Sampling The New Winter Menu At The Walton Hotel

Friday 1 December 2017

On Thursday 30th November at 7pm I was invited to sample the new winter menu at The Walton Hotel
The Walton Hotel and restaurant is nestled on the edge of The Park Estate and the building has been welcoming in Christmas for over two hundred years since it was originally built as a hunting lodge for the Duke of Newcastle. This year however the atmosphere is a little more special as the restaurant has been fully renovated to bring the style and feel in line with the rest of the Grade two listed building. 
There will be a selection of festive tipples in the bar and for those who have an appetite after a busy day of Christmas shopping or perhaps a special meal in the restaurant with their loved ones, the restaurant is the perfect refuge from the hordes of Christmas shoppers or evening revellers. Dramatic dark colours adorn the walls alongside rich wood panelling and sumptuous leather banquettes. Gilt edged mirrors and paintings accent the walls whilst chandeliers create a warm glow.
To complement the new look interiors the restaurant has also launched its new festive menu which will be served throughout December. Guests can enjoy mouth-watering dishes such as a starter of duck liver & orange parfait, toasted brioche, fig and plum chutney and pea shoots, or pan seared king scallops, creamy cauliflower puree, cauliflower beignets, black pudding crumb and pan jus. Followed by mains including roasted belly of pork, black pudding bon-bon, creamed potatoes, red cabbage jam and Walton apple & cider jus. For dessert the tempting dishes on offer include double chocolate fudge nut brownie, warm chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream and also tartlet au citron, raspberry coulis and raspberry sorbet.
Bar manager Rory has created some special Christmas cocktails to toast the festive season in with, which include White Russian- Kahlua, vodka and cream, Spiced Apple Martini- homemade spiced schnapps, apple juice, lemon juice and agave syrup, Espresso Martini- Vodka, agave syrup, Kahlua and espresso, The Democrat- whiskey, honey, peach, and lemon and The Walton Winter Cup- Pimms, rum, and ginger ale.
Operations Manager Paul Stafford said: “Christmas is a really special time at The Walton as now decorated the rooms feel so festive and cosy. We really think that people will love the winter menu as there are some really tempting dishes and the restaurant and rooms provide a festive haven to escape the crowds and relax and celebrate the festive season in beautiful surroundings.”
Me and my guest checked in at Reception and the receptionist took our coats. We were given a tour by a lovely member of staff called George. We were shown around the private dining room, lounge rooms, restaurant and newly refurbished hotel rooms.
The Walton Hotel is a stunning. I love the inviting and cosy atmosphere due to the dark interior, log fires, fairy lights, chandeliers and massive 15ft Christmas tree. 
We were welcomed into the dining room and shown to the bar where we got to pick a festive cocktail to taste. I chose a Spiced Apple Martini which went down rather smoothly. It was fruity and delicious. Recommended.
Then we were escorted to our table to make our food selection from the winter menu. Lydia served our table during our stay. We took awhile deciding what to have as all the food sounded amazing from the menu. We eventually made our 3-course dinner selection and chose a bottle of red house wine to go with it. All of the food on the menu is comfort food at it's finest.
For a starter, I ordered the Spiced Courgette Fritters with a creamy Tzatziki Dressing. It was delicious and cooked to perfection.
Moving onto the main course I went for the Mediterranean Vegetable Wellington served with slow roasted tomato sauce, sweet potato fries and wild rocket. I've never tried a vegetarian Wellington before and It was yummy. I'd definitely order this again when I next pop in for a visit. When I cut into the Wellington it was jam-packed full of vegetables and melted cheese.  I poured the entire minature saucepan of slow roasted tomato sauce over the top of my dish as I personally enjoy mixing food and sauces together.
The Wellington was served with sweet potato fries and they are my personal favourite to order at any restaurant. I was thrilled that they were crisp on the outside and smooth on the inside because it's just how I like them.
As me and my guest were tucking into our mains it started to snow outside which made us feel quite excited for Christmas.
Then for dessert I had the hot fudge brownie served with chocolate sauce and ice cream. This is food porn at it's finest. I was full from the previous two courses but my sweet tooth always makes sure I have room for dessert.
Everything was cooked to perfection. The wait inbetween meals was the right amount. The staff were attentive to all of our needs.
My evening at The Walton Hotel was a wonderful welcome to the start of December. I'm looking forward to putting my Christmas decorations up within the next 2 weeks but I don't think they will be as extravagant as The Walton Hotel though as they how to do Christmas to a whole new level.

Thank you for inviting me to come and review the menu. I'll pop back for a visit sometime in the near future

The restaurant is open seven days a week from Monday to Friday between 4.00pm-10.00pm and Saturdays from 12.00pm until 10.00pm and finally Sundays from 12.00pm till 6.00pm including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year so to book your Christmas meal please visit www.thewaltonhotel.com or call 0115 9475215.

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Bunny Hugs,

Hayley xx

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