Lynford Hall Country House Hotel in Breckland

Food in bar ok but not brilliant. Young staff don't know what Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry is. Function food ok but service is late and chaotic.

Not a lot of choice on menu, and lacked any atmosphere, wouldn't say it was value for money, better places can be found locally

Eleven of us went for a Festive Christmas Lunch. We were seated not in the main restaurant but in a separate room with just the one round table meaning that there was absolutely no atmosphere. We asked for some Christmas music but the CD that was put on was so dreary we asked for it to be changed. There was a small, rather tired looking Christmas tree but no other decorations. The two members of our group who had the sea bass main course said it was fine. The rest of us who had the turkey found it to be very poor. The meat was dry and covered in thick gelatinous gravy, there were three (not too bad) roast potatoes, three Brussels sprouts (yes, really!), about eight rings of carrot and two slices of parsnip. The salmon starters were dry, and the desserts poor. It all felt as if it had been laying about for a while even though we were at our table by 12:30. The ladies on reception were also our waitresses so the service had a sort of hit and miss feel about it. At this time of the year when we look forward to enjoying special lunches with friends. This was very disappointing.

Set in Lynford Hall Hotel is this gem, we enjoyed our meals here immensely, my favourite was the sea bass dish, it was beautiful. And the prices are very good to, as is the hospitality of the staff, all perfect.

We visited Lynford Hall on Saturday 25th November for some lunch after a walk. We have visited for food on a few previous occasions and the food has always been a let down but we thought we would give it another try. I will start with the food ....... We ate in the bar. The food from the bar lunch menu seemed rather over-priced (a burger at £14.95) but of course the cost depends on the quality of the food. We ordered a sausage baguette and a bacon baguette which would be served with fries, salad and coleslaw. The baguette was a cheap white part-cooked thing you buy from the supermarket - which can barely be described as a proper baguette. The sausages again looked and tasted like a very cheap supermarket job. The salad was a garnish of lettuce leaf and bit of tomato. My partner said his bacon wasn't anything decent either. However the fries were good. I also ordered onion rings which looked fabulous when they arrived but were sadly tasteless and very greasy (i left these after a couple of bites). We ate up because we were so hungry and having been to this establishment for food several times in the past had resigned ourselves to the fact that this was the best we were going to get. I did stop at the coleslaw - this I actually spat out. Not only was it clearly a 'bought in in a large plastic tub' job but it was also clearly gone off. It tasted warm and eggy and just nasty. Being there was only a fork full of it in a small ramekin I didn't send it back for replacement but informed the waiter at the end of the meal. The barman/waiter did not ask us how our meal was. I might have told him had I thought it would make any difference. As others have commented re. the staff, he seemed like he didn't really want to be there. The only one other couple that were eating in the hotel that Saturday lunchtime had complained to him twice about their food and he just looked very blank (maybe he has gotten too used to this scenario). I did stop him to tell him that he should inform the chef to check the coleslaw as it was so bad. He did not apologise about it just walked off with our plates. When he returned there was no accompanying apology from the chef (had the barman even bothered to tell him?) Lynford Hall is such a beautiful location so badly let down by the food it serves. A place like this should be serving fresh bread, local meats, fresh salads, homemade coleslaw etc. NOT food that looks like its been picked up from some discount cash and carry. This fundamentely lets this place down and will stop people coming back. After our meal my partner said "We are never eating at this place again!" I think it says a lot that on a Saturday lunchtime this place was empty. A place like this should have a reception area filled with couches and buzzing with people by a roaring log fire taking afternoon tea. The bar should be buzzing with people who've come in for a drink and sandwiches after an autumnal walk or a shoot. There should be impeccably-trained staff taking care of everyone's needs - yet its dead. It is such a shame - a location with potential to offer a great country house weekend atmosphere - it needs to stop and take stock of itself.

We were on holiday in mundford and this was highly recommended and we were told we had to book, we researched the menu online and looking forward to a lovely night out with nice food and dressed for the occasion. when we got there it was empty, we got taken through to the restaurant and sat at a table next to a radiator that was blasting out heat (on one of the hottest September days) When we got menu's they said bar menu and we're not the same as we had seen, when we questioned why the reply was the chef is new and all that they could offer at that we apologised? And left. Ok if you turn up in a track suit for an over priced burger.

For a place which you have to drive too don't come here for a soft drink felt we had been robbed by Dick Turpin £2.80 for a coke ridicules those whom drive and go to a venue which one in the group is needed, thought I had misheard the bar man. Shear excessive profit is the name of the game here! Sadly could understand if offered 5 star but looking in need of refurb, sounds nice name however should have kept the metal to the floor, crown in mundford offers more realistic prices and looks after those whom are driving Ensure you have a twenty quid at the ready !!!!

Friendly service with a smile. We would recommend this historic room which contains comfortable furniture.

Six of us (four adults and two children) visited Lynford Hall Hotel for the Sunday lunch carvery. The hotel is surrounded by a park including an arboretum - ideal for a preprandial walk. The dining room is spacious with lovely views over the garden. One of our party opted for the salmon on the a la carte menu (which she described as excellent) and the rest enjoyed the carvery. Throughout our time at the hotel the staff were polite and went out of their way to be helpful. We will definitely return.

I visited the bar with a friend for a quick drink and a bite to eat. The bar was pleasant and offered some welcome comfort and warmth from the poor weather outside. The prices weren't cheap but hotel bars generally aren't. A pleasant location with added interest to TV location buffs like myself..

Oh dear oh dear. This Hotels restaurant came recommended and is a truly a delightful building with a Certificate of Excellence sticker in the entrance hall, however, as a party of three we waited 45 minutes from being seated for three main meals and only received these following a complaint to the Receptionist. Three meals eventually arrived. The first was not as ordered having vegetables instead of salary and the scallops were barely warm let alone seared without butter, the second had only partially cooked potatoes, solid to the core and my own steak was rare rather than medium as ordered, however, having waited so long, I couldn't wait further. The reason for the delay provided was suggested as a large party in another part of the Hotel....we counted only seven cars in their car parks...humm! In fairness, we were not charged for the meal containing the under cooked potatoes and we were advised that the kitchen had been made aware of your disappointment..again humm! Not what we had hoped for nor expected sadly.

Today i took my Family (who i havent seen in a year who had travelled up from Eastbourne) to Lynford Hall for a pre booked High Tea. We were shown into the dark dingy bar with Radio 2 blaring out. A table cloth and cutlery then appeared. We were asked tea of coffee, not what tea's or coffee's were available. Tea arrived, no bone china. A grey slate appeared with cheap white bread sandwhich's which were filled with old ropey chicken, salami, dry ham and a mushy mixture of tinned tuna and olives. All the sandwhich's were pilled on top of one another in a jumble. Not asked what sandwhich's would we like, any allergies, likes or dislikes etc. Next to the sandwhich's on the board where the smallest Mr Kipling sponge fingers had been cut into three square with an extra bit, dried out chocolate sponge fingers (which no one ate), the scones were ok but the cream was in the smallest pot in the world with two teaspoons of cream which was warm and runny. Same size pot of cheap jam. This was for four scones!!! I did ask for a cheese sandwich. Three fingers of a cheese sandwhich was brought considerably some time later. I was expecting to be seated I the restaurant over looking the gardens, table already laid, bone china, customer service and a High tea! I would not recommend going here waste of money and time. I have had some very good fun experiences having an afternoon tea and this was the worst ever

Living locally, visited this place a few times for occasions such as birthdays , anniversaries etc. Have always been greeted by friendly staff and made to feel welcome. Menu is great and something to suit everyone, overall great food and atmosphere.

A fantastic setting with amazing views of the gorgeous gardens. We had lunch on the terrace which would have been ideal if the food had not been so bland and uninspiring. it was good value I suppose and it will be good for children, but the food did not live up to the setting

My Valentines Anniversary day disappointment at Lynford Hall. To say the least, this was the worst anniversary I have ever had in 33 years of marriage. My husband had paid £230 for a suite for our special evening which included meals entertainment and an overnight stay. Upon arrival I discovered to my horror that our suite was on the top floor with no lift. My knees are still sore now, nearly 2 weeks after. The room was uncomfortably cold as the radiators were not even warm. We were told the dinner would start at 7 pm, we came down at 6.50 pm and were told to settle at the bar for a few minutes to be seated for a table. At 7.45 pm (nearly an hour later) we were seated. I had to keep my coat on as I was still cold and so was the dining area throughout the meal. The service was horrendous , only 3 waiters for 30 couples and they carried only 2 meals at a time to each table. I was a waitress for over 40 years, has the hotel never heard of service trays to supply an entire table in one trip? Now for the meal, you certainly would not have had a chance of getting fat or even full on it. Needless to say my Husband and I will not be attending any more special days or regular days at Lynford Hall and will be advising our friends of the poor service we received.

A Christmas tea was advertised which we thought would finish off a nice pre Christmas family weekend. There was one sandwich each, when we asked for more we were told that was it. The mulled wine failed to appear and the tea in the teapot was cold. We did complain and were told we should have had 4 sandwiches each and wine, they did reduce the price but on the other hand we had less. We will not be returning.

I do like a little character in a building and lynford definitely has that. the service was great and the food was good too. I recommend this as a place to visit in our home area that's one of the norm.

Our 35 wedding anniversary and I wanted a special evening. We live 25 miles away and have heard that Lynford Hall was worth visiting. The building was wonderful, the decor a joke and the food a typical example of lazy uk catering. We could eat it but only just, I would not if I had not been hungry. For some extraordinary reason the dinning room had badly painted portraits of our ex prime ministers around it, enough to put any off their food.The owner of Lynford Hall is missing a wonderful opportunity, it could be another Hintlesham Hall but it is a joke. They may do wedings well but their attempt to run a restaurant is just sad.On our way out we noticed in the hall a large splendid display cupboard with a splendid collection of miniature sprit bottles next to bottles of Head and Shoulders shampoo. How we laughed. So, James the owner, we won't be coming back and we would not recommend you hotel to anyone.

Pop in here about 4 times a year. Each time for a snack lunch after bird watching. Each time food inconsistent. Asked for granary bread sandwich, got sliced cheap wholemeal. Chips had a fishy taste. No feeling of over delivery of expectation. Was told there is a new intention to invest money in the hotel. Well get a new chef! Sandwich very boring and average. Groundsman cutting grass with a hand mower! Poor man looked exhausted. Acres of lawn - need a sit on and ride.Beautiful location should be a destination venue. The cheap plastic canopy is a real put off over the banqueting suite. Hotel very lost in what it is trying to be.

I booked high tea for 4 at a cost of £18 per person. The setting of the hotel is beautiful and such a shame that the building and it's gardens are not well cared for. The staff are friendly and helpful however the main reason I am writing this review is to highlight the average high tea. For the price I would expect a higher standard. Everything was edible but we all left underwhelmed and disappointed. I hope investment is made as Lynford Hall really could be something special.

Very disappointed with our recent wedding reception we attended. This place has sp much potential, and is a shame there is obviously no investment happening here, so it all looks tired and grubby. This needs someone to buy this hotel, redo all the decor, add a spa, and out would be a luxury special venue. Unfortunatly, it's all run on the cheap seemingly, from service and raining od the staff, professionalism, ambience-there is none, food and untimely accommodation. For these reasons out is beer over priced and left us very disappointed. Staff were also drinking alcohol being the bar, and were seemingly joining in the fun, rather than managing it! Come on lynford hall, get your cheque book out!

I stayed here recently for a work trip and overall the experience was good. Some of our party received massive suites and others of us received rooms in the courtyard. The courtyard rooms were perfectly clean and well equipped, however the walls between them were paper thin to the extent that I could hear my colleague's phone calls and sneezing in the night. Also the mattresses were quite thin so it felt as if you were almost sleeping on the bed base. Those sleeping in the main house had no complaints at all.Breakfast was excellent, with help-yourself access to the Nespresso machine. Check out the paintings of former Prime Ministers in the breakfast room - hysterical!

Great location and feels very grand. The bar is very dark and lacks the warm feel that would help. The food is acceptable but does not do anything special the staff are very helpful. But the experience doesn't live up to the grand location.

We purchased a Groupon deal for an Afternoon Cream Tea for Two...Was very nice, however the Cream Tea portion size was a little small it was more like a Cream Tea for one! But we still had a nice time walking around the gardens...Worth a visit!

Having read some of the reviews after already having booked this for a treat for my partner's birthday, we were a little concerned. We did not need to be. We had a nice amount of time before the table was booked to have a wander around house and grounds. The people who complain about the state of it must be either going round a different building or weighing it against somewhere like the Georges V in Paris! Yes, there are parts that are tired, and need some work, but in general the public are fine, especially considering the price of meals here. The building itself is a fine and quite large early Victorian Jacobean Revival - the formal gardens, lake etc are beautiful. With regard to the meal - as I say we had a carvery and certainly cannot fault the meat and accompaniments. I had a strater described as "bacon and cheese skins" though in fact there was only one - however, this was delicious, plenty for a starter, and served with a well presented salad ont he side - which included pea shoots which is one of my favourites. Puddings do let them down, I think - partner's chocolate pot had to be returned as it was so set as to be solid and would have required a pick-axe to get into it - he had the chocolate sponge with sauce instead, which was nice. I had sticky toffee pudding which was lovely, but it wasn't a properly made sticky toffee pudding - not as rich as I would expect, although in actual fact this was fine on this particular day as I was rather full!! The house red (Merlot) and white (Pino Grigio) were both delicious. Whole bill was £55, which was good value. Service (contrary to some reviews)was good, and all done with smiles! Will definitely be back. One final comment - I was slightly put off when we entered the drive by the rogue apostrophe in the hotel sign stating that it "welcome's you" [sic]!

If i wanted to pay nearly five pounds for a so called pint i would go to a nightclub. Food was okay but the staff need to learn to smile.I would never go again.The place needs to be thoroughly cleaned and decorated as very shabby and not in a good way

We stayed here for one night with a Groupon deal. Our room was upgraded to a suite with views over the garden. The staff were very welcoming and overall the hotel is very clean albeit some parts need some TLC. Our deal included a 2 course dinner and did wonder if there would be a different menu but we were pleasantly surprised to be offered their normal menu and the food was very good and breakfast was good and plentiful. The hotel is set in a tranquil part of the forest.

They couldn't find our booking for a start, but they put us in the bar. Staff were in smart black and white, manager in jeans!!!! Afternoon tea for 2 was served in the bar. 2 types of sandwiches, 2 slices of cake and scones with jam and a light foamy type cream. This was served with tea or 1 small cup of coffee and a glass of Prosecco each. I am glad it was paid for by a Groupon and was not full price. Didn't find it very friendly and nobody check if everything was OK. Manage sat at the bar.

We had not been to this venue before and went for tea on a Groupon deal. The Hall is in a lovely setting and is being renovated. When completed the entrance should be more attractive. Staff were pleasant and we had tea in the large dining room (... with paintings of ex politicians!) which overlooked the gardens and lake. It appears that you are in the middle of nowhere. Tea was fine - finger sandwiches, scones and cake. You can choose types of tea or coffee. Compared to other afternoon teas it lacked a little finesse probably due to the more catering type of crockery with a poorly fitting teapot lid! We had also opted for the prosecco which is always good. There were a few other customers which made the vast room less 'isolating'. Good value at the deal price.

I chose a walk in Thetford Forest that ended at lunch time near Lynford Hall, which I was made aware of by the Michael Portillo tv railway series. We had not booked ahead but a very helpful member of staff checked and found there was room for 2 more. The service and lunch were excellentThe building is a beautiful old pile which is NOT steel and glass pristine ..... but that was the charm for me. Its an oasis of peace and tranquillity set in acres of lovely woodland which was very pleasant in February so I feel sure another visit in spring / summer is on the cards.

We went here on a groupon afternoon tea offer with my parents and children. We went for a walk at the arboretum before hand. We were disappointed that the afternoon tea was served in the dingy bar, with views over the car park and Kiss fm blaring. On exploring the venue, we found that the billard room was empty, and had a lovely view of the gardens, why couldn't afternoon tea be served there? The sandwiches were a bit disappointing, the scones were freshly baked and very good. The cake was a shop bought muffin or coffee and walnut cake. The staff were very accomodating of my children and friendly - but it was the venue which was the big let down and left us disappointed. Although we got a groupon deal, if it had been a good experience we would go again full price and recommend to friends, as thetford is a good half way stop for us when travelling. However it felt a bit that we were given a cut price experience.

What a stunning venue.Was visiting family nearby and required a room for the five of us.This place is set in its own estate with beautiful grounds and stunning architecture. We were upgraded to a suite as its not a busy time of year for them after the wedding season has passed.you should book to stay here just to relax as the staff really look after you . Emma is so lovely. Chances are it's Emma who you'll speak to when you book.I need to mention the stunning breakfast, the chef knows how to cook a full english without it swimmimg in oil . In fact all the staff are fab.This is a well run,grand old getaway,with lovely grounds, great staff & super food that will leave you re-charged.Don't hesitate......book, you'll be looked after.We look forward to returning soon.

On my quest for the perfect afternoon tea, I took my Mum and daughter to this hotel on a Saturday afternoon. They were having a Breast Cancer Awareness afternoon tea at 4 and the room was set up all in pink. We did feel we had gate crashed slightly. We were the only ones in the room, which was quite nice in a way. The staff were friendly, the food was ok, I didn't like the strawberry cake it was very sickly. The tea wasn't leaf tea but drinkable. I may go back again but not for afternoon tea

great venue for a wedding ,super food lovely grounds to have pictures taken in .can be a bit costly .

Called in on spec for lunch yesterday.It becomes obvious quickly that both gardens and hotel require major restoration.First impression was Marie Celeste! until a lovely receptionist greeted us and, in fact, looked after us throughout - talk about multi-tasking! She was the only member of staff we saw.Food okay.Toilets left a lot to be desired re cleanliness, poor quality soap and baby changing mat had seen better days.Probably won't return.

I have been here several times and depending on the event the quality and size of the meals varies greatly. The Sunday roasts are quite good and they cater very well for vegetarians. The lunches have also been good however they appear to only do them now if they have an event on so it's worth contacting them before you go to ensure they have a chef. A pity as they were quite good value. The cream teas were disappointing, no clotted cream just double cream and the tea was cold. I would not order one again. The Christmas event was very diapointing. There was not enough and the vegetables were not cooked, I don't like my vegetables over done but they were hard. The staff are always very friendly and helpfull.