Ardington Hotel

The restaurant could be seen as a bit pricey for what you get. You’d be better off having one of the Hotel’s deals for the night. Overnight stay with three course dinner followed by coffee and mints, full English breakfast for two people .all for £120.00. That has got to be a good’un!

the service iin the main was polite, perhaps a little over attentive at times. I had the Pan Seared Scallops on Pea Purée, Cured Ham, Pea Shoots, Grated Hazelnut and Lemon Emulsion for starters — which was deliciious. My partner had the Pan Seared Fillet of Mackerel, Spiced Thai Coconut Crab Cake and Asian Salad — he found both flavourless. For mains we had the Braised shoulder of Sussex lamb, Summer Vegetables, Creamed Potato and Rosemary Jus and Slow Roasted Belly of Pork, Creamed Potato, Braised Red Cabbage and Rhubarb, Apricot Chutney — I had to return mine to the kitchen as it was very fatty and not good at all. My partner ate his meal but didnt enjoy it either. For dessert we had the Ardington Assiette Plate, Selection of freshly made desserts and A selection of award winning local cheeses, my dessert was the highligt of the evening — scrumptious but we were not impressed with the cheese platter at all… the chutney was not freshly made and there is not a lot of cheese. If you are a big eater then this is not the restaurant for you… you dont get a lot of food for the price. Although there were a few diners they seemed to be more mature — so not a trendy venue at all — considering it was 9.00pm on a Friday night. Would we visit again… perhaps for coffee and dessert but not for a £70 meal which left a rather oily taste in our mouth…

I almost feel guilty only giving this place 3 stars because the girl on reception was so incredibly eager to please, but I’m afraid the rest the hotel doesn’t quite make it into 4 star echelons.
On the upside the staff are all really friendly and helpful. I got upgraded to a premium room. They’ve made an effort with the rooms to be contemporary (but haven’t quite made it). Their restaurant «Indigo» actually has really great food in the evening. Free WiFi.
On the downside; they have no car park (street parking or a discounted rate at the NCP near by). No Air Con and my room smelt a little musky. Whilst the food in the restaurant is very good the musak they play is awful and the coffee in the morning probably broke EU laws for carrying the label; coffee. Twas weak.
I only stayed here for 1 night when down on business, so every thing’s totally judged on that basis.

They serve fabulous food at Indigo — the restaurant at The Ardington Hotel. It really is brilliant. They try to buy food locally. The only reason I have not scored this a 5 is because its not very busy and therefore doesnt have any atmosphere, which is a real shame. I would def recommend this restaurant for a great meal out.