SAVOURING AUTUMN: EXPLORING THE SEASONAL MENU WITH OUR EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF STEPHEN WALKER
As autumn sweeps across The Mole Resort, with crisp air and stunning landscapes, our kitchens come alive with the season's rich and hearty flavours. Executive Head Chef Stephen Walker has crafted a menu that embraces the warmth and comfort of autumn, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients that reflect our love for the Southwest's natural bounty. We sat down with Stephen to get a deeper look at the inspiration behind our new autumn dishes and what makes dining at The Mole so special during this season.
Autumn is here, and you’re launching a new menu. What excites you most about cooking during this season?
Stephen Walker: "Autumn is one of those magical seasons where the food naturally becomes more comforting. The cooler weather gives me the chance to dive into richer, deeper flavours—dishes that feel homely and hearty. For me, it’s all about using ingredients that mirror the season itself, with earthy tones and warming spices."
At The Mole Resort, autumn is about delivering meals that wrap guests in warmth and comfort, perfect for a relaxing retreat in the countryside.
What do you think makes autumn dining at The Mole Resort special?
Stephen Walker: "At The Mole, our goal is to let the ingredients do the talking. During autumn, the flavours are naturally more robust. We have dishes like our Coq Au Vin, slow-cooked in red wine for that rich, velvety finish, and our Lamb Rump paired with gently spiced Aloo Gobi. The surroundings of the resort, with its sweeping landscapes and cosy atmosphere, only enhance that dining experience."
Dining at The Mole Resort is not just about great food—it’s about creating a memorable experience where every dish reflects the beauty and simplicity of nature. Our emphasis on local, high-quality produce makes every bite a celebration of the region.
How does your autumn menu reflect the season and its ingredients?
Stephen Walker: "We’re inspired by the natural transition from summer to autumn. You’ll find a lot of earthy, robust flavors on the menu—game meats, root vegetables, and dishes that are both warming and satisfying. This season, we’re excited to introduce some game dishes alongside classic autumnal favorites like our Coq Au Vin."
By emphasizing the region’s bounty and the changing seasons, our autumn menu is a celebration of nature’s finest, delivering dishes that are hearty, flavorful, and unmistakably local.
Is there a standout dish on the autumn menu?
Stephen Walker: "The Lamb Rump with Aloo Gobi is definitely a standout for me. It’s slow-cooked for hours, so it stays beautifully pink and tender, paired with a spiced Indian potato and a rich coriander jus. It’s the perfect combination of traditional English flavors with a unique twist."
This dish, like many on our menu, is a reflection of our culinary philosophy: familiar flavors reimagined with creativity, crafted from local ingredients.
What’s your go-to comfort food during the autumn season?
Stephen Walker "For me, nothing beats a comforting bowl of soup. At The Mole, our leek and potato soup paired with freshly baked homemade focaccia is my absolute favorite. Imagine sitting by a crackling fire with a steaming bowl in hand—it's simple, yet incredibly satisfying.”
There’s something about the simplicity of a great soup that speaks to autumn’s comfort. At The Mole, even the simplest dishes are made with the same care and attention to detail as our signature plates.
What makes the food and drink experience at The Mole Resort unique this autumn?
Stephen Walker: "At The Mole, we’re committed to using the best local produce, and that’s something that remains consistent year-round. All our meat, fish, and dairy come from the southwest. This autumn, we’ve introduced hearty, seasonal dishes, from game meats to comforting soups, while keeping the focus on quality and sustainability."
The Mole Resort is all about creating an authentic connection to the land. Every dish reflects our dedication to local sourcing, sustainability, and celebrating the natural beauty of the southwest.
For someone visiting The Mole for the first time, what would you recommend they try?
Stephen Walker: "I’d suggest starting with our homemade focaccia and butters—it’s soft, rich, and a great way to kick off a meal. From there, you can’t go wrong with the Lamb Rump—it’s a perfect representation of what our autumn menu is all about."
DIG IN THIS AUTUMN
This autumn, we invite you to discover the flavors of the season at The Mole Resort. Whether it’s a slow-cooked lamb dish that warms the soul or a simple bowl of soup by the fire, our autumn menu is crafted to bring comfort, joy, and a true taste of the southwest.
Ready to savor the season? Book your table at The Mole Resort today and experience autumn in every bite.