BLOGS

I'll find any excuse for Sunday lunch out - saves on washing up and I love to be pampered! So I was delighted to be invited to the Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel near Chester; it's a lovely country house set in 27 acres of beautiful woodland, and it mixes 21st century comfort and luxury with the very best of British tradition. The hotel is home to The Aiden Byrne British Grill - and the man himself, Aiden Byrne, is an award-winning chef who has created an amazingly original menu using the finest, freshest and most locally sourced ingredients, served with exceptional skill and élan. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and delivers an informal, yet special dining experience in a stunningly modern dining space, where I discovered an array of British classic dishes with a uniquely Aiden Byrne twist. There's also a seriously impressive indoor charcoal Josper grill, which uses natural coals to flavour the meat, so look out for the impressive range of dishes featuring fine and freshly cooked cuts.

I chose The Great British Sunday Lunch (just £12 per head, 12.30pm - 5pm); choose from two roasts, each with their own traditional accompaniments, though also recommended are the Young Diners' Menu and Vegetarian Menu. If you want to bring the whole family, go for the Complete Family Roast at just £14 per head. Choose from joints of beef, lamb, pork or chicken, all carved at your table - and it's also available between 12.30pm and 5pm, with a minimum of 4 people per roast, pre-booked 48 hours beforehand. Finish your dining experience with one of their family sharing desserts from £6 per person (also pre-booked, minimum 4 people). You have a choice of apple, pear or banana tarte tatin, fruit trifle, chocolate gateaux or Swiss roll. Delicious!

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Craxton Wood and Aiden Byrne British Grill
Parkgate Road, Ledsham, Chester CH66 9PB
Tel: 0844 879 9038
www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk
customer.services@macdonal-hotels.co.uk
The restaurant is open 12-9pm daily