Chewton Glen Rd, New Milton, BH23 5QL
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Five-star service and food on the South Coast”, say fans of this “special” venue – a famous Relais & Châteaux property, set in gorgeous grounds on the edge of the New Forest and 30 minutes’ drive from Bournemouth: the “perfect hotel to be spoilt in with its lovely summery restaurant and first-class staff”. Perennial gripes about high prices here were absent this year, and Luke Matthews’s cuisine won nothing but praise. Top Tip – “The lunch menu is very good value”; and “the quality and quantity of afternoon tea here is so very impressive – we didn’t need dinner!!”
Summary
This famous Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa set in gorgeous grounds on the edge of the New Forest is a byword for luxury and provides a splurgy, “romantic” getaway for its regular guests. Even some who find its style too “glitzy” for their personal taste, acknowledge that “it’s hugely popular with a large audience who obviously enjoy the style”. Chef Luke Matthews is entering his twentieth year at the stoves here, and while a meal here is an arm-and-a-leg job, even cynical reporters feel that “it is heartening that the kitchen standards are (nearly) as high as the prices”.
Summary
“One of the most luxurious in Britain” – this grand and famous hotel on the edge of the New Forest elicits contrary reactions… frequently in the same report. Even those who complain that “the hotel is just a little overdone” can be bowled over by “food that deserves top marks” in the “very impressive restaurant”, run for almost 20 years by executive chef Luke Matthews. By contrast, another regular visitor notes “food which can be very good when it works, but is too often ordinary… great wine list, though”. The essence of such contradictions? – “lovely, but expensive”.
Summary
This famous and “beautifully situated” country hotel provides “a super experience all round”, from the grand dining room to the 130 acres of immaculate grounds. Chef Luke Matthews has led the kitchen for many years (he joined as a sous in 1993) and sends out many “gorgeously presented dishes”, although arguably “the wine list is the star of the show”. Perhaps unsurprisingly, a meal here can seem punishingly “expensive if it’s not part of a room-plus offer” – perhaps dip your toe in the water with a “splendid afternoon tea”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Chewton Glen?
Owner's description
There are many magnificent hotels, but only a few of them can call themselves a true English Original.
Chewton Glen is a quintessentially English, privately owned luxury Country House Hotel & Spa on the fringe of the New Forest.
With some of England’s most stunning countryside rolling up around us and the calmness of the sea just moments away, Chewton Glen is an idyllic escape.
You wouldn't know we’re a mere two hours from London, easily reached by rail, air and road when you’re here, in such a tranquil setting. Christchurch, Bournemouth and Southampton are also nearby.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.00 |
 Extras |
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|---|---|
| Bread | £6.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
The chef
EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF
Luke Matthews joined Chewton Glen in 1993 and became Executive Head Chef in 2003. Born locally, Luke’s career journey started with a school work experience placement at the hotel, Luke then spent time working in the Channel Islands, Oxfordshire and, in the home of French gastronomy, Provence, before returning to Chewton Glen.
Regional ingredients, inspiring new flavours, and a focus on sublime, contemporary cuisine is the order of the day at Chewton Glen. A great believer in training, Luke Matthews is a member of the Academy of Culinary Arts and has supported this scheme for the last 25 years, with three apprentices currently being placed in the hotel’s kitchen brigade. Luke makes regular appearances at cookery demonstrations and exhibitions and has also appeared on the BBC’s popular ‘Saturday Morning Breakfast Show’ with his good friend and former Chewton Glen colleague, James Martin.
Chewton Glen Rd, New Milton, BH23 5QL
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
