Autumn 2020

24 Feb20547 Stunning Seafront Diner in SouthWales The Vale of Glamorgan is home to many charming and characterful places, brilliant ways to experience the warmth and welcome of the Welsh people. However, tucked away to the south of the Bay of Cardiff lies one of the region’s most luxurious eateries. Holm House Restaurant was this years’ winner of the Best Luxury Seafront Dining Experience - Vale of Glamorgan title in the Restaurant and Bar Awards from LUXlife. We now take a closer look at the establishment to learn more about its tasty offerings. Holm House is a stunningly luxurious coastal hotel, restaurant, and spa in the elegant and sophisticated suburb of Penarth in South Wales. Built in 1926 by the son of fishing fleet magnate, Holm House sits in a prime position on Marine Parade in a quiet and affluent area, whilst standing out as a modern amalgamation of contemporary chic and flair. Behind its handsome exterior lies an interior of residential elegance that is wholly befitting of its rich history and the expectations of seasoned travellers in the twentieth century. Today, the hotel, restaurant, and spa that Holm House offers radiate warmth and luxurious attention to detail that leaves guests wanting for nothing. Chief amongst these however, is the stunningly divine restaurant. There are few things more tantalising and tempting than enjoying a succulent meal, courtesy of the wonderful hospitality at Holm House. As the most experienced gastronome will know, the best cuisine begins with the finest ingredients; a fact which the chef team at Holm House understands all too well. Each menu is carefully designed and focused on using the very best of local and seasonal produce, to maximise flavour and leave the guests satisfied with every single mouthful. It certainly is local produce too, as Holm House boasts its own kitchen garden which supports everything being fresh and making its way straight to the table rather than being pumped full of chemicals and additives. All manner of guests come and whet their appetite at Holm House, for any number of reasons. Whether it’s a hearty full breakfast to fuel a seafront walk, a crisp and flavoursome salad for the busy working person, or a romantic dinner for two, each meal is just as important as the last, with taste, quality, and presentation taking centre stage on the plate. A quick glance at the á la carte menu showcases the luxurious nature of the food that the chefs painstakingly prepare with acute attention to detail and unerring precision. Pan-seared scallops are cooked to absolute perfection without becoming rubbery, whilst the prawn cocktail, creamy chicken satay skewers, and deep fried brie are options sure to make choosing any course a tricky affair. Whilst a selection of mains adorn the menu, it is the steaks that really catch the eye. Beautifully-marbled sirloin and rib-eye steaks are rich and full of flavour, whilst the tenderness of the fillet steak simply melts into a luxurious experience for the guests’ taste buds that is impossible to beat. Undoubtedly one of the crowning jewels on the á la carte menu at Holm House is the 16oz Chateaubriand, a behemoth of a beautifully tender steak for two people to indulge in together. It is not only food that can be shared together, as the dining room and expansive sea view terrace provide a sunny, cosy, or candlelit ambience to complete the atmosphere. For those who require something a little more laid back or intimate, Holm House has a variety of options. Launched in June 2019, the Garden Bar offers a sophisticated space to unwind with a cocktail or enjoy al fresco dining. The light and airy lounge presents itself as a home from home, as a place to read the paper, catch up with friends over a cream tea, or simply sit in front of the crackling fireplace in winter with post- dinner drinks. A contemporary cocktail bar is a modern space to enjoy an impressive range of spirits and mixes, and there are a further two intimate private dining options. Neales Room can accommodate up to twelve guests, and is perfect for small family gatherings or meetings, whilst The Snug is a cosier space for eight dinner guests with an open fireplace and private bar where the personal bartender can prepare all manner of drinks. Enjoying luxurious dining by the seafront never gets old, and is comfortably one of the most luxurious things that a person can do. As the world begins to re-open after suffering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is simply no reason not to enjoy the hidden gem that is Holm House, tucked away in stunning South Wales. Company: Holm House Contact: Dan Jones Website: https://www.holmhousehotel.com/restaurant/ Photo by Lewis Fackrell