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Dartmoor
 Accommodation

What better place to hold a very special birthday party?

 

Saturday 10th September. My review of an evening party at the Mill End Hotel, Chagford, Devon by Jill Pendleton.

food review of fine dining at the Mill End Hotel, Chagford, Devon.

People of my age might remember an old Noel Coward song " I went to a marvellous party, with Nounou and Nada
and Nell...". If you do remember Mr. Coward with cigarette holder artistically poised, then conjure up an image

of smart men in evening dress with glamorous ladies in an upmarket hotel having a 'simply lovely time darling'. Last
Saturday evening, the Mill End Hotel at Chagford provided the perfect setting, for a soiree of just such elegance.

 

Chef Wayne Pearson and Sue Davies of the Mill End Hotel Chagford on Dartmoor.

I was asked by Sue Davies the owner of the hotel if I could go along to take some photos of the evening. She and chef Wayne Pearson were slightly nervous that the event would go well, but the dining room could not have looked better.

 

evening guests at table in the dining room of the Mill End Hotel Chagford.

Each table was marked with names of local villages, with a safari supper arrangement planned, for the gentlemen
guests to move tables after the first course and the ladies to flit following the main course; travellers taking their

drinks with them on each excursion. What a clever idea to get everyone moving and chatting with new tablemates.

 

beautiful table decoration in the dining room at the Mill End Hotel young harpist at work at the Mill End Hotel

Throughout the meal Fionnuala Kirby a young harpist from Yelverton played soul inspiring music on her Celtic harp
at just the right level for folks to still be able to chat. Soft candlelight, good wine and yes, excellent food from Wayne.

 

Wayne Pearson chef at the Mill End Hotel near to Chagford in Devon.   Wayne Pearson giving plates a final inspection for dinner at the Mill End Hotel in Chagford.
Here's Wayne working his magic. The venison was cooked to perfection.

Waiting staff paid attention as hot plates were dressed and then rushed the food out.

 

Take a look at the impressive menu :-


Amuse Bouche – Wild mushroom cappuccino
****
Pavé of salmon filled with ginger and raisin butter and baked in filo pastry
*****
Roast venison with fresh vegetables for dinner at the Mill End Hotel in Devon

Saddle of venison with a trio of beetroot and watercress
****

mange touts and fresh courgettes in bowls at the Mill End Hotel in Devon.the puddings prepped and waiting to be served at the Mill End Hotel on Dartmoor in Devon.
Iced lemon parfait with a gratin of red berries
A selection of Devon cheeses are available to enjoy with a glass of port

****

Fresh coffee or a selection of teas

This evening’s wine:
Chablis -‘Le Classique’, Pascal Bouchard
Bordeaux – Château Cissac 2004 Cru Bourgeois, Haut Medoc

 

time for speeches after a party dinner at the Mill End Hotel on Dartmoor in Devon

All this merriment was to celebrate a special birthday for popular local lady Wendy.

 

a proud daughter reading her speech at the private party at the Mill End Hotel in Devon.the birthday girl reacts to the speeches at the private party at the Mill End Hotel in Devon
Warm speeches came from family members...... some family members telling more revealing stories than others!

 

The birthday girl enjoying the speeches at the Mill End Hotel in Devon.   a dozen corks in a wine glass at the Mill End Hotel in Devon.

Each guest had nothing but praise for the meal and the wine and the changeover of tables was a huge success.

 

chef Wayne Pearson comes out to warm applause following the party meal at the Mill End Hotel in Devon.

At the end of the speeches Wayne and his crew came out to receive a warm ovation from very happy diners.

party guests group shot at the Mill End Hotel in Devon.

That was of course time for me to bring the proceedings to order and arrange everyone in the sitting room
for the group shot. A very new baby was brought down from his hotel bedroom, bringing the head count to 39.
I told them all to say 'sausages' and here is the happy result.

 

the birthday girl, happy at the end of her birthday party at the Mill End Hotel in Devon.

Well done Wendy and Peter. Your party was a huge success.
And well done Sue at the Mill End Hotel. 10/10 for effort, presentation, food and wine.

 

---- oOo ---

Wendy rang to ask about photos so asked her about her for a word or two to add to this account...

 

"The party was exactly what we wanted in that it was one big happy party with top quality service and food.

The staff did a fantastic job and everyone had the most wonderful time. I loved it all. It was lovely, just lovely."

 

The hotel dining room can easily seat 50. It's the perfect solution for a glamorous wedding reception.

 

Telephone 01647 432282    Visit the Hotel website


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