Kitchen Gardens

Behind an old wooden gate, discreetly sheltered in the grounds of the elegant 17^th Century mansion of Lainston House Hotel, lies a secret, ancient, walled kitchen garden which has recently been restored beyond its former glory.

Apart from supplying the hotel’s award-winning kitchen with fresh herbs and vegetables, the Kitchen Garden is now a charming location for guests to enjoy contemplative, sweet smelling walks and has also become the perfect location for early evening drinks parties or afternoon tea. Additionally, through a local schools initiative, tours will be arranged to give children a greater understanding of home grown food and healthy eating.

Dedication

For the last two years, the 4-acre Kitchen Garden has been meticulously planned by Andy Mackenzie, Executive Chef, together with Bob White, Head Groundsman and Anne Thomas-Hunt, Gardener, of the Lainston House Hotel.

The ground has been dug out, drained and carefully replanted and is already providing 90% of kitchen herbs. Crops of tomatoes, salad, cucumber and courgette, lavender, apples, pears, figs, quince, rhubarb and kiwi fruit are already in place and these will shortly be complemented by carrots, onions, runner beans, plus strawberries and raspberries.

And right in the centre of the garden, we've constructed a large oak table, perfect for getting together with friends to enjoy a glass of bubbly or a fabulous afternoon tea.