Corsham House Brasserie Earns Rave Review for Ambitious Dining

Corsham House, a new establishment in the Wiltshire town of Corsham, has been lauded for its ambitious dining experience, combining an elegant neo-brasserie setting with inventive cuisine and attentive service. The restaurant, which occupies the former Lloyds bank building, is the latest venture from the team behind successful Bath establishments The Beckford Bottle Shop and Beckford Canteen.

Reviewer Tom Parker Bowles, writing for the Daily Mail, noted the significant transformation of Corsham's dining landscape. In the early to mid-1980s, the town offered limited options, primarily fish and chips, curry, or pub fare. Corsham House, alongside other revitalized local eateries like Mother & Wild, now presents a more sophisticated culinary destination.

The interior of Corsham House features soft oxblood leather banquettes, a pressed-tin ceiling, and walls painted in subtle, expensive neutral tones. The service is described as young, charming, and efficient, with expertly prepared cocktails.

Appetizers that received praise include fresh crumpets with anchovy butter, noted for their sweet and subtle flavor, and a pig's head fritter served with gooseberry ketchup. Deep-fried Westcombe cheddar curds with Marmite mayo were highlighted for their satisfying texture. The main course of halibut, served in a light chicken jus and studded with fresh peas, was singled out as the finest dish of the day and a testament to the kitchen's skill.

However, the Devonshire crab salad was less successful, with the reviewer noting that the freshness of the crab was overshadowed by a heavy remoulade. For dessert, the burnt butter ice cream was described as sublime.

The meal, including dessert and espresso martinis, cost approximately £40 per head. Corsham House is located at 13 High Street, Corsham SN1, and is also featured on corshamhouse.com.