SIMPLY IRREFUTABLE

The nose neat had that sense of calmness and elegance which is simply irresistible. There was chamois leather, ginger sponge cake, cinder toffee, baked apples plus hints of hazelnuts, figs, nutmeg and exotic wood – the list could go on and on! On the palate, rich, mellow and smooth, gentle, refined and sublime. We had to go exotic here, like roasted nectarines with labneh, herbs and honey – a combination that simply cannot fail to please. The tiniest drop of water, if you wish, and you will be rewarded with the scent of heather, bergamot and candied brazil nuts while to taste Samai salted plantain chips.

BEAR CLAWS ON A WINDOW SILL

The nose brought together delicate buttery notes and a cheeky juvenile freshness – hot buttered sesame bagels and corn cobs, pulped fruit, putty, painted wood and popcorn. A short burst of sweetness on the palate (syrupy pancakes, hard caramels) gave way to pleasantly mouth drawing flavours of blackcurrant leaf, lemon zest, lime pickle, chewing tobacco and matcha powder. The reduced nose discovered peeled willow twigs, worts, hop flowers, chocolate limes and cola cubes. The palate, both complex and refreshing, combined salted caramel, honey roast parsnips and cinnamon bear claws with sherbet lemons, Haribo Tangfastics and pencil shavings.