The Mill at Gordleton – The 'Manoir' for all seasons and as often as you like!

It’s amazing how things can pass you by, even when you’re lucky enough to visit so many of our favourite haunts on a regular basis. If I’m really honest, I’d been putting off going to the Gordleton Mill having been somewhat disappointed with it when I went a few years ago. As sure as the seasons come and go however, so too does the love and passion applied to wonderful places and I’m very pleased to say that the sun has risen and shone in the form of Liz Cottingham gloriously over the now called; ‘The Mill at Gordleton’.  The added pomp in the name being richly warranted with recent glory including being a Condé Nast Johansen’s award winner.

I popped into The Mill at Gordleton recently to meet Liz Cottingham the owner in person, and to take a peek at the new refurbishments that have just been completed.

Walking into The Mill you are immediately greeted by a roaring fire when right for the time of year with comfortable and inviting seating where you can relax with a drink (or two) and/ or have a light lunch. This is situated adjacent to the bar which has always been a popular haunt, but now has the benefit of a little of Liz’s ‘je ne sais quoi’ and is fab.

I quickly found myself thinking why don’t I come here more often, considering it’s actually on my doorstep; and being a beautiful ivy clad 17^th Century property situated on the Avon water, only 2 miles from Lymington, also reminded me a little of the Manoir aux Quats Saison with its family of ducks waddling around the rambling gardens to the sound of rushing water. The latter is of course exceptional as always and will always be high on my list of favourites, but here I can go all the time and a lot less formally. Similarly the food is much more in keeping with the very best of the gastro pub phenomenon and is both fresh and superbly presented. To see a sample menu CLICK HERE!

As Liz says, “we try not to be pretentious” but want all of our guests to feel at home, at ease and to enjoy the informal and friendly atmosphere." I must say this feeling really does come across – but make no mistake Liz has created a very stylish and welcoming place here and behind the scenes her immaculate and meticulous attention to detail is evident in abundance. I also warmed to her genuine passion for the place which is something you see all too infrequently these days. When Liz was showing us around her 8 beautiful en-suite bedrooms, she couldn’t resist re-arranging the odd curtain here and there and making sure bulbs were changed – fantastic! 

The newly refurbished Dining Room is no longer the uninviting and open space I once remembered but is now an informally elegant success and I would feel equally comfortable there for a romantic dinner for two or as part of a larger party. Liz has also now opened up her Private Dining Room (pictured below) which is available to hire for corporate functions, seminars or for a cozy lunch or dinner party.

As if I wasn’t already impressed, I was very giddy to hear as well that ...........Jean Christophe Novelli gained his first Michelin Star at The Mill at Gordleton and apparently he still comes to visit Liz and the team every now and then. So ladies if you fancy a ‘Diet Coke’ moment; then this is where you may find it. Even if he doesn’t turn up, take my word for it you’ll not be disappointed with The Mill at Gordleton. Like the former it’s delicious. Thank you Liz! What a star! LSF (www.themillatgordleton.co.uk) - 01590 682219

BOUTIQUE HOTEL RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

PRIVATE DINING/ MEETINGS