Mint at Tewkesbury Park

South West produce is fused with South Asian flavours at rural Cotswolds resort Tewkesbury Park, discovers Abi Manning

What’s the draw?

This Gloucestershire hotel and country club is a sought-after spot for golfers who tee off at its tree-studded par-72 parkland course. However, it’s the hotel’s restaurant Mint that scores a hole-in-one for foodies who discover its unique blend of local and Asian flavours.

Add attractions including a spa stocked with Bath-made Natural Spa Factory products, a gym, tennis and squash courts, and luxurious historic suites and rooms with countryside views and it’s tempting to upgrade your dinner reservation to a full gourmet getaway.

Who’s cooking?

Executive chef Anuj Thakur weaves expertise in Indian cooking with an appreciation of local produce. His CV includes roles at Cheltenham’s The Mahal and Totnes‘ Dartington Hall – he achieved two AA rosettes at both. At Mint, Anuj amalgamates this experience to infuse Asian elements into precisely and attractively plated modern British dishes.

What to order?

Plump for the six-course Taste of Tewkesbury Park menu to experience Anuj’s cooking in full swing.

A Cornetto Surprise amuse bouche of fresh white crab meat with avocado in a cornet was served at the table by the chef and followed by bouncy sourdough with butter from a local dairy, to which Anuj had given a hint of curry.

Hot on its heels came a dish of Chalkstream trout, which turned out to be a triple masterclass in texture, balance and no-waste ethos. The fish’s crispy skin curled over a tower of lightly spiced fennel bhaji, soft mango relish, wilted spinach and radish, with everything bathed in a lick-the-bowl-clean curried cream made with stock from the mussels that studded the plate.

The meaty dishes that followed provided more standout moments: spiced Gressingham duck paired with a rich confit-leg tart was balanced by sweet rolled golden beetroot. Hereford beef with carrot, truffle potato cream and rich Merlot jus was partnered with brisket cannelloni and a swipe of black-garlic puree.

A pre-dessert of poached rhubarb with bergamot and lemon sorbet and cubes of Champagne jelly provided a palate cleanser before the dark finale of a beautiful Valrhona chocolate marquise with banana, hazelnut, miso caramel and greek yogurt sorbet.

Need to know

This is a cracking spot for a multi-generational weekend away where guests can play as well as feast. With table tennis, croquet, a driving range, giant garden games, a swimming pool, Willy Wonka-esque brunch bar and local activities from paddleboarding to pottery, there’s something to keep the whole gang entertained.