December 2023 – Exclusive Collection is delighted to announce that Tom Hamblet, the 24-year-old Sous Chef from South Lodge in West Sussex, has been crowned champion of the 16th edition of MasterChef: The Professionals. To celebrate his extraordinary achievement, Exclusive Collection is thrilled to announce that Hamblet will be taking up residency at two of its properties in 2024 as Head Chef with menus inspired by his dishes from the competition. 

Hamblet's first residency will take place at South Lodge's Camellia restaurant in West Sussex from January 3 to March 31, followed by a residency The Avenue at Lainston House in Winchester from April 3 to June 30. During these exciting residencies, guests visiting South Lodge and Lainston House will be invited to experience Hamblet's culinary brilliance firsthand through specially crafted three-course menus, priced at £85. These menus will feature exquisite dishes inspired by Hamblet's remarkable journey on MasterChef: The Professionals 2023.  

Extending the residencies' offerings beyond the dining experience, Exclusive Collection will introduce new Dine and Stay packages at each property. These packages present an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in a complete getaway, indulging in Hamblet's culinary creations while enjoying the luxurious accommodations at South Lodge and Lainston House. 

Tom Hamblet's residencies promise unforgettable gastronomic journeys inspired by the challenges and triumphs he experienced on MasterChef: The Professionals 2023. Hamblet's three-course menu is a testament to his innovation, skill, and dedication to the craft. Standout dishes will include: 

• Wood Pidgeon – featuring wood pigeon with crispy onions, celeriac remoulade, celeriac puree, pigeon and chocolate sauce 
• Roasted Scallop – featuring roasted scallop with Jerusalem artichoke puree, marigold oil, artichoke crisps, and a pastry tube with buttermilk and artichoke mousse 
• Curried Lobster – featuring lobster with curried carrot puree, ginger and chilli bisque, potato, mango and caper salad, and a lime vinaigrette 
• Beef Fillet – featuring beef fillet with oyster mushrooms, a lovage emulsion, pané oyster and salsify, braised beef cheek, accompanied by oyster and beef tartare 
• Chocolate and Peanut Mousse – featuring a chocolate and peanut mousse with feuilletine base, mascarpone Chantilly, nibbed peanut tuille, torched bananas, and miso caramel 
• Chocolate Tart – featuring a baked chocolate tart, blood orange and peppercorn pate de fruit, caramelised popcorn, orange gel and tallicherry pepper ice cream 

***This is independently run and is not associated with,  

or endorsed by MasterChef, Shine TV or the BBC*** 

The South Lodge Camellia Dine and Stay package starts from £585, and the Lainston House Avenue Dine and Stay package starts from £440. For reservations or Dine and Stay package bookings please visit the Camellia and The Avenue websites. 

High resolution images are available here: South Lodge's Camellia / Lainston House's The Avenue 

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For more press information and images, please contact exclusivecollection@saucecommunications.com. 

Notes to Editor:   

About South Lodge  

Switch off from the everyday and switch on your senses at South Lodge hotel and spa in West Sussex. With endless views of the South Downs, South Lodge offers luxurious overnight breaks, exceptional dining, and a state-of-the-art sustainable spa.  

South Lodge offers 88 stunning bedrooms and suites, and presents three dining options for guests: you can choose to experience the craft at the Michelin-starred The Pass, enjoy the epitome of elegance at 3 AA Rosette Camellia or feed your senses at the Mediterranean-inspired, dairy-free Botanica.  

Let nature help you be naturally you at South Lodge Spa with bespoke treatments, state-of-the art spa experiences, and beautiful facilities all nestled in the tranquil environment of the South Downs. South Lodge's commitment to sustainability and dedication to guest satisfaction have made it a sought-after haven for wellbeing, relaxation and rejuvenation.  

More at www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge/   

South Lodge is part of Exclusive Collection, a B Corp certified independent group which includes: Fanhams Hall, Lainston House with Season Cookery School, The Manor House with golf club and The Castle Inn, Pennyhill Park with spa, Royal Berkshire, South Lodge with spa.      

About Lainston House 

Hampshire's Lainston House is for the explorers, the food-lovers, and the do-differently-ers with a wealth of experiences including unforgettable overnight breaks, exploring the outdoors, and wood-fired cooking classes.  

Lainston House has 50 beautifully designed rooms and suites, and offers two dining options for guests: embrace the hidden tastes of Hampshire at The Avenue, or experience exceptional flavours, fuelled by fire at The Wellhouse. 

True foodies can feast on immersive pursuits of seasonal provenance at Season Cookery School, with heaps of choice for any budding chef looking to upskill or try something different.  

More at www.exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house/ 

More at www.exclusive.co.uk/cookery-school/  

Lainston House is part of Exclusive Collection, a B Corp certified independent group which includes: Fanhams Hall, Lainston House with Season Cookery School, The Manor House with golf club and The Castle Inn, Pennyhill Park with spa, Royal Berkshire, South Lodge with spa.     

About Exclusive Collection  

Eat well, sleep well, do you well and take a breath from the everyday in beautiful surroundings. Exclusive Collection are proudly leading the way as the first B Corp accredited, family-owned collection of country house hotels, spas, golf, cookery school, and a pub thrown in for good measure.  

Exclusive Collection was founded in 1981. The group includes: Fanhams Hall, Lainston House with Season Cookery School, The Manor House with golf club and The Castle Inn, Pennyhill Park with spa, Royal Berkshire, South Lodge with spa.      

The group recently brought Ansty Hall into the fold and are working hard to deliver an Exclusive Collection experience in the Midlands for guests from mid 2024.  

More at www.exclusive.co.uk