Dessert Diaries with Nicola: Eton Mess

In today’s issue of Dessert Diaries with Nicola, I’m sharing my thoughts on an Eton Mess with a twist, part of the new spring menu at Oxford’s hottest hotel.

The Store Hotel’s restaurant; The Treadwell, recently launched their new menu. Upon a recent visit for their Sunday Roast, I could not resist trying their ‘Eton Mess’. Unlike the traditional version that we all know and love, their take involved white chocolate panna cotta, freeze-dried strawberry meringue & marinated strawberries.

Well-balanced and surprisingly light

Honestly, this worked very well. Not only was it creative, but having a panna cotta as an alternative to the classic cream element added a whole new level to the flavour and texture. This also made the dish a lot lighter and it was not as sweet as I expected it to be.

It was giving a real summer vibe which was all I needed!

I can’t remember the last time I had a panna cotta and this reminded me of how good they can be. Typically it’s not my go-to dessert choice, but this experience has made me think I might need to bring it back up the list.

Overall, this Eton Mess hit the spot! A creative take on a classic.

Having already visited The Store a few times, I can definitely say that I will be going back. I am quite tempted by their new spring menu. The ‘Kimchi & cheese croquettes, sesame, ponzu mayonnaise’ and ‘The Store’s steak tagliata, rocket, parmesan, chimichurri, roasted shallot, black garlic dressing, garlic bread’ sound incredible. I’ll report back if I try them, and let us know if you’ve been recently and what you thought!