luxury family-run properties. The Five-Star luxurious London jewels are The Milestone Hotel, overlooking Kensington Palace, and member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World; "41", overlooking Buckingham Palace's Royal Mews; and The Egerton House Hotel, in Knightsbridge.    Other RCH properties and members of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, are The Five-Star Hotel d'Angleterre on Lake Geneva, Switzerland, and The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, South Africa.   Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat, a member of Relais & Châteaux, is in the heart of the Cederberg Mountains in South Africa's Western Cape.

2008: Recipient of Andrew Harper Hideaway Grand Award for hotel's strong individuality and devotion to personal service
2008: TripAdvisor's readers' poll placed Summer Lodge 91 of Best 100 Luxury Hotels in the World; and 5th in the Top 10 Best Service Europe category
2007:   AA Hospitality named Red Carnation Hotels 'Small Hotel Group of the Year'
2007: Master Sommelier Eric Zwiebel was ranked Fourth in World's Top Sommeliers category; and in 2006 - Second - in Best Sommelier in Europe
2007: Hardens: Top Scorer: "…high praise for…''sublime' food; 'superb' wine list…"
2007: Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report - Grand Award Winner, #1 in England.
2007: Tatler Restaurant Guide: ' award-winning Summer Lodge is the place to dine'
2007: Daily Mail: "…be ready to receive… tender loving care from the capable staff"
2007: The Independent: Summer Lodge one of the "50 Best British Hotels"
2007: Investment in People award for supporting and promoting staff
2006: Billionaire 500: "…perfectly relaxing…"
2006: South West England: Silver Excellence Award 2006-7: Small Hotel of the Year
2006: Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report (August): "…impeccably decorated … The fine restaurant…makes superb use of local ingredients…guest quarters are individually designed…difficult to imagine a more agreeable base to explore this timeless region …"
2006: Andrew Harper's What's Hot List" (November)…warm and welcoming…"first-rate restaurant"

5 Sommelier's Dinner

2008-04-02 12:49:35

Summer Lodge, the luxurious Relais & Châteaux hotel in Evershot Dorset, has long been famous for the Wine Dinners it holds on the first Tuesday of each month. On Tuesday 7 August these regular vinous gatherings took a new twist when the hotel’s celebrated sommelier Eric Zwiebel, runner up at the Best Sommelier of the World Competition 2007, invited a few of his friends to help him present a wine event with a difference.

‘5 Sommeliers’ brought together a collection of the country’s most discerning noses in an evening of wine fun and fine cuisine. Eric’s guests were Mathieu Longuerre, 2000 UK champion and currently cellar master at La Trompette; Dmitri Menard of the Hotel du Vin group, a Master Sommelier since 2003; Emmanuel Hardonnier, Chef Sommelier at The Glasshouse; plus two of Red Carnation Hotels’ finest – Ben Wolf, Eric’s understudy at Summer Lodge and semi-finalist in this year’s UK championship, and Nicolas Clerc, Head Sommelier at the five star Milestone Hotel in Kensington and the outright winner of this year’s Ruinart competition.

Between the six of them – they may have terrific palates but we suspect arithmetic isn’t a strong point – they concocted a fiendishly entertaining blind tasting test that had a full house of 72 diners enthralled by its intoxicating complexity. Each sommelier chose a wine to accompany part of the spectacular meal prepared by Summer Lodge’s brilliant chef Stephen Titman, and all were determined to make life as interesting as possible for the guests. Between the Portuguese sparkling wine served as an aperitif and the Licor de Tannat from Uruguay served with dessert, the guests thoroughly enjoyed failing to identify superb wines from Greece, Savoie, and Oregon. As one happy diner commented, ‘the great thing about tasting unusual wines like these is that you need more than just the one glass of each to give yourself a fighting chance, and our hosts certainly gave us every opportunity to do so. I can’t pretend I troubled the scorers, but we all had a fantastic time trying’.

Eric intends to make this an annual event, with a similar format – and even more fun – next year. In the meantime the monthly Wine Dinners will be continuing as usual, with Tuesday 4 September devoted to the Vigne & Vini wines of Puglia-based 3rd generation winemaker Cosimo Varvaglione. For full details on the Wine Dinners and all Summer Lodge events visit www.summerlodgehotel.com