Magnificent Downham Hall has a history that stretches back to the 1500s - this old country manor house belonged to wealthy families for many centuries before owners Christina and Andrew Metcalfe converted the old property into an elegant boutique hotel, complete with modern British restaurant to match.
The North Wing Restaurant itself is decked out in calm blue, and though the hardwood floors and wooden tabletops give it a relaxed, easygoing vibe, it still retains a touch of class thanks to period detailing, original fireplace and beautiful chandelier lighting.
The restaurant itself offers a whole host of menus, from breakfast seven days a week to set lunch, dinner a la carte, an afternoon tea menu and Sunday lunch menu, as well as children’s menus to keep the little ones happy. The kitchen goes to great lengths to use quality local produce and support nearby growers and suppliers, and that’s evident in the menu, which changes through the seasons to showcase produce when it’s at its very best. On the menu at the time of writing you’ll find Jerusalem artichoke veloute with truffle cream and brioche, local pheasant with salsify, chestnuts and kale, treacle-cured beef fillet with beef fat hash brown, shallot, peppercorn and watercress, and roast monkfish with fregola, mushroom, English sparkling wine and sea herbs.
Also popular at Downham Hall is the afternoon tea, available from Wednesday to Saturday. Served on a classic tiered stand, afternoon tea starts with a range of classic finger sandwiches as well as plain and fruit scones with Cornish clotted cream and Tiptree jam. The in-house patisserie team then lays on a bevy of pastry treats, all to be enjoyed with fine loose leaf teas, of course.
You can also book a table on Sunday lunch and enjoy a proper roast, complete with local vegetables, organic meat, Yorkshire puddings and roasties.