Review: The Glass House at Wynyard Hall
Sourcing produce from within a 30-mile radius and making the most of home-grown produce from the estate's edible garden, we tried the spring menu at The Glass House Restaurant at Wynyard Hall
As you pass through the gates of Wynyard Hall, make your way up the long drive and round towards the Glass House restaurant and gardens, you can’t help being impressed with the extensive parkland landscape. We park up in the gravel car park and head inside.
Stepping into the small lounge area couples are already enjoying glasses of wine by the fire. We take a seat on one of the free tables and order a cocktail each. My friend goes for the Berries and Spice mocktail – a freshening yet sweet mix of apple juice, ginger beer and grenadine. I, lucky not to be on driving duties this evening, order the Gin and Juice made with gin, grapefruit juice and elderflower cordial, topped up with sparkling tonic.
After just a few sips we’re shown to our table in the main restaurant. It’s light and airy, just what you’d expect from a glass house restaurant. One side of the restaurant is filled with green foliage whilst the other shows off panoramic views of the kitchen garden.
Read More: Experience Plot-to-Plate Dining at The Glass House Restaurant at Wynyard Hall
We start with the Italian and Spanish charcuterie board with olives, a range of cold meats, fresh salad leaves, radishes and an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip. There are also soft focaccia slices and a delicious hummus which we devour. We also try the smoked chicken and sun-dried tomato arancini. Six small balls surround a generous amount of guacamole and the crispy outer breadcrumb case combined with the soft, gooey centres make for a delicious starter.
When it comes to mains, my friend chooses the Glasshouse beef burger topped with smoked bacon and raclette cheese enveloped in a toasted bun. She loves the flavours of the homemade burger and says the covering of melted cheese is just enough. I on the other hand order the herb-roasted chicken breast with bright green kale and garden peas, alongside a portion of fries. The portion sizes are great, the mains are full of fresh flavours and they are the perfect dishes to enjoy on a spring evening.
Taking a short breather before we order dessert, I decide to try another cocktail from the menu, this time the raspberry Bellini (after seeing many of the tables around us ordering them throughout the evening). The sharp raspberry liquor alongside a dash of lemon is refreshing and fruity against the Prosecco.
'The chocolate mousse is rich yet light in texture, served alongside caramelised peanuts, dulce de leche and banana ice cream'
We catch the waitress’s attention and order our desserts. We’re stuck between the lemon and olive oil cake and dark chocolate mousse, so we order both and decide to share. They arrive beautifully presented and we both agree that they are the highlight of our meal. The chocolate mousse is rich yet light in texture, served alongside caramelised peanuts, dulce de leche and banana ice cream. The lemon cake is one of the softest I’ve tasted, the lemon curd mellowed by the honey and fennel ice cream. The edible flowers add a punch – adding even more flavour.
We polish off our final courses, leaving nothing but the pattern on our plates. Finishing the last of our drinks, we head out for a short stroll around the gardens before going back to the car. The food at The Glass House is fresh and seasonal, meaning there is plenty on the menu to try. With a light and airy restaurant and bar, it’s a great destination for spring dining.
Wynyard, Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham TS22 5NF
01740 644811
wynyardhall.co.uk
