Driving through the New Forest, en-route to one of the leading hotels in the world, I was reminded of how lucky we are to live and work in the Central South.
Yes it might have been a typical summer’s day (yes you’ve guessed – I was battling through a torrential downpour) but no rain clouds were going to dampen my mood.
Lunch at the much lauded The Kitchen at the Chewton Glen Hotel was on the cards and my guest was the delightful Rebecca Whitehead from Blake Morgan.
Designed for a more relaxed feel, The Kitchen is the joint venture between the hotel and TV chef James Martin. As well as the restaurant, the open-plan setting includes a cookery school and on the day of our lunch, it was a bustling hive of activity.
Light and bright, the decor of the Kitchen is just right – unfussy and with great views of the substantial acreage that surrounds the hotel. Tucked just inside the main gate, The Kitchen was indeed an oasis on such a wet day.
Having time to catch-up with Rebecca properly was a joy. Why we didn’t think of creating this feature sooner is beyond me – sampling some of the finest fare with a great Champion for company has to be the ultimate win/win.
And so, to the food and service.
I’m not one for a big fuss when it comes to service and The Kitchen has got it just right. Water glasses were topped up and we were made to feel very welcome. There was just the right level of interaction and that allowed the conversation to flow uninterrupted between Rebecca and I.
Salt & Pepper Squid was Rebecca’s choice for starter, while I opted for Devon Thai Crab. Getting squid just right can be a real test and Rebecca reports that The Kitchen team passed with flying colours.
And I have to say the risotto was the stand-out dish for me. Full of flavour and with just the right level of chilli heat, it was delicious and light. (On a return visit, I would definitely opt for this as a main course).
Catch of the Day was skate wing in a light butter sauce with capers and that caught Rebecca’s eye, while I chose the N’djua and Grilled Artichoke pizza with wild rocket, rosemary, San Marzano tomato, mozzarella and pecorino.
Neither of us could really do justice to the portions that arrived but what we did eat was delightful. Rebecca’s was light and flavoursome, while mine was fiery and filling. (Happily I could take home what remained and enjoy it for a teatime treat later).
It’s such a shame that the business lunch has by and large been replaced by snacking on the go or even worse a sandwich while you continue to tap at your keyboard.
There’s something so civilised about taking time out of the office to catch-up with valued contacts. It’s an opportunity to build relationships and do business while sampling some delicious fare in a convivial atmosphere.
And I for one will be championing the business lunch in future editions of this newsletter. We are taking a break in September but if you would like to join me in future, drop me a line to kate@businesssouth.org
Exclusive Champion Business Lunch Offer at The Kitchen
10% off at the Kitchen – (NB not The Cookery School)
Valid Sunday to Thursday
Off food purchases only
Valid from 1st September until 23rd December 2024
Use this link for your exclusive offer – https://sevn.ly/xgKlSB3L
