Le Talbooth Restaurant, Dedham

We gathered in glorious sunshine for tea and coffee and sat outside on the terrace by the River Stour on a warm Thursday morning, with the Gastronomes travelling from all directions to get to the lovely location of Dedham on the Suffolk/ Essex border.

Our Luncheon started with Magnums of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee – it was delicious as we basked out  on  the  sun soaked terrace. Then called to order, to take our seats, in the beautiful, beamed dining room, that looked out over the river and to Suffolk the other side.

Once seated at one of the five tables, a very inspiring talk by the President, Alison Frith, who reminded us that since taking office in March 2020 it was the first live event since then, so a very special occasion indeed.

The President then introduced Paul Milsom our host, who gave us some history of Le Talbooth group, and what had happened during lockdown, the re-opening of the restaurant and its other establishments that make up the group. An inspiring presentation.

Next up was Thomas Jacques of Nyetimber who enlightened about Classic Cuvee and told us all about the wine. Then onto the history of the Company, about the estate and their aims and goals. The wine had been delicious

Then Johnny Wheeler of Mr Wheeler’s Wines spoke about the wines that were featuring with the lunch and his close association over many years with Le Talbooth and that he had been at school with Paul Milsom.

Luncheon commenced with Grace that was read by Vice President Bill Brogan.

Starter: –

Crab Ravioli, marinated Heritage Tomatoes and Shellfish bisque,

really delicious served in a wonderful creative bowl

Wine:

River Garden, Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Greenhough, Nelson, New Zealand

Main Course:

 Lavender and Honey glazed Duck, Black pudding, and Asparagus.

The duck being very tender, very well presented

Wine:

Clayvin Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, Wheeler and Fromm, Marlborough

Pudding: –

Tonka Bean Panna Cotta, Marinated local Strawberries and Strawberry Sorbet.

Very light and a wonderful pudding on a day like today

We then had coffee or tea, and a selection of fudge, and chocolates to round off a wonderful lunch

 

CLICK HERE FOR MUSICAL ALBUM

 

 

The President then proposed – Sante to the chefs, which was well deserved

Time for further discussions at the tables, everyone happy at being part of such a nice occasion whilst we all waited patiently for the lovely boat trip up the River Stour and on our trip – time to assist a lady who had come off her waterboard and into the river. It was a lovely trip up the river in the unspoilt countryside made so famous by the painter  John Constable, who had been painting these scenes in the early 1800’s

After the boat trip we all walked over the road and over the top of the A12 to Milsoms, where we had lovely Scones with tea and coffee, out in the open, but under cover. The weather changed, it was still warm, but the heavens opened. It was splendid to look out over the gardens at Milsom whilst sipping tea.

Some of us, (quite a few in fact, checked into the accommodation at Milsoms) and then had a little bit of down time before going out for the evening into the lovely, atmospheric but wet village of Dedham, to round off a lovely day

The staff involved in the planning of the event as well as on the day had been excellent. Indeed, it was a very memorable occasion

Gastronome and Vice President W.A.Brogan
August 2021

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Links:

Johnny Wheeler, Mr. Wheeler Wine 01206 233771
The Wine Company is a leading independent Online & Direct Wine Merchant currently managing two brands www.mrwheelerwine.com and www.fromvineyardsdirect.com
Johnny@thewinecompany.co.uk
With our lunch we enjoyed the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, River Garden, Greenhough from Nelson, New Zealand and also my own produced NZ Pinot Noir which was the 2014 Clayvin Vineyard Pinot Noir from Wheeler & Fromm in Marlborough.

Thomas Jacques – Nyetimber 020 77348490
www.nyetimber.com
thomas.jacques@nyetimber.com