As the winter chill embraces Newbury, Berkshire, The Vineyard, a beacon of gastronomic excellence, unveils its latest culinary journey in The Tasting Room. This January, guests are invited to savour the season’s quintessence with a winter menu that artfully marries traditional and plant-based dishes, reflecting the bountiful offerings of the colder months.
General Manager Chris Smith expresses his excitement about this seasonal foray, noting the considerable acclaim The Tasting Room has garnered since its inception in October 2023: “We are thrilled to be entering our second season of The Tasting Room with the launch of a delicious, seasonal winter menu. We have received such fantastic feedback from our guests far and wide, and we are delighted that The Tasting Room has been a huge success so far. We’re so excited to see The Tasting Room grow and evolve, and we cannot wait to welcome guests to experience the brand-new winter menu.” With the introduction of this meticulously crafted winter menu, the establishment looks forward to another season of enchanting its discerning clientele.
Under the guidance of Chef Tom Scade, The Tasting Room has redefined the winter dining experience. Guests can anticipate starting their culinary expedition with a dish of Jerusalem artichokes, enhanced by the rich undertones of brown butter, truffle, and coffee. The journey continues through an array of courses, including Cornish monkfish and Wild mallard duck, culminating in a sweet symphony of Sicilian pomegranate, mango, and coconut paired with Dulcey blonde chocolate. For those inclined, the menu offers the option of indulging in Kings Oscietra or Tunworth and black fig, along with a curated selection of exemplary wines.
In alignment with the growing demand for diverse dietary preferences, The Tasting Room presents a plant-based menu variant, thoughtfully designed to echo the traditional offerings. Chef Scade’s commitment to an inclusive dining experience is evident in each dish, from the Konro roasted cauliflower to the Salt baked sand carrot, concluding with a delectable array of desserts.
The Vineyard is not only a purveyor of fine food but also a curator of an extensive and refined wine collection. Each season, the wines are handpicked to complement the culinary creations, enhancing the overall dining experience. The Tasting Room itself is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of cuisine, serving as a platform for Chef Scade’s culinary innovations and his dedication to sustainability and local sourcing.