Iford Manor Café & Kitchen
Freshford, Wiltshire
Tucked away at the bottom of a steep valley that feels lost in time, this 'absolute hidden gem' of a farm-to-table restaurant is an entrancing prospect complete with prettily planted sun-trap terraces, while inside beautiful oak beams and terracotta walls hung with gardening tools give a stylishly rustic feel. There's much praise, too, for chef Matthew Briddon's 'modern, imaginative' Italian menu, showcasing vegetables from the estate's walled kitchen garden alongside locally reared meat. Everything from the bread to the ice cream is made in-house. You may know Iford Manor for its excellent ciders and cans of apple soda (both of which feature on the drinks list), but there is much more to admire here. Briddon's care and attention to provenance and process pays dividends on the plate, whether in a starter of pickled beet salad with rocket, croûtons and a wonderfully refreshing apple/fennel gazpacho poured at the table, or a main of tender, juicy grilled pork with a hasselback potato, a roast head of fennel and a fabulously tangy lemon, anchovy and tomato salsa. Our late spring lunch crescendoed with a limoncello curd, raspberry and mint tart topped with a generous swirl of burnt Italian meringue. Committed and friendly staff combined with the restaurant's community-minded ethos create a warm welcome, and there's a short European wine list to round things off. Note that the restaurant is only open for lunch (accompanied by live jazz on Saturdays); they also host occasional supper clubs. Next door is the private Georgian manor house and the extraordinarily beautiful and romantic Grade I-listed Peto Garden (open to the public April to September), which you must book separately to visit.
J Meggs
18 November 2023
Amy and staff cooked and served us a delicious lunch for four. We ate a variety of dishes, including the local lamb; the house Prosecco slipped down very well. The atmosphere was peaceful, efficient and yet relaxed for us as customers. It was so lovely to sit by the open windows.
Dining Information:
Private dining room, Wheelchair access, Parking, Dog friendly
Iford Lane, Freshford, Wiltshire BA15 2BA
01225 863146
J Meggs
18 November 2023
Amy and staff cooked and served us a delicious lunch for four. We ate a variety of dishes, including the local lamb; the house Prosecco slipped down very well. The atmosphere was peaceful, efficient and yet relaxed for us as customers. It was so lovely to sit by the open windows.
