The perfect antidote to modern life, Elderton Lodge is one of Norfolk’s most charming retreats.  A 200-year old former shooting lodge set in six acres of beautiful wooded grounds and overlooking the 800 acres of Deer Park affiliated with Gunton Hall, it is both off the beaten track and yet only some 30 minutes drive from the City of Norwich and even less from the North Norfolk coast.

 

 

Family-run and classically country house in style (in contrast to its City-cousin the St. Giles House Hotel, which is also run by owners Rachel and Pat Roofe), Elderton Lodge has 11 individually styled en-suite bedrooms and a 2 AA Rosette restaurant.

 

 

The rooms - all finished to a high standard - offer a combination of warm, comfortable furnishings with modern, high-quality amenities, enabling you to experience total departure from the day-to-day without having to sacrifice modern creature comforts. Some of the rooms enjoy spectacular views across the acres of parkland and there are two ground floor rooms, enabling access for wheelchair users.

 

 

Open to guests of the hotel and non-residents alike, The Langtry Restaurant is as elegantly appointed as its namesake - the celebrated Victorian beauty and mistress of the Prince of Wales, Lillie Langtry). Two members of our review team (‘T’ and ‘M’) stopped by recently to experience first-hand the delights of Elderton Lodge.

 

 

Arriving on a weekday lunchtime, our reviewers were welcomed in the main entrance by Hotel Manager, Jo, who asked if they would like a drink in the Bar before their meal. The Lounge and Bar at Elderton Lodge has undergone a recent refurbishment and is fashioned to lovingly evoke the atmosphere of a Country House drawing room.

 

 

The drinks arrived along with the seasonal Autumn Dining Menu (for lighter options, the Snack Menu was recommended). Our reviewers noted that the Autumn Dining Menu had a good selection for all tastes including a vegetarian choice for the starters and the main course. 

Dining in the Conservatory, T chose Chicken Liver Parfait to start and Deep Fried Fillet of Cod with Hand Cut Chips and Mushy Peas for the main course. M chose Tortilla Wrap with Prawns and Crayfish Tails from the Snack Menu and Passion Fruit and White Chocolate Pannacotta with Fruit Coulis for desert from the Autumn Dining Menu.

 

 

Our reviewers report that the meals, including the Snack Meals, were beautifully presented and were simply delicious.

To finish, T and M were offered the choice of taking coffee in the Conservatory or in the Bar. They opted to retire once more to the Bar.

 

 

Overall, our reviewers say that they found Elderton Lodge a very welcoming and friendly Hotel and Restaurant with a very calm ambience. The service was excellent and the menu was very good value at £12.50 for two courses and  £17.50 for three, including a complimentary glass of wine.  The set Dinner Menu is the same as at lunchtime during the week, but they both change at the weekend.

 

 

The Wine List was extensive and broken down into European and New World red, white and rosé. The ’House’ wine was available by glass and bottle and looked reasonably priced at around £15. Other wines averaged between £18 and £25 per bottle.

T and M concluded that their experience at the Langtry Restaurant was very pleasant and good value. They both agreed that if they were in the area again that they would lunch there.

In addition to the Conservatory (which looks out onto Gunton Deer Park and is usually dedicated to breakfast and lunches) you can also dine in the intimate, candle-lit Dining Room.

 

 

Our reviewers report should please Head Chef Daniel Savage whose philosophy is to use only the best local, seasonal produce to create a regularly changing menu that is both delicious and excellent value for money.

In fact, the emphasis on being warmly welcoming and value for money, while at the same time offering an above-average experience seems to be fundamental at this 3-star (both AA and EnjoyEngland.com) Country House Hotel. Elderton Lodge is ideal as a base for exploring the wider region or for a delightful lunch while out and about. Its impressive presence makes it a great destination for romantic getaways, while the space inside along with an adjacent stunning marquee make it fantastic for special celebrations, civil ceremonies or wedding receptions.

 

 

Elderton Lodge.

Gunton Park, Thorpe Market, Norfolk, NR11 8TZ.

Tel: 01263 833547.

Lunches are served between 12noon and 2.30pm.

Dinner is served between 6.30pm and 9pm daily.

Booking is advised wherever possible to avoid disappointment (particularly for Sunday lunch).

e: enquiries@eldertonlodge.co.uk

www.eldertonlodge.co.uk

 

*Try Elderton Lodge For Yourself*

WIN A Meal For Two At The Langtry Restaurant

Win a THREE COURSE LUNCH FOR TWO (including a complimentary glass of wine) Monday-Friday at Elderton Lodge.

To be in with a chance, simply email your name and address (with the subject 'Elderton Lodge') to contact@enjoynorthnorfolk.com.

Competition closing date Friday 31st October at 12Midnight (ooo spooky!). Winner will be selected by random and notified by email by Wednesday 5th November, after which time they may book in to enjoy their prize. Prize must be taken Monday-Friday. No cash alternative is available.

| EnjoyMent Privilege Cardholders (plus a guest) receive a FREE glass of champagne upon arrival when staying or dining at Elderton Lodge |