Latest news for Lucknam Park in Wiltshire
Lucknam Parks' Roux Scholarship Winner
Lucknam Park's Hotel sous chef Hrishikesh Desai, has been named 2009 Roux Scholar. Hriskesh, who works with the Michelin-starred chef Hywel Jones, won the title following a fierce cook-off in the kitchens of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in early April.
The good news was made by Albert Roux at a Champagne reception after to cook-off. Hrishikesh commented: "The Roux Scholarship is THE competition as far as I'm concerned and I've entered before but failed to reach the finals. I am so relieved to have managed to win after just one attempt at the final."
Hrishikesh, who credited Hywel Jones as being the "driving force" behind his recent career, and his fellow competitors were judged by Albert, Michel, Michel Junior and Alain Roux, Heston Blumenthal, Andrew Fairlie (the first winner of the Roux Scholarship title), David Nicholls, Gary Rhodes, Brian Turner and guest judge, Bloomberg food critic Richard Vines.
Competitors were asked to cook brill cherubin, from Larousse Gastronomique, along with spinach croquettes in two hours. Michel Roux said: "This was a dish that demanded very precise organisation, technique and preparation. Hrishikesh is someone who totally understands cooking, he has a natural gift, balancing superb organisation with flavour. His dish was beautifully cooked - he is a very clear winner, from six high quality finalists."
He added: "Hrishikesh presented one of the best dishes we have seen, he was one of the most organised and steady chefs we have judged, with a perfect attitude and great skill. It is the first time I have spoken of a competitor this well."
Among the prizes Hrishikesh will receive is a three month stage at three-Michelin-starred restaurant, £5,000 courtesy of the Savoy Educational Trust to be used to enhance his education, a week's paid work experience in New York, courtesy of Restaurant Associates, an expenses-paid trip to Champagne Gosset in Ay and a trip to visit the Caffe Musetti roasting factory in Milan.
The other five finalists received £1,000 to further their education from the Savoy Educational Trust and a day's butchery course from Fairfax Meadows, among other things.
The Brasserie
The Brasserie, new, stylish and contemporary is now offering a set 2 course lunch for £16 per person and a set 3 course dinner at £27. What better way to sample some of the wonderful food available at Lucknam Park Hotel.
Please call to make a reservation on 01225 742 777.
The Spa
Our new luxury spa opened in November 08 and since then we have received wonderful reviews in the local and national press.
The Spa is an exciting fusion of contemporary design with the very finest facilities and exclusive treatments from Anne Semonin and Carita Paris. The new facilities features a 20m heated pool, indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool, thermal cabins, experience showers & superbly equipped fitness suite. We have 9 state of the art treatment rooms including 2 deluxe suites and one double treatment room, hairdressing salon and The Spa boutique.
Spa membership for the hotel is still available with different options to suit all users.
For further information please call 01225 740570
Refurbishment
2008 was a very busy period for the hotel not only with the building of the new spa. We have refurbished our fine dining restaurant The Park and have continued our program of bedroom refurbishment. Our two Grand Master Suites have been completely redeveloped including the most amazing new marble bathrooms along with new furniture and sumptuous soft furnishings. Other good news is that the program has also seen the refurbishment of 7 other rooms and suites all receiving significant upgrades.
To complement this, our leisure facilities have equally benefited. The Equestrian Centre has had new stables installed for the 35 horses we have on the Estate. Our tennis courts have been resurfaced with the latest all weather artificial surface and we have built a new 5 a-side all weather artificial surfaced football pitch all to enhance our guests stay.
To find out more and to make a reservation please call the Lucknam Park hotel on 01225 742 777
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