Les Routiers Review

This pretty, nineteenth-century stone cottage was home to the stonemason who built the adjacent church, and his wife, Norrie - hence, Hanora. It’s now run as a 10-bedroomed country guesthouse and restaurant by descendants of the same family - Mary Wall, her son Eoin and wife Judith. Little details like good coffee table books in the comfortable cocktail bar, individually decorated bedrooms with lovely, thick bedspreads, some with jacuzzi baths, and fresh fruit, set this place apart. The breakfast is exemplary - freshly baked breads, poached fruits, porridge with brown sugar and cream, local cheeses such as Baylough cheddar, will set you up for a morning’s hiking in the nearby Knockmealdown mountains.

On return relax in a hot tub in the conservatory.The smart, split-level dining room is flooded with light on a summer’s evening, the tables dressed with crisp linen and fresh flowers. The stylish dinner menu is expertly cooked, by Eoin and Judith, all from local produce. Start, perhaps, with lamb’s kidneys on brioche in grainy mustard and cream, then oven-baked fillet of turbot with Knockanore farmhouse cheddar and tomato crust; and finish with sloe gin ice cream. Two organic wines - Terra Sana Blanca and Rouge - complete an interesting list, which is strong on French wines and has a good range of half bottles.

About Les Routiers
Since it was first seen in Paris in 1935, the Les Routiers sign has traditionally identified hotels and restaurants of individual character, mainly owner managed, offering excellent food, warm hospitality and good value for money. You can read more about Les Routiers at www.routiers.co.uk.