While visiting the U.K., we had planned to visit Isle of Wight. We were very excited about visiting the island, but our luck would have it, all the ferries were cancelled on that day due to severe weather… We did make it near the ferry terminal when we heard the news. Well, I am a strong believer in universe balancing itself out… So, when a bad luck come across like this, we do get a good luck with tasty food! We were with extended family who knows the area very well, and she took us to a fabulous brunch spot called the Riverview Restaurant inside The Master Builder’s.
The Master Builder’s is more of a hotel than a restaurant, with a gorgeous view of the water. It is located right by the Beaulieu River. Even on a rainy and windy day, it was still very picturesque. I hear they do lots of weddings here, and I can see the reason why. We walked along the covered walkway to the entrance, surrounded by green, fresh air, and peaceful vibes. I can only imagine what it is like during the warm months, under the blue sky!
Once we stepped inside, it felt as if we walked into some kind of historic building. And, rightfully so, as this is a historic hotel. The manor dates to 1729, and it has a rich maritime history.
I loved looking at all the antique-looking item placed along the walls, making me imagine what life at sea would’ve been like way back when.
Right by the Riverview Restaurant entrance, they had a nice lounge space. It was quite large, yet cozy with comfortable furniture and a big fireplace. They had large windows that you can look outside to the beautiful surroundings.
We didn’t have to wait to be seated on this stormy morning. But since we were a group of five, they had to set a table for us in the back. The dining area was a bit busy, assuming with people staying at the hotel?
We were brought to the back, where they had large tables. This area felt more open, great for some kind of party or event.
They had a continental buffet set up in the main dining area. They had cereals, granola, baked goods, cheese and charcuterie platters, juice, yogurt, etc. Pretty nice selection. And what’s better than looking at these selections? Being able have them without any added cost to your breakfast order of your choice! What! Not that is some awesome hospitality right there.
Their menu is plenty, but the pricing is simple. You either get Full Cooked Breakfast (of your choosing), Continental Breakfast Buffet, Tea, Coffee, and Toasts for £15.95, or just Continental Breakfast Buffet, Tea, Coffee, and Toasts for £13. We went with the first option, as we were very hungry. We first got some toasts, and just look at these beauties!
Loved the cute little jars of jams, marmalade, and honey. The toasts were nice, prepared just right, I enjoyed them!
I got some English Breakfast Tea, and it totally soothed my soul that was cold and sad from not being able to make it to Isle of Wight.
As for “full cooked breakfast,” we both went with The Master Builder’s Full English breakfast. It comes with Cumberland Sausage, Smoked Back Bacon, Grilled Tomato, Flat Mushroom, Black Pudding, Fried Bread and choice of Fried, Scrambled or Poached free range egg. I went with poached egg. One change we’ve made to our order was, exchanging Black Pudding with White Pudding. I actually never heard of white pudding before (as far as I can remember). The main difference between the two is that the black pudding has pig’s blood as one of its ingredients, and white pudding doesn’t.
Now, there are so many things on the plate, I couldn’t see them all… So, I spread them around a bit to reveal the whole offerings. Beans were cooked well, nice and soft, with comforting, sweet flavor. Mushroom was big and plump, grilled just right. Sausage was super plump with skin that gives you that nice “crunch” when you bite into it. Bacon was so thick, more like a quality piece of ham. It had a nice salty flavor, juicy! White pudding was rather small, it was flavorful. Now, the fried toast…I never had anything like it. It was very interesting, super crunchy! Eggs were poached a bit too long, didn’t get egg porn here…which was disappointing.
After the nice brunch, we also got a Latte. It was included in the breakfast order, so no extra charge. How amazing is this??? The latte was great, foam was almost like cream, with a nice hint of sweetness.
And at last, the bill. I really liked how they presented the bill to us. It came in an antique-looking wooden box. Almost like a small treasure chest! The difference is that we are receiving any precious gems in here…
There are several bathrooms you can access, as it is a hotel and restaurant. They were very clean, well-lit, organized and spacious.
We had a really nice brunch here with lovely company, the service was polite and although bit slow, we were well taken care of. It was very relaxing and serene. Loved the greenery they had everywhere. A perfect spot to have a quiet and peaceful meal. So, we didn’t make it to Isle of Wight, but we did discover a lovely spot to dine. It was a fun adventure for sure!
The Master Builder’s – Buckler’s Hard, Beaulieu Estate, Hampshire, SO42 7XB, United Kingdom