It’s been a while since we dined at The Whitebrook; quite a while. In fact the last time was when James Sommerin was chef there. James was, and still is, a fine chef (we tried his five course tasting menu in Penarth and it was truly exceptional). He’s moved on again now to his own place in Barry in The Vale of Glamorgan – I hear he’s much happier having total control of his destiny. I digress…
You’re probably thinking “yes, but what about The Whitebrook?”, and you’d be right. I suppose I’m putting the two occcasions in context. When The Whitebrook was The Crown at Whitebrook, it was, if I’m being kind, a bit up itself. The food was very good but the experience left me feeling like I was back in the canteen at my primary school (I truly hated it). You daren’t make a sound. Conversation was positively discouraged. The Whitebrook these days, by contrast, is a completely different experience.
Now owned by Chris Harod and wife Kirsty, this Michelin-starred, 4 AA Rosettes gem nestling in the small hamlet of Whitebrook just outside Monmouth is anything but stuffy. Sure, you’re not going to be turning up in your work jeans, perish the thought, but the ambience like its new owners is friendly, welcoming and quite relaxed. The interior is calming and the perfect backdrop to the equally calm and friendly service. We were very excellently looked after by Laetitia whose knowledge of the ingredients, cooking and philosophy was really quite refreshing.
I’m not going to go into a full morsel-by-morsel review here. If you’d like to read that, pop across the Jennifer’s Life-Styled blog by ckicking here, there’s a full review there. The food was excellent, the service was perfect, the price? Well, you get what you pay for in this world. It wasn’t that pricey and, in my humble opinion, was worth every penny. It felt, for want of a better word, special.
Would I visit again?
It’s a yes from me. This was a lunch experience so it would be lovely to return after lockdown lifts for an evening meal and a stayover. There are eight rooms overlooking the brook, gardens or woods. All of exceptional standard (I checked the website). That way we could sample their excellent wine selection. Can’t wait.
Due to fast moving changes due to Covid19, customers are advised to visit The Whitebrook’s facebook page for up-to-date advice on dining and booking. Please click here.
The Whitebrook
Whitebrook
Monmouth NP25 4TX
01600 860254
The Whitebrook can be found on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram)
For reservations, enquiries, bookings and information 01600 860 254 or email info@thewhitebrook.co.uk
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Food images copyright Mark Roberts
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