When we first arrived at Titchwell Manor, a delightful 27 room boutique country retreat offering fine dining, the greeting from the host was enough to warm the hearts of any weary traveller.
Greeted by the owner Margaret Snaith, she swiftly showed us to our room within the hotel gardens, delightfully named “The Potting Shed”. The room was generous in size with a king size bed and roll top bath in an open plan that mirrors the luxurious and restful feeling throughout the hotel.
There is also a generous walk-in shower room for those not inclined to soak away the city stress.
Having won a bundle of awards for the food, we were excited about dinner in the main restaurant. Starting with drinks and canapés in the decadently designed bar area, the nibbles certainly banished any fear of a drab meal ahead.
Lively, delicious and creative, these morsels typified the style of the meal to come. Later we were seated in the conservatory and the seven course Conversation Menu with paired wines seemed like the perfect way to spend an evening.
We could have eaten in the “Eating Rooms” which has a more relaxed atmosphere but for something as opulent as the Conversation Menu, the conservatory overlooking the gardens was the perfect setting.
Head chef, Eric Snaith described his reasons for venturing into the world of fine dining alongside offering a fully traditional menu throughout the rest of the dining areas, and his answers summed up what Titchwell Manor is all about.
The family wanted to create something that kept people coming back time and time again and this thread runs from the hotel grounds, the passion and local knowledge from the staff right the way through to the menu.
They wanted people to feel at home, and as such the classics are available, yet also there is a touch of class and experimentation which suits a large audience in the region. Only a short train journey from the capital, this is also a good London refuge, and the hotel certainly caters to the demands of a city crowd.
After such a sumptuous dinner, a brisk walk along the Norfolk coast, just a moment from the hotel, was the perfect way to blow off the cobwebs and work up an appetite for breakfast.
The beautiful setting made for a lovely retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life and for the animal lovers among us, Titchwell Manor is most certainly dog friendly, welcoming guests’ canine companions into both the hotel and rooms alike.
As a Friday night stop over, it was pretty special. We only wish we could have stayed all weekend.
If you liked this review of Titchwell Manor, read our guide to luxury hotels within an hour of London for your next weekend escape.
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