Restaurant Highlight

Resturaunt Highlight: Eyas Restaurant, The Falcon Hotel

“After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.” – G.M. Trevelyan

Hi there, my name’s Sophie, and I’m the illustrator of Continue the Voice. This month’s restaurant highlight is the Falcon Hotel in Castle Ashby, located a stone’s throw from my home in Northamptonshire, England. I wanted to feature this restaurant in particular because, with restrictions steadily lifting, I sampled the Eyas’ afternoon tea on my birthday. I was so impressed with the decor of the restaurant and the focus on nature and the outdoors. The Eyas is the Falcon Hotel’s restaurant, which boasts a lovely gourmet menu that can be enjoyed overlooking the gardens.

The Falcon was an old Coaching Inn built in 1594, which has been recently refurbished as a hotel, restaurant and retreat in the heart of Northamptonshire’s peaceful countryside. The bedrooms embody elements from the outdoors, using leather, wool, wood and stone making up the furniture. All the furniture is designed to be slightly off-centre, giving the impression of being collected over time. It gives the overall ambience a homely, comforting feel, ideal as a place to escape to, far from the buzz of city life. As part of the experience, guests can go outdoor swimming in the lake, explore nature trails or enjoy the Yoga Barn, for yoga, gong baths and massage treatments.

The Eyas restaurant is led by Chef Russel Bateman, working with suppliers and farmers from the Castle Ashby Estate, creating seasonal menus to nourish the guests during a retreat or relaxing evening out. Eyas does a wonderful Afternoon Tea which I sampled a few weeks ago. The food is served on three tiers; made up of exquisitely fine finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and an assortment of cakes. Everything has been thoroughly thought through, and every detail is to be explored. Included in the Afternoon Tea is the Lord Compton cake, made up of seven layers, each symbolising the seven generations of the Northamptonian Lord Compton family.

If you find yourself in need of a calming weekend away, why not explore the wellness activities and local food the Falcon has to offer. Visit their website at and follow them on instagram

By Sophie Freestone