By Suzie Yates
Suzie Yates races to the Cyprium Bar and Grill in Lingfield expecting to find horseplay but is presented with mouth-watering dishes and views that take her breath away.
It would have been easy for The Cyprium Bar and Grill situated at Lingfield Park Marriot Hotel and Country Club to have played up its relationship to the racecourse. Only the restaurants name alludes to its equine position. The décor is free from all other temptations of horseplay. There is no saddle of lamb on the menu nor is there any horseshoe gammon. The resistance to this is obvious as it clearly wants to be judged on its merit as a fine dining experience with a contemporary feel. The restaurant is glass fronted which means it does take advantage of the setting and the view out towards Lingfield racecourse looks stunningly beautiful as the sun begins its descent. Every table is supplied with a glorious sunset.
If there is a theme to The Cyprium then it is good taste. The open plan rooms within the restaurant and bar area are stylishly coordinated. The design is contemporary while fresh flowers, high quality textures and fabrics provide an intimate and comfortable atmosphere.
The restaurant is open for a range of business. The Chefs table area provides patrons with a piece of kitchen theatre, allowing you to whet your appetite watching the masters at work. Around the corner there are private suites where large groups can dine separated from the main body of the restaurant. As well as tonight’s dinner menu, The Cyprium also opens for breakfasts and light lunches.
The menu is full of delicious sounding options. It is mainly based around high grade cuts of meat but also includes fish, a pappardelle pasta for vegetarians and a wide variety of accompanying vegetables, fresh herbs and spices. There are a number of high quality wines available by the glass as well as further bottled options. The adjoining bar is also well stocked with a wide range of beverages.
After having looked through starters, that included seared scallops, bruschetta, salads, soups and more I chose a pork and pistachio pate which is served with a zesty apple chutney and a rich, fruity compote. My husband’s luminescent green spicy parsnip soup looks highly appealing and matches the chic décor perfectly. The first thing that can be said of both starters is that they are hearty portions. And we knew already that three courses was going to be a challenge worth rising to. When the main courses arrived it was clear my lamb fillet, from nearby Rusper, was expertly cooked and again its creative presentation and accompanying artistic garnishes made it a visual treat as well as a filling and delighting meal. My husband’s fillet steak was of an equally high standard and having pinched a chunky chip for the purposes of the review I can highly recommend both of our choices.
After taking our time looking at delights such as the cheese board, lemon curd and ginger fool, coconut panna cotta and dark chocolate marquis we placed our order. Normally I would without doubt have a cheese board, but thought I would try something different as our desserts followed on after two generous courses. My red berry pudding with clotted cream and my husband’s blueberry cheesecake with mint sorbet were both also of a filling nature and excellent taste (again it was for research that I required a taste or two)
Why not treat yourself further by booking a night in one of the 116 luxurious bedrooms and having a spa treatment in the day before dinner.
In summary The Cyprium Bar and Grill is a superb new dining experience. With friendly, professional staff and an excellent value menu you can dine in a chic restaurant in stunning surroundings. If you arrive hungry enough to eat a horse you will leave well fed and delighted that you chose the lamb instead.
Cyprium Bar and Grill, Marriott Lingfield Park
1 Racecourse Road, Lingfield RH7 6PQ Tel. 01342 830 930
www.lingfield-racecourse.co.uk/Cypriumbarandgrill