WITH its pretty terraces and extensive grounds, the Chewton Glen hotel really comes into its own during the summer months.

Cream teas are now being served seven days a week, and the lunch menus, priced £24.50, are the perfect excuse to spend a few hours at the hotel. Balconies and roof gardens are spilling over with colour, and strolling around the gardens on a warm afternoon could take you to the croquet lawn, rope swings, sweeping greens, woodland areas or even to the beach (kites can be lent to guests!) It has been a busy year for the team, involving bedroom refurbishment, re-branding and winning several awards. These include the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence - Large Hotel of the Year 2008 (beating The Dorchester) and Best UK Hotel 2008 in the Meetings and Incentive Travel awards.

They have also appointed a new development chef, to ensure that the best local produce is used to full effect.

A three course a la carte menu is priced £65, which we enjoyed very much on a recent evening.

After drinks and canapes in the bar, we were shown into the bright conservatory-style restaurant overlooking the gardens.

To start, I chose the double baked emmenthal souffle - fabulous and fluffy and approaching the size of a grapefruit. The outside had a lovely cheesy crust and it was drizzled with a rich creamy fondue sauce, but the overall dish was surprisingly light.

My partner's terrine of rabbit and quail seemed to capture the essence of summer in a single slice. Chunky and succulent lean meat bursting with fresh flavours was wrapped in bacon, and a pickled walnut nestled within. A fresh apple and walnut salad added a delightful crunch.

From the choice main courses, the fillet of halibut caught my eye. This chunky white fish was delicately poached in red wine so that just the outside was a beautiful claret colour. Jersey Royal potatoes, at their seasonal peak, were crushed with a touch of butter, while salsify, baby onions and ceps were all lightly caramelised and surrounded by a glossy, rich red wine reduction. Just stunning.

With veal firmly back on the British menu, my companion wanted to sample the ethically-reared British rosé veal which celebrity chefs have been championing for months.

He wasn't disappointed. He even went as far to say it was possibly the best thing he has ever tasted. The loin of veal was rolled in fine trompette mushrooms which formed a flavoursome crust, and was served with tomato and garlic confit, creamy mashed potatoes with a touch of truffle; as well as a Madeira and truffle sauce. The quality of meat and the way it was cooked was astounding and well worth ordering if you get the chance.

To follow, I chose a summery dessert from the daily specials - a poached peach sitting on a vanilla panna cotta with a fruity cassis and lemon sorbet, caged in a chocolate filigree basket.

My partner loved his warm pineapple tart tatin, with its crisp buttery base and accompanying pina colada sorbet.

Why not make an evening of it, and ask the sommelier to suggest a wine to go with each course? Even in the summer, fires are lit at the hotel to ward off any late evening chills. We snuggled down in the hotel lounge with a cafetiere of coffee and English strawberries dipped in chocolate.

With so many wonderful English delights on our doorstep, where better to enjoy them than at Chewton Glen.

Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6QS. Tel. 01425 275341.

Enjoy a dinner produced with the finest local ingredients in the company of celebrity restaurateur, food writer and critic Prue Leith OBE at on Thursday 24 July.

And if you live within a 50-mile radius of Chewton Glen, you can join the Dining Club. For an annual membership fee of £50 (Single) or £75 (double) you and your companions will receive 10 per cent off all meals and drinks, as well as other special benefits every time you visit.

11:43am Wednesday 25th June 2008

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