Sunday Lunch at Smoke – Hampton Manor, Solihull

Where real life meets a manor dream, Smoke is one of the most talked about restaurants among food writers. Tucked away in the ground of Hampton Manor, the restaurant delivers rustic charm, quality seasonal produce and a flawless culinary dining experience.

Smoke oozes charm and a laid-back atmosphere one would expect from a restaurant set within an idyllic country retreat. Given that I’ve visited Stuart Deely’s restaurant three times in the last nine months, there’s no denying that this place is quite simply a magical affair. A beautiful symphony with flowing courses, the movement between dishes orchestrates an extraordinary composition of sweet, sour and smokey notes throughout. The epic crescendo is always the main course and the chorus of cooking over coals has made me completely rethink what Sunday lunches stand for. If you are looking for a luxurious weekend treat that will go above and beyond your expecations, take a look at what Smoke – Hampton Manor has to offer.

Smoke Hampton Manor

Intricate meat, fish and vegetable options are available, satisfying hearty appetites and the most ardent vegetarians. Located in the old furnace house on the edge of the Manor’s walled garden; alongside the stunning greenhouse – peel back the rustic exterior and you’ll find a refreshing foundation of simple ingredients – freshly sourced or grown in their very own allotment garden. 

Sunday lunch menu is 4 courses for £55pp. Streamlined children’s menus are £25.

Smoke Hampton Manor

Snacks & Starters at Smoke

To begin, Cobble Lane cured meats, garden vegetables, nasturtium emulsion and sunflower seeds. A set up of small plates and bread to share, the butter spreads like silk and is the most ideal first course. Kale is deliciously crisp and each bite a taste revelation. This alone is an outstanding experience. Served promptly after, my small plate of Oak smoked trout, pickled tomatoes and tomato essence. Others ate the Smoked carrot – and another the Guinea hen Terrine. Take a peek of the online Smoke menu.

Smoke Hampton Manor Food
Smoke Hampton Manor Starter

Main Menu & Dessert

A succulent Jimmy Butler’s pork belly with glazed pork cheek and carrot cooked in smoked pork fat was quite simply one of the best Sunday roasts I’ve eaten, anywhere. So simple, delicate, but an explosion of taste. Others chose the Roasted Hereford beef strip loin with Yorkshire pudding, bone marrow & Madeira sauce. An alternative and lighter option was Megrim sole on the bone, brown shrimps with seaweed butter sauce. The other vegetarian option is Isle of Mull gnocchi, Wye Valley asparagus, charred lettuce. All plates are served with boulangere potatoes, barbecued hispi cabbage, garlic and dill. Sides of cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets (£5 each) and are a must-eat when at Smoke.

Smoke interior

For puddings we asked to go outside to the greenhouse area. On this day, we had it all to ourselves. At this point my toddler was getting restless and wanted to stretch his legs, so we moved out of the restaurant and into the garden space. The staff were very understanding and very helpful. Behind the wall is the open allotment section where various produce is growing. Located next to the greenhouse are fire pits to use during the dinner service, something that is charred into my memory from our first visit. We are so grateful to the team for being so welcoming, especially when we had a small child with us. Nothing was too much trouble and they go above and beyond to ensure your experience is nothing but perfection.

Smoke Greenhouse Dining Area
Lemon Poset Pudding

A refreshing Lemon posset with verjus and lemon thyme was chosen for my end dish – a gorgeous take on a cheesecake which bursts with purity and flavour. Each dish from start to finish was executed perfectly and you can understand why Smoke has such a reputation for being one of the most highly-ranked experiences. Whether it’s a special occasion, family meal or simply a special get together with friends and loved ones, Smoke at Hampton Manor is the restaurant of choice for Sunday dining.

At Smoke, they eradicate unnecessary complications by championing simplicity. Offering carafe wines with easy-drinking flavours; or whites with subtle citrus notes, you’re set to love everything about it. A pure haven where diners go for some of the best plates, there’s no other place in the West Midlands quite like it. ⁠

Book a table in advance at hamptonmanor.com – you won’t regret it.

Shadowbrook Lane, Hampton-In-Arden, B92 0EN

WOOD-FIRED FEASTS AT SMOKE

4-course Sunday lunch menu – £55pp
4-course choice dinner menu – £75pp
The Blind Five; a special 5-course tasting menu, chosen by Chef £95pp

Read more reviews on the blog.

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