MasterChef champion Tom Hamblet to head up relaunch of The Avenue

Tom Hamblet, the reigning champion of MasterChef: The Professionals, is set to head up the relaunch of The Avenue, the flagship restaurant at Lainston House.

Following extensive refurbishment, the venue near Winchester will reopen on November 27, with Tom hired as head chef.

Russell Sage Studio has led the redesign of The Avenue “blending contemporary elements with the restaurant’s historic charm”.

Since winning MasterChef, Tom has completed hugely successful residencies at Camellia at South Lodge in west Sussex in 2023, and at The Avenue earlier in 2024.

In his new position as head chef of The Avenue, Tom will offer guests a fresh take on flavour with contemporary, refined dishes that showcase his commitment to using the finest produce, including local ingredients from Hampshire and the Lainston House Kitchen Garden.

The eight-course tasting menu at The Avenue will be priced at £125.

Highlights from the menu include scallop, anchovy, seaweed pickle, ajo blanco; venison loin, beetroot, onion caramel, duck liver sauce; and whipped cheesecake tart, pear, fig leaf, blackberry and pastis sorbet.

‘Squeeze them ins’ conclude the meal, such as Lainston apple juice and ginger pâte de fruit and salted nut nougat.

Tom said: “It has been an incredible journey working with the talented team at Lainston House during my residency.

"I’m thrilled to be taking the head chef role for the relaunch of The Avenue, continuing to explore the region’s rich culinary heritage to create an unforgettable flavour-focused dining experience that helps put Hampshire on the map as an unmissable dining destination.”

The Avenue will be open Wednesday to Sunday, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.