The Gallery restaurant Escapade Silverstone

THE LOWDOWN

The Gallery restaurant opened its rather grand security gates earlier this year, forming part of the broader Escapade development, a clutch of sleek, wood and glass private residences, nestled beside the world famous F1 racing circuit and overlooking Maggots and Beckett’s Corner (if you don’t speak F1 language, look them up).

Escapade Silverstone residences at Silverstone Circuit

60 individually owned, luxuriously styled residences can be booked as boutique stays when not occupied by the owners, with the restaurant, roof terrace, pool, gym, treatment rooms and sauna all being within walking distance. The good news is that you don’t have to be staying overnight to enjoy the hospitality here, though you definitely do need a reservation to be allowed in through the circuit’s main gates, before you’ll drive around the the outside of of the track to Whittlebury side where Escapade sits between the greenery of a quiet woodland and the bone-shaking roar of some of the world’s fastest engines. It’s a pretty exciting place to find yourself.

THE VIBE

The Gallery Escapade Silverstone lounge area

It’s luxe but casual, which you’d expect, given the sporty setting. You’ll find everyone from A-listers to locals here and, as it’s open from breakfast through to dinner, jeans and (stylish) trainers are perfectly acceptable, though you’ll definitely find people will dress to impress too.

Artworks at The Gallery at Escapade Silverstone

Unique and painstakingly curated artworks punctuate the interior and exterior – a diamanté studded replica of Ayrton Senna’s helmet sits encased in a glass vitrine and a life size chrome car, like something from a dream, graces the entrance – making it as much of a gallery as a dining destination. The art work is all for sale, incidentally, so it’s constantly changing and evolving.

The interiors have been styled to perfection, with velvet, leather and tweed upholstery, cosy banquettes, intimate tables for two and a relaxed lounge area next to the bar. Everything here is so beautifully put together that even the loos deserve a shout-out. And that’s before you even come to the views, which are surely the biggest draw card for The Gallery, we’re talking a panoramic, floor-to-ceiling glass wall overlooking the track. Most days there’ll be something thrilling to watch from your table, regardless of whether there’s a big race event taking place. On a good day, you might even get to see the big names revving their engines.

SCOFF & QUAFF

Head Chef Matt Tsistrakis has previously worked as Head Chef at Auriens Chelsea and The Savoy in London, so a pretty decent pedigree. His newly crafted festive menu includes ducks liver parfait with clementines and granola; braised beef cheek, creamed potato, onion and red wine jus; barley risotto, wild mushroom and truffle and a dark chocolate soufflé with white chocolate custard and chocolate crumble.

We were there to tuck into a rather sumptuous 7-course tasting menu, kicking off with a glass of fizz and a soft, warm sharing loaf with whipped butter, followed up with octopus nestled on a bed of beans and samphire and a Peach Bellini mocktail (there were impeccable wine pairings, but I was driving, of course).

Next up, a wonderfully textured beetroot and fennel meringue, then a lobster bisque with squid ink, theatrically poured at the table.

Beetroot fennel meringue Escapade Silverstone

More mocktails ensued, followed by a gorgeously comforting pearl barley risotto with mushrooms, then stone bass with sea herbs, which was seriously delicious and, for dessert, caramel chocolate mousse and confit quince, which was simply stunning and a work of art in itself.

The service is super attentive and friendly, but never rushed, which is definitely a good thing when you’re trying to digest seven courses, regardless of the size of the portions.

PILLOW TALK

Trackside residence Escapade Silverstone

Bookings for the one- to four- bedroom residences at Escapade have just gone live, so you can choose either a Trackside – overlooking the track – Countryside – looking onto the Whittlebury Wood – or Dual Aspect pad for an indulgent getaway, where everything has been carefully considered, from private parking with direct access to your residence, to where you’ll want to sit for the best view of the racing. There are well-equipped kitchens but I don’t think they’ll get a huge amount of use given what’s on offer at The Gallery – you can even order room service. Oh, and there’s the indoor heated swimming pool, gym, sauna and treatment rooms.

OUT & ABOUT

You’re already at the home of British motorsport, so no need to stray very far. The Drive Experiences are real bucket list territory so if you’re after something really special, why not book on a Festive Drive and Dine package (available from 3 to 17 Dec 2024) , where you’ll get to experience the thrill of the race track for yourself, followed by a two or three course lunch in the restaurant. Silverstone Museum is also on site, which is a brilliant day out for petrol heads, history geeks and budding engineers.

Further afield, there’s Evenley Wood Garden, a magical place for a stroll with a wood cabin cafe, Stowe Landscape Gardens and Sulgrave Manor and, of course, if you’re after some retail therapy, Bicester Village is just 30 minutes up the road.

DOG-FRIENDLY?

Unless your name’s Lewis Hamilton and you’re bringing Roscoe along to taste test the pigs in blankets, leave Fido at home for this one – service animals only.

ACCESSIBILITY

There’s accessible parking on site, as well as wheelchair-friendly residences and The Gallery is wheelchair accessible too, with a lift up to the roof terrace.

EV CHARGING?

Yes, there are six charging bays in the public parking as well as EV charging at each of the Residences.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

The damage: It’s not unreasonable, given the swish surroundings, with starters from £12 and mains from £19, though this will vary, as the menu changes seasonally. It might be the drinks where your wallet takes the biggest hit, though the cocktails are so good they’re probably worth the damage (around £17 a pop).

Good for: Motorsports fans, obviously. Food fans. That just about covers everyone doesn’t it? If you want to impress someone or celebrate a big milestone, we reckon this would really tick all the boxes.

Not for: If you really aren’t into cars or, in fact, actively dislike motorsports, give it a miss.

To book the Festive Dining or Festive Dine and Drive package at The Gallery, and to find out more visit their website here.

The Gallery, Escapade Silverstone, Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, NN12 8TN

Review: The Gallery at Escapade, Silverstone

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