Review: Family Dinner at the Magnolia Brasserie

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of being invited to review Magnolia Brasserie at the beautiful Sudbury House Hotel in Faringdon, situated on the edge of the Cotswolds between Oxford and Swindon.

With a lively 4 year old, the prospect of dining out for an evening in such a beautiful venue can be a daunting prospect. We arrived at Sudbury house at 6.00pm Friday evening and were shown through to the gorgeous Magnolia Brasserie. The atmosphere was relaxed and informal but retains the sophistication that is Sudbury house yet with a stylish and modern twist.

We were immediately put at ease by the highly attentive staff who led us over to a sofa area overlooking the grounds. It was here we had the opportunity to peruse the menu before taking our table. The menu consisted of a varied offering of simple, delicious home cooked food plus a selection of seasonal specials. All of which at affordable prices for a family to enjoy.

It was beginning to go dark but the incredibly landscaped Autumnal gardens were still a breathtaking, relaxing view. Our attention was immediately drawn to the stunning open kitchen area with its impressive wood burning stove in which the friendly chefs were busy preparing for the evening ahead.

After choosing our meals, to my daughter's utter delight the chefs kindly asked if she would like to come into the kitchen and make her own pizza when we were ready. There was no hesitation in her response.  

We were led over to our table and were served with our starter. We had opted for a Starter Board for 2 made up of Fennel Salami, Red Wine Chorizo, Speck Ham, Toasted Sourdough, Hummus, Mozzarella and Olives so the whole family could share. The tastes and textures of the Mediterranean perfectly complimented each other and the ingredients had been sourced to perfection.

This left us eagerly awaiting the arrival of our main courses the excitement had been building throughout the starter at the prospect of the Pizza making and when the time came my daughter could not contain her excitement. She was supplied with an apron and a step to see over the counter beaming with delight and the challenge began.

.@TheSudburyHouse's Magnolia Brasserie got a little helper in the kitchen this week!

Read our full review coming soon!

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— Total Swindon (@TotalSwindon) October 26, 2017

The kitchen staff were nothing less than tremendous, and even though it was a busy Friday evening they took her through the pizza making process allowing her to roll out the dough and choose her own ingredients.  The highlight being placing the masterpiece in the impressive wood fired pizza oven. The timing was impeccable as minutes later the pizza was cooked served along with our mains.

We had opted for Pork chop and Sirloin steak both served with triple cooked Chips, garlic Portobello Mushroom, Red Onion Marmalade, Rocket and Parmesan served with a Red Wine Jus, all accompanied with a glass of House Red Wine. Visually the meals looked warm and rich, perfect for an Autumn evening. The tastes were hearty and varied yet the fusion of flavours were perfect pairings, and the portions were extremely substantial yet not overbearing. Cooked to perfection.

Meanwhile, the pizza masterpiece had been demolished amidst constant chattering from our 4 year old of how she may become a chef! With very little room left we were relishing moving onto our desserts.

My daughter despite the beautiful desserts on offer opted for Vanilla Ice Cream, much to her joy was served with a rich chocolate sauce and just the right portion size for a 4 year old. The Apple and Blackberry Macaroon served with Toffee Apple Puree and Apple Sorbet was visually delightful and the perfect size, the special of Warm Hot Chocolate Spring Rolls served with Vanilla Ice Cream was absolutely delicious, the Chocolate was thick and gooey with the combination of hot and cold working perfectly together.

We finished this all off with coffees. The atmosphere was lovely and relaxed with a lovely hub of chatter from an impending bridal table opposite. The staff were hospitable and friendly whilst allowing us to enjoy our family time. Overall, we left with a lovely feeling of contentment and happiness we will be regular visitors I’m sure.