This historic property reflects a funky Malmaison style that also conveys its proximity and long…
L'Ortolan
“Consummate modern gastronomy in a former vicarage.” - AA Inspector
SHINFIELD, BERKSHIRE
A name synonymous with modern gastronomy since the 1980s, L’Ortolan is a country-house style restaurant set in an elegant red-brick former vicarage with Gothic-style front door, bow-fronted windows and charming gardens. Man behind the stove these days is talented chef James Greatorex, delivering sophisticated, detailed, contemporary cooking via the in-vogue tasting menu format. Smartly dressed dishes of flavour, texture, balance and precision hit the spot; take Cornish cod with scallop mousse and girolles teamed with a grapefruit beurre blanc, or perhaps Yorkshire salt-aged lamb with lamb faggot, savoury purée and baby leek. Fine-dining trappings add kudos alongside a serious wine list, while the friendly service is professional and informed.
Facilities – at a glance
Credit cards accepted
Private dining
Service charge
Tasting menu
Vegetarian menu
Features
- Seats: 58
- Private dining available
- On-site parking available
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accessible toilets
- Assist dogs welcome
- Closed: 25 December to 8 January
- Wines under £30: 1
- Wines over £30: 210
- Wines by the glass: 17
- Cuisine style: Modern French
- Vegetarian menu
Also in the area
About the area
Discover Berkshire
Berkshire essentially consists of two distinct parts. The western half is predominantly rural, with the Lambourn Downs spilling down to the River Lambourn and the Berkshire Downs to the majestic Thames. The eastern half of Berkshire may be more urban but here, too, there is the opportunity to get out and savour open spaces. Windsor Great Park and Maidenhead Thicket are prime examples. Threading their way through the county are two of the South’s prettiest rivers – the Lambourn and the Pang. Beyond the tranquil tow paths of the Kennet and Avon Canal, Greenham Common’s famous airbase has been transformed to delight walkers of all ages.
Reading and Newbury are the county’s major towns, and the River Kennet flows through them both. Reading is a vibrant, multicultural centre with great shopping and plenty of history. Oscar Wilde was incarcerated in Reading prison in the late 19th century, and wrote The Ballad of Reading Gaol about his experience. Newbury is probably best known for its race course, which opened in 1905, although the first recorded racing at Newbury was a century before that. Famous people born in the county include Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Winlset and Ricky Gervais.
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