Sunday Times...
"A memorable meal of local fish and meat…excellent well priced Chablis. Bar nibbles were spectacular ".
The AA Restaurant Guide 2006...
Built at the turn of the century by a Victorian tea planter, this enchanting country house is peacefully set along a country lane in the beautiful Cornish valley of Looe. It's an intimate affair with only nine bedrooms, but the well-tended gardens reveal impressive facilities including tennis courts, a swimming pool and croquet lawn. The restaurant is decorated in simple contemporary style, with dark leather chairs and quality tableware, and there's a comfortable lounge and bar for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Uncluttered by superfluous ingredients, dishes at the Well House are prepared with a mature simplicity by Glenn Gatland that enhances rather than masks the flavour of top quality local produce. Fish is a speciality, brought fresh from the famous market at Looe and turned into treats such as Cornish crab risotto, or pan-roast monkfish with braised fennel and dauphine potatoes, while meat dishes see some contemporary twists on English classics, such as beef with braised oxtail and horseradish mash.
The AA Hotel Guide...
Tucked away in an attractive valley and set in impressive grounds, Well House enjoys a tranquil setting. Friendly staff provide attentive yet relaxed service and add to the elegant atmosphere of the house. The comfortable lounge offers deep cushioned sofas and an open fire and in the intimate bar an extensive choice of wines and drinks is available.
The Good Hotel Guide -"Cesar award winner 2004"...
Visitors this year enjoyed this delightful spot, a Victorian tea magnate's stone house in a wooded valley near Liskeard. The Greeting is in country house style with cases carried. Glenn Gatland Formerly second chef now runs the kitchen, serving dishes such as Sea Bass with Pernod risotto, tomato and thyme oil. Dinner was excellent with good choices. The best rooms have a separate entrance leading onto the gardens with a stream and two ponds, sloping lawns and lilies in season and a swimming pool.
Here's what some of the Guides have to say about us...
Johansson's...
The West Country is renowned for its welcome and hospitality, and nowhere is this better demonstrated than at The Well House, situated just beyond the River Tamar. The façade of this lovely Victorian country manor, wrapped in rambling wisteria and jasmine trailers, is just one of a continuous series of delights including first-class service, modern luxury and impeccable standards of comfort and cooking.
The new proprietors continue to pay close attention to the smallest of details, an ethos which has earned the hotel numerous awards including 2 AA Red Stars and the restaurant 3 Rosettes. From the tastefully appointed bedrooms there are rural views and each private bathroom offers luxurious bath linens and toiletries.
Continental breakfast can be served in bed or a traditional English breakfast may be taken in the dining room. Menus combine fresh, seasonal produce to create superbly presented dishes such as Cornish crab risotto, oven roasted monkfish and guinea fowl suprême.
Tennis and swimming are on-site and the Cornish coastline provides unmatched scenery for walks. The Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are a short drive away.
Our Inspector Loved:
The enthusiasm of the new owners, and wonderful surprises.
Romance South West England...
The restaurant has maintained AA 3 Rosette status for 18 years!
This spacious restaurant, overlooking the gardens uses its rich variety of freshly caught local seafood to great effect, from oysters and seared scallops to Cornish crab risotto and aromatic bourride.
Sea bass, sole and turbot - sped to the Well House from the famous fish market at Looe- are likely to feature among main courses, as are contemporary twists to classic English dishes such as braised oxtail and lamb shank, succulent local venison or calves liver spiked with the pungent aroma of tarragon.
