Purple Carrot dining experience launched

21st July 2008, 3:24pm

Lewtrenchard Manor, a Jacobean Manor tucked away on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, has launched Purple Carrot a new private dining experience.

von Essen has invested £200,000 on a state-of-the-art kitchen at Lewtrenchard Manor which includes the development of Purple Carrot, together with its own fine wine cellar.

Purple Carrot will provide diners with a tour of the kitchen garden where the majority of the produce used in the cooking is from, a personalised menu for each group of gastronomes, champagne at the 'Chef's Bar', and an insight into the workings of a world-class kitchen – seeing and hearing the charismatic Chef Patron, Jason Hornbuckle and his team in action.

The chefs in action will be captured on cameras in the kitchen in strategic positions, which will then be viewed on large flat screen TV's in front of the diners.

Between courses, guests will also be invited to interact with the chefs in the kitchen via the 'Chef's Bar' - an open window between the Purple Carrot dining room and the kitchen. One of the eight courses will be cooked in the room and guests will be encouraged to ask questions and seek expert tips.

Chef Patron, Jason Hornbuckle who has trained with some of the world's greatest chefs said: "It has been a dream since becoming Chef Patron to establish Lewtrenchard Manor as a gastronomic destination in the South West and developing Purple Carrot has enabled us to demonstrate to our guests our dedication to offering a truly unique and unforgettable gourmet experience."

Why call it Purple Carrot? – the noble carrot has long been known as an orange vegetable but originally they were purple, red or even white. Orange carrots, containing carotene were not noted until the 16th century in Holland, and this was thanks to patriotic Dutch growers who bred the vegetable in the colours of the House of Orange!

Calling the room Purple Carrot emphasises Lewtrenchard Manor's philosophy about going back to the roots of food and using it in its purest form – 80% of produce used in the Lewtrenchard kitchen comes directly from the kitchen garden. Purple carrots are being grown in the kitchen garden and will feature on the menu.

Purple Carrot will be available to book on Friday and Saturday evenings. Prices from £95.00 per person including champagne on arrival and canapés.

Lewtrenchard Manor – (01566) 783222 www.lewtrenchard.co.uk