A 16th century manor house with an interesting history in a beautiful setting, Langdon Court in the hills of Devon is a great escape and ideal for a wedding too.
THE HOTEL
One owner was beheaded by Henry VIII, another received it as a gift from Queen Elizabeth I and, more recently, it was used as a children’s convalescent home after the Second World War but it has always been lovingly looked after, spending most of it’s long history in the hands of just a few families.
The hotel is located in South Devon, six miles from Plymouth city centre and a short walk to Wembury beach through a wooded path. It’s close enough to the city so that it’s fairly easy to find and to partake in many activities (theatre, shopping, naval history, marine activities) but far enough away for a secluded and peaceful break. It is locally known for weddings and you can see why, everything you need is in one place – lovely decor, a bar and brasserie, private dining rooms, lovely rooms with great views and Jacobean gardens.
ROOM
My room to share with my guest, Nick, was fresh with soft olive green walls and a white painted four poster bed frame, white bedside tables and a daybed that worked as seating in front of a chunky wood table and TV. Opening the green and pink floral blinds in the morning was great – just views of fields, hills and a blue sky with chunky white clouds greeted us. There was a dark wood dressing table and large wardrobe as well as a fireplace and tea and coffee should we fancy a cup. The bathroom had lovely underfloor heating with a separate bath and shower and the walls were painted the same green with green tiles. It was a bit rough around the edges with a broken shower door and shower head meaning the wall above and the floor got a little wet and the paint job throughout could do with a tidy up but a nice room nonetheless.
FOOD
Low lighting and tinkling music set the scene in the restaurant for dinner alongside candles, which bathed the room in a soft glow. A large dark wood fireplace offered a focal point and the open room was filled with a dark wood cabinet and tables sitting on a dark wood floor. Photos of flowers in dark frames sat upon the white decorative walls and a decorative ceiling finished the classic look. High backed chairs in a gold/beige or soft red matched the curtains and blinds and I felt that I had gone back in a time a few hundred years. I was ready for my grand feast.
We opted for the tasting menu, created by head chef Christopher Dyke, which offered a good mix of flavours and textures with each dish being presented in a pretty way. A selection of warm breads followed a thick and creamy amuse bouche of wild mushroom veloute, which was followed by my favourite – scallops. Seared and served with broad beans and Iberico ham and a glass of Chenin Blanc, this was a beautiful mix of rough, meaty and sweet and juicy flavours.
Pigeon Wellington arrived soon after and smelled great! The dark, tasty autumnal dish with sweet gravy, girolles and pickled onions made for a lovely course. Hake, courgette, a tapenade crust and cauliflower pakora was next and looked striking with red, green, yellow and black ingredients presented on the plate like a piece of artwork. The hake was delicious and salty flavours added to this though I’m not sure where the pakora was!
Following this was a haunch of venison, seasonal vegetables and a game jus, which was very tasty with a smooth purée and flavoursome jus. Rhubarb parfait, elderflower, granita and rhubarb jelly followed and was joined by some honeycomb and a white chocolate disc and to finish we enjoyed a selection of four delicious local cheeses.
The bar and brasserie offered us a cosy place to sip on a post dinner drink. The open fire was so toasty, full of food we easily could have fallen asleep there! Similarly decorated to the restaurant, maps of England sat on the walls as well as images of fruit and portraits in gold frames and decorative mirrors. We also had a drink here before dinner atop a thick wood table and enjoyed a hearty lunch of fish finger goujons sandwiches on super thick bread. I would describe it as rustic and smart being run by very friendly and capable staff. There’s a three course lunch menu and afternoon tea or a cream tea can also be taken here or in the restaurant.
Breakfast we were a little late for but thankfully the chef made us up a full breakfast consisting of sausage, bacon, tomato mushrooms, beans and eggs, which was just what we needed to kick-start our day! Also on the menu was Eggs Florentine, scrambled eggs with pesto and parmesan shavings, granola, muesli, cereals, Danishes, croissant, fresh fruit and juices.
IN A NUTSHELL
Langdon Court is grand, pretty and tucked nicely away to feel like an escape. Breathe in the fresh Devon air, walk to the beach and come back for a hearty meal – just what the doctor ordered!
Address: Adam’s Ln, Down Thomas, Plymouth PL9 0DY
Phone: 01752 643254
