Boringdon Magazine 004 web - BOR - Nov 2019

Àclèaf
Truth
with
Elegance
A new decade for dining, we’ve turned over a new leaf
and introduced something quite special to our guests.
2020 Àclèaf was born and Head Chef Scott lets us in on
the inspiration and why’s behind the new restaurant at
Boringdon Hall.
From tiny acorns do mighty oaks grow goes the saying;
Àclèaf is our way of turning a new leaf, and in which
from our past Acorn hospitality award winners and
history of the “enchanted place on the hill”, an oak leaf
or “Àclèaf” as they would have said when Boringdon
Hall was being built seemed so fitting. With Gaia
watching over us, this naturally inspired restaurant will
see us bring our guests together, help them engage in
one another’s lives and be present in the moment they
share with us.
When asked to define a style of food, this becomes
tricky. Àclèaf isn’t following the rules, it’s setting an
example, it’s a culture and a lifestyle. Tying a style of
food to this seems against what we want to achieve, so
you could give it a broad spectrum of contemporary
and flavourful. The style is simply the best produce
we can get our hands on, cooked honestly and served
simply. Truth with elegance is our style. We have taken
this outside of the kitchen and into the dining room,
re-evaluating everything from the décor, to the place
settings. It is important that our elegance is transmitted
through every angle and place settings are key to that;
minimal, clutter free and interesting. We decided
to play with the way the tables were set. Stripping
back any unnecessary items which weren’t necessarily
needed on the table, ensuring guests can feel at ease,
comfortable and spacious; a place to simply enjoy the
food.
“Dishes are
served with
sophistication,
we call this…
truth with
elegance.
Àclèaf serves dishes and produce that have had
maximum focus on each individual element. All
building and working together to highlight the main
ingredient, keeping our playful elements and nostalgic
influence. Dishes are served with sophistication, we call
this… truth with elegance.
Àclèaf
The journey of Àclèaf started last year; jotting ideas,
phrases and memories at every chance. Sketching
dishes while planning every detail. The mighty oak was
central to every decision made, making sure it always
came back to that as a root, including our dining
room. When dining it’s important that all the senses
play in harmony with one another. Ensuring you’re
comfortable and relaxed to fully immerse yourself in the
experience.
In this day and age, we are all guilty of being passive,
distant and full of worry at times and the result is not
being present in each other’s lives in this world, its
nonstop hustle, it’s go harder push harder, get more
juice. We want to help our guests focus on each other
for a few hours, good food and wine certainly goes a
long way to washing any troubles or thoughts away.
22
23