The Avenue is undergoing an ‘extensive’ refurbishment by Russell Sage Studio that will blend contemporary elements with the space’s ‘historic charm’ taking inspiration from the hotel’s Hampshire surroundings and mile-long avenue of lime trees, which the restaurant is named after.
Since winning MasterChef: The Professionals, Hamblet has completed residencies at Camellia at South Lodge in West Sussex as well as The Avenue, which are both part of upscale hotel group Exclusive Collection.
In his new position as head chef of The Avenue, Hamblet will offer guests ‘a fresh take on flavour’ with contemporary, refined dishes that showcase his 'commitment to using the finest produce', including local ingredients from Hampshire and the Lainston House Kitchen Garden.
Priced at £125, the eight-course tasting menu at The Avenue will include scallop, anchovy, seaweed pickle and ajo blanco; venison loin, beetroot, onion caramel and duck liver sauce; and whipped cheesecake tart, pear, fig leaf, blackberry and pastis sorbet.
“It has been an incredible journey working with the talented team at Lainston House during my residency,” says Hamblet, who prior to winning MasterChef: The Professionals was employed as a sous chef at Camellia restaurant at South Lodge.
“I’m thrilled to be taking the head chef role for the relaunch of The Avenue, continuing to explore the region’s rich culinary heritage to create an unforgettable flavour-focused dining experience that helps put Hampshire on the map as an unmissable dining destination.”
Hamblet - who started cooking at South Lodge alongside his chef father Lewis when he was just 14 - will also be giving guests the opportunity to cook with him in his Season Cookery School classes at Lainston House, teaching recipes inspired by his dishes from MasterChef: The Professionals and his residencies over the past year.
