Dish Cult Dines: Why you need to know about Yu

Exclusive review of Yu at The Retreat

Entered via a long lacquered petrol blue-panel corridor adorned with Art Deco wall lights and eclectic stamps, guests will be transported to a Pan-Asian style space at Yu, where feasting and sharing is encouraged. Here you can experience two different tasting menus featuring dishes such as Chawanmushi, Sushi, Sashimi, Yellowtail Sashimi with Truffle Ponzu dressing, Waktori and more. But we were here to sample the lunch menu, which is available Thursday to Saturday.

Elcot June 2022

Location

Yu can be found in The Retreat at Elcot Park, voted Britain’s Best Hotel by The Times and Sunday Times.

The Retreat is a newly re-imagined 18th-century country house hotel and spa set in magnificent grounds, with two stunning restaurants – one of which is Yu.

Located between the historic towns of Hungerford and Newbury, in the heart of rolling West Berkshire countryside, this is a refined yet relaxed boutique hotel, at the heart of the North Wessex Downs. The Retreat is where quirky British sensibility meets elegant authentic luxury.

Since opening in June 2022, The Retreat has become a vibrant local hub and destination of choice for tourists and businesses from all over the world, and was only recently named as Britain’s Best Hotel by The Times and the Sunday Times, topping their list of the Top 100 Places to Stay in the UK.

Pan-Asian

Yu, meaning sharing in Japanese, is the Pan Asian fine-dining restaurant at the hotel. With its woven fans, bamboo-style framed mirrors and warm lighting, Yu is the perfect space to switch off and indulge yourself, with a relaxed fine-dining experience.

Tasting menu highlights include dishes such as Chawanmushi (touch of Dashi, Mirin and Soy flavour Steamed Custard with Shitake and Shimeji Mushroom served in a beautiful Japanese steam bowl served cold), Sushi (Classic Dragon Rolls and Spicy Tuna Rolls), Sashimi (prime slices of Tuna Tataki, Salmon Belly with Ikura – Salmon Roe – and Yellowtail with Truffle Ponzu dressing served in dry ice bowl) and Wakatori (baby Chicken marinated in ginger miso, pan-roasted with Teriyaki tender stem Broccoli).

Lunch

Lunch can be enjoyed within the beautiful surroundings of this restaurant Thursday to Saturday, with the option of al fresco dining in the courtyard (weather permitting) for some picturesque views of the estate.

The lunch menu boasts small plates with some incredibly moreish Gyoza – steamed and pan-fried Japanese dumplings with a spicy vinaigrette sauce. These can be filled with either chicken or veggies.

There are noodle bowls to choose from if you’re seeking nourishing comfort food, as well as Donburi (Japanese rice dishes). The Retreat also offers Bento boxes with vegetarian, meat and fish options all stunningly presented.

Sushi

It’s the sushi that’s the real appeal here at Yu, however. Order the Signature Platter, to share. Chosen by Japanese culinary wizard Shi, it’s a colourful display of superb uramaki and nigiri.

Among the former was a strikingly presented prawn tempura, and a very tasty salmon avocado roll with Japanese mayonnaise.

The nigiri, meanwhile, is fresh and wonderful. The texture of the salmon is so smooth and soft, while the tuna is absolutely delicious.

For a lunchtime treat like no other in the heart of West Berkshire, reserve your table via the button below.

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