AA Rosette and Chef of The Year Finalist for Lakes Restaurant

There are many reasons why the Lakes Restaurant at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa is particularly special.  Firstly its location is outstanding.  It enjoys views over a beautiful lake – which is lit at night - in the heart of stunning Constable Country, as well as the 18^th greens of both the hotel’s championship golf courses.  Secondly its interior is all about stylish contemporary chic, with comfortable leather chairs, smoked oak flooring and black and white photographs along the walls of local villages and areas of interest.  The service is excellent and the menus are exciting, unusual and mouthwatering, thanks to Head Chef Alan Paton and his team.

So it came as no surprise that the Lakes Restaurant was recently awarded an AA Rosette. “We are delighted to have been recognised with this award.” said Head Chef Alan Paton, “It is a fantastic achievement for the whole team and a testament to their hard work and dedication. We aim to offer our hotel guests and visitors alike a fantastic culinary experience in stunning surroundings - which is a perfect combination and one which should encourage them to return on a regular basis.”

Chef Alan Paton and his team are continuously striving to exceed all expectations and provide delicious, innovative menus using locally-sourced, fresh, seasonal ingredients.  The Restaurant is open to all visitors for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as scrumptious English Afternoon Cream Teas with finger sandwiches, warm homemade scones and cakes.

It is perhaps the recognition of this commitment to quality that has secured Chef Alan Paton a place among the four finalists for “Chef of the Year 2011”

This category of the Essex Food and Drink Awards is coveted by many competent Chefs in the region and the winner will be chosen by five discerning judges, including two British Masterchefs, at a glittering Award Ceremony on 3^rd October.

The good news for customers is that the delicious three course menu created by Alan Paton for the judges is now available for a limited period in the Lakes Restaurant.  With stunning, panoramic views and al fresco dining on the terrace on warmer days, customers are returning again and again to experience this uniquely beautiful and tranquil environment.

This Rabbit starter (left),  was described as “especially impressive” in the AA Rosette report. This mouth-watering dish comprises a reduced rabbit stock with double cream, a rabbit and celeriac roulinade of rabbit leg confited in duck fat and garnished with baby celery cress and thirdly, loin of rabbit with chicken and apricot mousse, rolled in Parma ham and basil.

With stunning, panoramic views of Constable Country and the lake from the restaurant or on the terrace, customers will experience fine dining in a uniquely beautiful and tranquil environment.  Visit the image gallery and find out more about what’s on offer at the family-owned Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa.

If you would like to make a reservation, please call the Lakes Restaurant on 01206 265800.