A taste of Clevedon Hall high life

HOSPITALITY venue Clevedon Hall looks set to gatecrash its way into the reckoning as an option for high end corporate and special family events like weddings and christenings following a £3m restoration.

The stunning 150-year-old mansion near the Somerset coast, between Bristol and Weston Super Mare, is perfectly placed as a sumptuous country getaway for special occasions.

Opened by MP Dr Liam Fox in November 2014 in front of 200 guests, the Hall – originally designed by Foster and Wood, a firm of Bristol architects – is everything its imposing exterior promise it to be, as I can vouch having sampled its hospitality recently.

Formerly named Frankfurt Hall, the house was built for Conrad Finzel, who owned the UK’s largest sugar-refining business, the Counterslip Factory in Bristol.

Current owners Peter and Sally McCarthy bought the hall 1991 from St Brandon’s girl school and created their business headquarters there.
 
They took the opportunity in 2010 to revitalise the building and estate when they came up with the idea of a luxury events venue.

As well as maintaining the upper two floors and creating 25 bedrooms and suites, they set about restoring many of the original features including the windows and wood, the Victorian fireplaces, the extensive carved oak panelling and grand staircase.

The couple’s son and sales director John McCarthy said: “We restored as much of Clevedon Hall’s history as possible, working closely with English Heritage and the local conservation officer to ensure the designs were just right.

“We told our teams that we wanted the bedrooms and suites to feel like a home away from home, with a traditional finish, whereby the bedrooms and suites all embody the same English country house theme throughout.
 
“The house has kept its historic character, however we have just added in a contemporary twist, which runs throughout the whole property.”

The exclusive venue offers everything from christenings to conferences based on creating a completely unique event for each client. Available to hire, the concierge can help organise décor, music, food, drinks and more.

Add to the equation the appointment as head chef award winning chef Alan Jones, a former finalist of the Gordon Ramsay Scholarship Award, and it all adds up to a potent recipe for success.

After being part of the team that opened Neat Restaurant, under Michelin-starred chef Richard Neat, Jones joined the Michelin-starred Foliage at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London as chef de partie.

In the following years, he worked at a number of venues that were awarded Michelin stars, including a stint as sous chef at The Greyhound, which was featured in The Gastro Pub Cookbook, and Lucknam Park Country House Hotel, winner of Tatler’s ‘Best Out Of Town’ award.

Jones said: “I was attracted to Clevedon Hall as it’s a stunning venue with a great reputation and has the potential to become one of the best venues in the South West. It is my main goal to achieve this, serving locally sourced ingredients with only the highest standards in mind.”
 
His offering for my visit lived up to his billing. Canopes on offer were Smoked Salmon Mille-Feuille, Sliced Beef Tartare and Duck Hoisin Beignets.

The meal kicked off with Lobster Bisque with Cognac Tarragon, Cornish Crab, Avocado Tian, Slow Road Tomatoes, Caviar Dressing and Vanilla Oil.

This was followed by a Duo of Somerset Spring Lamb, Fricassee of Spring Vegetables, Wild Garlic, Jersey Royals and Madeira Jus.
 
For dessert I was treated to Warm Chocolate and Cherry Cake, Honeycomb Ice Cream and Salted Caramel.

Heady stuff, I know, but it was every bit as good as it sounds.