Dining at Hywel Jones. A Michelin Starred Experience at Lucknam Park

Set within Lucknam Park’s grand country house, Restaurant Hywel Jones offers one of the most refined dining experiences in Wiltshire. This was the centrepiece of our long weekend.

A Michelin Starred Landmark at Lucknam Park

Restaurant Hywel Jones is the fine dining cornerstone of the estate. It has held its Michelin star for many years through a combination of classical cooking, seasonal produce, and a confident approach that fits the house perfectly. The Brasserie is ideal for easy, everyday meals. The main restaurant is the one you plan ahead for.

The Chef: Hywel Jones
Hywel Jones has led the kitchen since 2004 after earlier roles at Foliage in the Mandarin Oriental and at Grosvenor House. His cooking is rooted in classical technique with an emphasis on clarity, balance, and elegant presentation.

The Dining Room
The restaurant sits towards the front of the house. The lighting is warm, the tables are generously spaced, and the room reflects the style of a refined English country house rather than a formal French dining room. Guests begin with canapés and drinks in the lounge before being taken through for dinner.

Before the canapés we ordered our drinks. The girls chose cocktails while I had a gin and tonic. The Witchmark Wiltshire Gin was fine but not a personal favourite. The French Martinis were much stronger choices and worked well at the start of the evening.

Canapes

The Food

We chose the à la carte menu which suited the three of us nicely. Warm handmade bread and salted butter followed the canapés before our first courses arrived.

Starters - Two of us chose the lobster starter. Neatly prepared pieces of lobster were served with a rich, bisque-style sauce and a smooth purée. Clean flavours and polished presentation. The chicken starter was tender, with a glossy, well balanced sauce. An unfussy plate done well.

Mains - Brecon Lamb was the standout main. Cooked pink and served with carrots and grains, it combined depth and comfort with a well judged portion size.
The two plates of Cornish seabass mains arrived with crisp skin, soft flesh, and a delicate sauce. Elegant, balanced and exactly what you hope for from a dish like this.

Brecon Lamb

Sea Bass

There are strong options here for vegetarians, pescatarians, and meat eaters. Everything we tried was thoughtful, beautifully presented and genuinely enjoyable. Portions felt like a proper dinner rather than a tasting sequence, which made the experience even more satisfying.

For Dessert, I chose the cheese trolley which offered a curated selection of British and French cheeses. The accompaniments were simple and delicious.

The girls both chose the chocolate mousse. Light in appearance but rich in flavour, served with a smooth, glossy finish.

Wine and Drinks

The wine list is extensive at Hywel Jones, and worth exploring. We chose a Côtes du Rhône which paired well with the lamb and held its own across the meal. Service around the wine was professional and helpful without being intrusive.

Service

House service at Restaurant Hywel Jones is everything you hope for in a Michelin starred dining room. Professional, attentive and confident and very much in line with the overall service of Lucknam Park.

Dress Code for Hywel Jones

There is no strict dress code but most guests choose to dress smartly. A jacket feels appropriate for men. Many women choose elegant eveningwear or tailoring. The room suits an effort and it enhances the occasion.