Hotel News

Chef of The Year - 2007 and now 2008!

Congratulations to our Executive Chef Andy McKenzie who has become Hampshire Food & Drink ‘Chef of the Year’ - for the 2nd year running.

Despite fierce competition, Andy took the title at the Hampshire Life Food and Drink Awards held at the Four Seasons at Dogmersfield.

Nominations are initially made by the public through Hampshire Life Magazine and then short listed by an awards panel. The short list is then visited secretly and judged on a range of strict criteria including the food, menu structure and commitment to sourcing and working with the best local Hampshire producers.

We are delighted that his passion and devotion have been recognised so highly and he will be the first to admit it’s a team effort – so well done Andy and his talented team!

Lainston Lands in Hot Chocolate

Mark Tilling, Head Pastry Chef at Lainston House Hotel, Winchester has officially become British Chocolate Master 2007.

Despite tough competition, Mark won the coveted title at the Restaurant Live Show in Olympia following a series of demanding challenges that equally tested technical skills, professionalism and ultimately the taste of their creations.

Mark made dishes such as Tropical Chocolate Dessert with layered chocolate pastry, sacha sponge, passion fruit and white chocolate mousse, Coconut Jaconade with ginger brulée and mango jelly and stunning Passion Fruit and Chilli Jam moulded praline.

But it was the "King Arthur's Merlin Showpiece" a contemporary, luxuriant, static dark and white chocolate piece that impressively clinched the title.