'Exceptional Talents': A Taste of Woodborough Hall

Woodborough Hall is a country home that has been a focal point in the pretty Nottinghamshire village of Woodborough for centuries. Its history is rich and fascinating and can be dated back to the 7^th century where the first structure on the site can be dated from!  The hall has had many incarnations throughout the centuries, gifted in c1100 to William the Conqueror’s son and then becoming the manor house of the area, being owned only by two families in a 600 year period. Even celebrated Nottingham architect, T.C. Hine has a connection reputedly designing the staircase to the second floor bedrooms.  The hall since has evolved from a school house, to a WW2 command for the Raf and even a nursing home!

In 2022, Kidd hospitality took over the reins of this charming country home and have transformed not only its interior, restoring the old charm with a modern twist but also concentrating on creating a haven for foodies with exceptional menus created by Executive Head Chef Tom Paxton.

You may think that Woodborough Hall is merely an event venue, but you’d be so wrong. The hall and its beautiful grounds are open daily for visitors to enjoy, with café style service in the day, fresh scones, cake and of course traditional afternoon tea that we can vouch for as delicious!

Lunch and A la carte dinners are also served daily taking their ingredients and inspiration from each season. The hall even has 5 bedrooms for guests to stay in each weekend, allowing evening diners to indulge that little bit further, perfect for a special occasion.

Last week we were delighted to attend the ‘Taste of Woodborough Hall’ evening. Here the chefs at the hall would showcase their exceptional talents and introduce sample dishes, inspired by Autumn in a seven course tasting menu. 

At the start of the evening, we were invited to relax and take a drink in the exquisite surroundings of the hall’s snug. Intricate oak panelling adorns this room, complete with an open fireplace and looking out to the well maintained gardens beyond, illuminated in the evening dusk; certainly an insight perhaps into how the family lived in centuries past as they entertained.

There were a select few couples who attended this evening which made it feel all that more special. Our dining room was located on the 1^st floor of the hall, giving us chance to really admire the stunning central staircase and stained glass windows (attributed to Mansfield Parkyns, an explorer who was born in Ruddington), as we made our way up, guided by the ever attentive waiting staff, who really made us feel at home.

Once seated we were introduced to our menus for the evening, we had both chosen the meat and fish option, although vegetarian/vegan options were also available. It’s worth noting too that allergies can be accommodated, which for me, having allergies, was reassuring that I was in good hands; a genuine concern for many.

We were offered water and wine and our menu was explained in a little more detail with each course even paired with an optional glass of wine recommended to compliment. A great addition to help an untrained palette such as mine!

Before our first course, Tom came out to introduce the evening and to let us know that his team had been working hard to create a fine dining menu that would showcase their creativity and flare. Each chef was tasked with creating a course using locally sourced ingredients, many with Autumn in mind; take a look at the exceptional menus here.

Each course was simply a delight; fresh, light and cooked to perfection. Seven courses may seem a lot to eat but each course that came complimented the one before, leaving you wanting more but also with the anticipation of what would come next.

Our standout favourites though, and ones that we hope to see on the Autumn menus, were the ‘Scallop and Chive Volute’, we both agreed that this was such a delicious and unique way to serve scallops.

The ravioli was also exceptional, having had the vegetarian option here, the flavours of beetroot and a toffee apple crunch were divine. We both commented that we could have eaten a plate of this dish!

The fillet Mignon was also excellent, tender and with a creamy mushroom sauce to accompany; mushrooms that I might add had been foraged by the team from Oak Tree Farm, neighbours to the hall. Well, they did say ingredients were local, not sure you can get anymore local than that!

Another winner, but an unexpected one, was a palette cleanser of tea! I am a coffee drinker but…wow, who knew I could be blown away by tea. The tea was infused with camomile, honey and turmeric. It tasted heavenly, perfect for a cold evening or to conclude any meal; another one we hope to see again at the hall.

Following such a wonderfully crafted menu, all the chefs took to the floor to be congratulated by the diners and to speak to us all about our evening and thoughts on the food they had created.

A lovely touch, again making the evening a special one to remember. This is a team that are clearly bonded and love what they do. Food isn’t just that, it’s something to be made special, to be made into something beautiful for all to enjoy.

Hats off to Woodborough Hall and their amazing staff, from the attentiveness of the front of house team, to the creative flare of the chefs, for a wonderful evening!

• Exec Head Chef - Tom Paxton
• Head Chef & Head of Pastry - Dean Patrick
• Senior Sous Chef - Will Whitehouse
• Commis Chef & Pastry - Crayma Richardson
• Trainee Chef - Jack Lawton
• The team are supported by Kitchen Porter Luke.

For more information on Woodborough Hall please click here.

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This blog was written by Anna Scott, Commercial Partnerships Executive at Visit Nottinghamshire.