A journey through taste
In conversation with Àclèaf Head Chef Scott Paton
Boringdon Hall’s MICHELIN-Starred and 4 AA Rosette restaurant Àclèaf is synonymous with exceptional cuisine, rooted in the finest produce Devon has to offer. Following the recent introduction of a dedicated seven-course tasting menu alongside the beloved signature four-course offering, we sat down with Head Chef Scott Paton to explore the inspiration behind this culinary addition.
A natural evolution
For Scott, adding a tasting menu was a progression of Àclèaf’s identity, offering guests a structured journey through flavour and an entirely new experience.
“It was a natural evolution,” Scott reflects. “Some guests prefer not to have to choose their courses, and there’s something noble about putting your faith in the chef and saying, ‘cook for me’. The tasting menu is us giving people the opportunity to do just that.”
Seasonal storytelling
While the signature menu remains a pillar of Àclèaf, the tasting menu allows the team to make nuanced changes in response to the seasons.
“The tasting menu is an expression of the season’s finest ingredients,” Scott explains. “The ethos is the same as our approach to the signature menu, but having set dishes in the tasting menu allows us to tweak them and make them hyper-seasonal as we go.”
Alongside the menu itself, the accompanying wine pairing has been carefully considered, including prestigious wines to build a cohesive narrative and journey for guests.
Curated evenings
Behind the technical precision and exquisite detail involved in refining these menus, Scott’s motivation remains grounded in delivering unforgettable dining experiences.
“I’m inspired by guests reconnecting, enjoying themselves, and having a genuinely wonderful evening at Àclèaf,” explains Scott. “Recently, I’ve been finding that consistent outcomes can be a real driving force behind any gentle evolution. We’re always working in pursuit of excellence.”
For those deciding between the signature four-course offering and the extended tasting menu, the choice comes down to how one wishes to experience the evening. “The four-course menu remains our signature, our identity, encompassing our hospitality-first ethos,” says Scott. “I’d say the tasting menu is for those who are open to experiencing Àclèaf differently and are willing to put their evening in our hands.”
Whichever path guests choose, a night at Àclèaf promises extraordinary dining, thoughtful hospitality and a sense of occasion, all within an intimate, elegant setting at the heart of Boringdon Hall.
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01752 344455