.png)
Review: The Warwick, Mallory Court Hotel & Spa, Leamington
- amanda03874
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
We accept – and probably expect – the finest of fine dining experiences to come with some travel involved. The neighbouring city of Birmingham, for instance, offers some rich culinary pickings and the best meals for those special occasions deserve some time and research.
But. . . how often do we overlook what’s under our very noses?
Mallory Court Hotel & Spa has long been a beacon of refined hospitality in Leamington, and with the arrival of executive chef Stuart Deeley, its culinary star is burning brighter than ever.
The hotel’s impressive trophy cabinet speaks for its hospitality prowess - most recently bagging the gold award in the Large Hotel of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards.
Now, having a Masterchef the Professionals winner at the helm in the kitchen is another string to its bow.
Deeley, a Midlands native, has returned to familiar soil with a bold new vision- and it’s already turning heads and tantalising palates.
My husband and I received a warm welcome by friendly front of house staff, and ushered into a cosy lounge where we enjoyed a relaxed aperitif and hors d’oeuvre to whet our appetites for the highly-anticipated experience ahead.
After soaking up the ambience for a while, we were led into The Warwick. Complemented by its refreshed contemporary aesthetic, the newly named restaurant certainly marks an exciting new chapter for the hotel.
The menu itself is a masterclass in balancing classical technique with contemporary flair. It is a celebration of seasonal British produce, Deeley’s approach deeply ingredient-driven, often letting produce from Mallory’s own gardens dictate the menu.
Diners can choose between a five-course “Taste of the Season” (£105) or a three-course à la carte (£90), both showcasing his skills and creativity.
From the moment the canapés arrive it’s clear that what he’s doing here isn’t just cooking - it’s storytelling. And every chapter is a mouthwatering delight waiting to be devoured.
If we eat with our eyes, there’s so much to feast on here. But the flavour and texture combinations more than live up to the taste expectations. The dishes reflect a chef who knows how to make British cuisine sing with global notes, as evident in our chosen starters of Chicken Liver Parfait (beetroot, relish, Oakchurch cherry and brioche) and Crispy Burford Brown Egg (barbecued leek, warm tartare sauce) and main courses of Beef Rump Cap (ox cheek, Jerusalem Artichoke and pickled pear) and Cornish Monkfish (borlotti bean cassoulet, baby courgette, brown shrimps, espelette and nduja sauce).
As desserts time came around, I enjoyed the deliciously light Somerset Strawberry and Tahitian Vanilla Mille-Feuille. And it’s Deeley’s signature Raspberry and Lemon Verbena Baked Alaska, a nostalgic nod to childhood, that is a standout example of how he blends memory with mastery. In my eyes almost too pretty to eat, hubby actually wasted no time in getting stuck in! Every delicate mouthful though, perfectly savoured.
The oak-panelled dining room offers a warm, elegant backdrop to Deeley’s vibrant plates and the whole evening offered a perfect vibe of relaxed sophistication.
The Warwick takes its name from the neighbouring historic town, steeped in centuries of heritage, nobility, and craftsmanship. The team say they draw inspiration from Warwick Castle and the region’s medieval legacy, the name evoking tradition, strength, and refined British character, while offering a dining experience that is both elegant and young in the rich history of the area.
Mission accomplished.
The sought-after chef’s return isn’t just a homecoming - it’s a culinary renaissance for Mallory Court. With The Warwick, he’s crafted a destination restaurant that’s both rooted in tradition and is yet daringly modern.
For those seeking a dining experience that’s heartfelt, inventive, and unmistakably British, this delivers in spades. We left the hotel feeling thoroughly satisfied and spoiled but I look forward to returning to sample the Taster Menu (maybe on our next special occasion as the prices for us would dictate) - because Deeley’s culinary craftsmanship certainly leaves you hungry for more.
To book visit http://www.mallory.co.uk/ or call 01926 330 214.
[Items in this article may have been gifted to Chatting Food. No financial payment has been made to feature in this article, and entries to the feature are made independently by members of the Editorial Team. This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a small commission for purchases]
Amanda is a journalist of 30 years and now runs an award-winning PR agency based in Warwickshire. When she's not writing about her own clients she loves to help spotlight the great work of other pubs, restaurants and hotels around the country.