RH England, is a curator of design, taste and style in the luxury lifestyle market with a collection of stunning retail galleries across the world in which it showcases fabulous art, furniture and furnishings in gorgeous roomsets. The company recently bought and refurbished Aynho Park, the magnificent 73-acre estate between Bicester and Banbury, to create a first-of-its-kind design and hospitality destination. It opened to global acclaim in June 2023 complete with two restaurants and has now unveiled its newest signature dining experience, The Conservatory.

An architecturally-driven restaurant The Conservatory was conceived as a skylit garden escape befitting RH England's status as a premier lifestyle destination. Located in the meticulously restored east wing, formerly the estate's stable block and workshop, The Conservatory is a study in the harmony between architecture and landscape. The space is defined by a dramatic new glass ceiling that floods the interior with natural light and features a stunning lighting installation by renowned London designer Anouska Hempel, also known as Lady Weinberg.

Guests can enjoy breathtaking views across the expansive courtyard and of the historic St. Michael's Church, which dates back to the 14th century, while dining from the Conservatory menu. An extension of the culinary vision developed at RH Paris, the menu presents a curated collection of refined American and Mediterranean classics, including; Caviar Carpaccios, Petite Baked Potatoes, and the classic RH Burger. The Conservatory joins multiple other hospitality venues at RH England including; The Orangery, an open-fire restaurant with panoramic countryside views; The Loggia, featuring wood-fired pizzas, charcuterie boards and rustic shared plates in a beautiful outdoor setting; The Wine Lounge, serving exceptional champagnes and wines; and The Juicery, offering made-to-order fresh juices and craft espresso, and the Tea Salon, that serves a selection of speciality teas.

On our recent visit we were warmly welcomed by the friendly, professional staff and found it a stylish and comfortable place to relax. With three open fireplaces and plush banquettes to sit on, it was cosy although spacious, while the olive trees and hanging light feature added extra wow factor to the beautiful stone walls, glass ceiling and glazed courtyard doors with views beyond. The food and wine served were superb, each course perfectly prepared, cooked and presented. My Scottish Salmon Carpaccio with Petrossian  Kaluga Caviar, Chives and Smoked Sea Salt was divine, but nearly topped by a delicious Rotisserie Chicken with Truffle Fries and perfectly roasted Asparagus, while my wife's Petite Filet with Bearnise Sauce couldn't have been better, once again complemented by Truffle Fries and Roasted Asparagus. Desserts were equally impressive - slightly crunchy but very gooey Housemade Chocolate Chip Cookies served warm with sea salt were decadence on a plate while my wife's Tiramisu was another triumph. The accompanying wines were excellent too, especially the Tokaji dessert wine.

The whole experience was wonderful and all the more so for being in such remarkable and historic surroundings and for the added experience of being able to stroll through the house and be inspired by the remarkable interiors on display. The Conservatory menu is not huge but has a clever combination of main and lighter dishes, so if you just fancy a salad, sandwich or burger, there are options, I may pop back for cookies and a coffee, they were rather moorish!

RH Rngland, Aynho Park, Aynho, Banbury, Oxfordshire

Opening Hours: Friday and Saturday, 11am - 8pm; Sunday 11am - 5pm

Website: www.rh.com