Taste @ Strattons in Breckland

My husband and I recently celebrated belatedly our Golden Wedding Anniversary with High Tea at Co Coes, Strattons. The High Tea was delicious and very well presented. The ambience of Co Coes was just great for a small gathering and the staff were very attentive and so helpful. All in all it was a lovely memorable occasion.

It was a shame it was in the cafe with bright lights, not the best atmosphere. We had sticky sausages to start with, which were delicious. I had the pork belly which was 5 star and everything on the plate was so tasty. However, my partner had the paella which stated, it had monkfish, chorizo, chicken and prawns in. The serving was so small and it had TWO pieces of chorizo in, TWO prawns, tiny piece of monkfish and small amount of chicken. He was so hungry after this pathetic portion, he decided to order a cheese course, which was good. We then ordered the frangipane blueberry tart which again was so small, just a tiny square, it was only a taster. I thought you would at least get a triangle shape piece of tart. Very disappointing considering the cost overall.

Absolutely delicious meal. Nice atmosphere. Excellent service. Perfectly cooked lamb rump. Would definitely return.

We arrived at Strattons for afternoon tea. We were promptly taken to our table, and we received our tea and coffee within 5 minutes. The afternoon tea itself was delicious, and our only fault was that our son who required a wheelchair found it difficult in terms of mobility, and had to walk. Overall though, a good experience.

Dined at the restaurant in Strattons Hotel that is now known as 'After Five', all very confusing. No real atmosphere, could do with some sort of design influence as feels a bit like a cafe, poor acoustics, nice fire! Starters and snacks were quite good - humus (too thick, little flavour), quails scotch eggs delicious, a real winner, pea fritter ok, ham hock ok. Mains - ox tail stew was tasty but could have done with some green veg like kale as there was none so didn't look very appetising. Fish of the day (cod) tasted like it was from frozen, so much for crispy skin, sauce was on top so no. Veg of kale was cold. Crispy potatoes weren't crispy. Service was good and friendly. They genuinely wanted to know if we enjoyed the meal so this will not be a surprise. Hope they take onboard comments from everyone. We have come to Strattons over the years, kitchen has changed many times so I'm still hopeful for improvement this time!

I enjoyed a beautiful light meal in the After Five restaurant. For starters I had a small salmon cake with corn purée and some little drops of chilli jam. 👌 Then so pleased I could order a plateful of steamed greens- just plain, just lovely! I had these with a pepper stuffed with artichokes & topped with grilled halloumi. The food was a real treat of beautiful flavours. I sat by the toasty open fire and chatted to the lovely staff-what more could I want? You can see right through to the kitchen and great to see a super team working calmly, happily & efficiently. Highly recommend the whole experience if you’ve not been yet.

We had dinner in the restaurant at the hotel on both evenings. The restaurant is in the basement and decorated simply. Menu was lovely and offered a great selection - being there 2 nights in a row, meant we were able to sample a lot of the dishes. Staff are wonderful and we just had a great dining experience there.

Stratton’s is in a league of its own. The food is exciting, fresh and delicious. As a foodie it is so nice to go to a beautiful restaurant that has something different on the menu and not the usual offerings. We enjoyed the set menu which was exceptionally good value for the high quality of the food served. The service is friendly, attentive and professional - I felt very comfortable and well looked after. The décor of the restaurant itself is artsy and there are unique touches throughout the building! I love this restaurant so much I have already booked to go again!

Went to this restaurant as part of Norfolk Restaurant Week and had heard very good things so was super excited Was hard to find but when we did it was a lovely welcome from the staff.....we were seated Immediately as we were late through not finding the venue.....menu looked very appetising!!! Served bread which was lovely....me being an Irish man love my bread and butter....asked if we could have a bit more (perfectly happy to pay extra which I said) to be told that the chef had only made enough that day for one roll per person and no extras were available.....ironically 5 minutes later the table next to us asked for some more bread but got the same answer Food was fabulous and an incredibly high standard.....in truth the starter portions were rather small for an adult....I fully appreciate fine dining but there wasn't much on the plate....at that point kind of had that sinking feeling!!! Luckily though even though the next 2 courses were not the biggest - they did the job of filling us up in a pleasant way and all three course were very good food - good service apart from waiting 55 minutes for our desserts but in total fairness to the manager and the staff they were extremely apologetic and even went so far as to only charge us for 2 courses instead of 3!! Which was not my intention but a very nice touch!! Also very helpful and polite.....explained to us that there was another promotion in January -- food was excellent and would definitely have been 5 stars if it wasn't for the bread and maybe slightly more on the starter....yes there was a delay but it was dealt with perfectly - looking forward to hopefully dining their again with friends soon

Beautiful grounds and attentive staff along with good food, we had the themed afternoon tea with Prosecco. All items were hand made and the staff were lovely and attentive. Quirky interior, beautiful grounds and lovely food made for a lovely afternoon.

My partner & I booked a table having heard good things about Strattons but although being relatively local never having visited. We were greeted by a friendly face and told that we could choose where to sit (always a bonus I feel). We picked a lovely table for 2 in the corner by the fireplace. The ambience and feel was top notch as was the service and food. We had the full 3 courses and shared each dish..not one of which disappointed either of us! Our starters of the salmon & the chicken were a perfect size and both very tasty.My partner had the lamb main course which was melt in the mouth. I had the quail and especially liked the ragu part of the dish. Deserts were a very perfect end to the meal, cherry & cinnamon blondie for me & dark chocolate & rose torte for my other half. If you want a intimate,friendly dining experience in a unique setting then please visit as you wont be disappointed!

Our WI group, of 15 members, had our annual celebration meal out at Strattons Restaurant. Our table in a private room was a perfect size for socialising, the food delicious and the service friendly and efficient. As each course appeared, there was a chorus of "oooh, yum"s around the table ! Really good value for money with the midweek deal.

We hadn't been here since a few years (last time we came menu was more expensive 'pub grub') so were very pleasantly surprised by our experience and will certainly be back... regularly! Mid-week restaurant was very quiet, somewhat laking in atmosphere but the food and service made up for it. Although it is semi basement, restaurant is still very light. Table settings with linen table cloths & napkins, water brought to the table immediately as well as a bread basket and butter, delicious little round soft doughy rolls, we asked for more which they brought willingly. Our chosen starters - ham hock (elegantly presented, generous portion size, good garnishes including homemade mayonnaise) and cured salmon (delicious but portion a little small, could have done with more caper & shallot buttermilk dressing). Mains - we both had the lamb which was cooked to perfection, pink and succulent! I had mentioned that I don't like 'whole' anchovies if it was served this way (which it was), so mine was automatically brought without. Lovely contrast with textures by serving the lamb rump with a crispy croquette on a bed of diced spring green vegetables which included baby broad beans (whole of course!) and tiny charred onions. Presentation of all dishes was beautiful, lovely colours, very appealing to the eye all delivered on taste with fresh seasonal flavours. Typically if we have a dessert, we usually opt for cheese but on this occasion it was so good we wanted to try the sweet dessert. Ice chocolate torte and the frangipane tart served with a small shot glass of rich tart lemon posset which felt like an extra treat on the plate! Wine menu is good and fairly priced. Service is not automatically added to the bill so when I did, our waitress seemed genuinely appreciative. Only comments - please turn off the music, not needed and put candles on the tables / add ambient lighting as the overhead lighting was too bright. Hats off to the chef!

Visited for my partners birthday, we were both looking forward to our evening at Stratton’s but left feeling a little disappointed. It was a cold snowy evening so we were looking forward to warming up in the restaurant. On arrival no one was there to greet us which surprised us particularly as the weather outside was so bad. We were able to choose our table as the restaurant was empty due to cancellations, only one other table of two all evening. Disappointed that despite arriving and being seated before the other table we didn’t have our drinks or food orders taken until after them. The food was lovely, could not be faulted...all three courses and nibbles were great. Although this was to be expected as we were paying premium prices. I particularly enjoyed my mackerel starter, this was superb and I recommend it highly. I think we would’ve enjoyed our evening more had there been a few more diners and possibly if the restaurant was warmer. Instead the evening felt cold and with no atmosphere not enjoyable. Maybe they would’ve been better to close for the evening.

Decided to go out for a birthday meal. Were informed by neighbours of Strattons' January offer: Two courses for £15 or three courses for £20. We went for the three courses and were not disappointed. Solid higher end cooking, professional / friendly service and a lovely intimate atmosphere. Enjoyed the tasteful, understated decor with the open log fire. This is a great find tucked away, out of sight at the end of Ash Close. Would certainly recommend taking advantage of the January offer. However, that said, we will returning to this hidden gem.

Visited this hotel for afternoon tea. Overall the experience was good. However, having pre-ordered for vegetarians, it was extremely disappointing that most savoury items weren't suitable. More disappointing still was the lack of response from the hotel when I fed this back after our visit. It's not inexpensive so as a vegetarian I felt very short changed. All that said, if there are no vegetarians in your party, then a lovely afternoon tea experience.

Went here for a lovely meal during Norfolk Restaurant Week Promotion, the food is very good quality and nicely presented

We stayed in Strattons whilst in the area on business and after a long day needed a relaxed drink and dinner. we found it here. good menu range, nice starters, ham hock and roasted mackerel for our starters then both had chicken which was very well cooked and presented. wine list was good value and had a good range for every pocket. the place to eat in this town.

We stayed here for 3 nights and ate in the restaurant twice. Food was good and nicely presented. A good selection for vegetarians although the risotto was over cooked. Wine list is good. Only real gripe is that we could not get sparkling water which was bizarre.

Great little cafe next to the Strattons Hotel, lovely home cooked food. Fabulous selection of salads and the Homemade pork buy was delicious

Visité el hotel strattons específicamente para el restaurante durante el fin de semana. Un destaque de otros restaurantes en la zona. Su menú es sencillo, pero ejecutada con precisión y cuidado.

Siempre nos sorprende que esto continúa con. Nos dimos otra visita, pero de nuevo, la comida estaba mal cocinada, el servicio era hosco y en general nos quedamos preguntándonos por qué habíamos pagado sus precios. Ven aquí si quieres decir que has estado pero hay sitios mucho mejor valorados alrededor.

Mi esposa y yo nos alojamos en Strattons y estaban felices de ser una reserva para la cena en el restaurante. Nos sentamos en el "lounge" para bebidas y comprobar prandial confrontado por un enorme menú de cócteles, desde que mi esposa seleccionado uno. Yo quería una cerveza, pero el único ofrecimiento fue embotellada, descrito como si fuera un vino añejo. No fue genial.

Muy sorprendido por el exterior de este tesoro escondido en una ciudad tan sencillas. . . Qué oasis! Visitamos durante la noche. El personal es amable y servicial y capaz de hablar a través de los menús. Un montón de opciones en el menú de entrantes y de postres. . En el menú de pollo. perdido en la sección principales. . . Quizás la próxima vez. Sirve en buen tiempo, muy buen tamaño de porciones. Todo cocinado bien y muy sabroso. Sin duda lo recomendaría a cualquiera. . . . No es el más barato, pero vale la pena. Sin duda visitar.

We went to Strattons on the Saturday before Valentines, which they had decided was Valentines' night as far as they were concerned. This meant a fixed price menu, at £45 per head, wine extra. Two sittings were offered - at 6.30 and 8.00. We took the later one in order not to feel rushed. From one's first sight of the hotel one is greeted by exotic and unexpected decoration - metalwork pheasants frisk at the entrance, and the entrance hall is cluttered with various amusing items. The impression is not ironic, more that the owners feel they have an eye for the quirky, and acquire stuff but discard nothing. One can imagine the place filling up with entertaining clutter in the years ahead. The dining rooms are similarly exuberantly decorated. However, even if the decor makes your eyeballs ache, the food is genuinely very very good. Their website explains the lengths they go to in order to source local ingredients of the highest quality. We were told the menu always offers options of meat, fish or vegetarian. The twice baked haddock souffle with horseradish cream and rocket was absolutely delicious, as was the pan-fried Sea Bass that followed. Vegetables were precisely cooked and well chosen, and the service was friendly if slightly over-attentive. I think it is a mistake to repeatedly interrupt a table to ask if everything is satisfactory even if on each of the three occasions the enquiry is preceded by an apology for the interruption. The wine list is oddly wide ranging, with a larger number of expensive bottles than I imagine the local market would bear. The dessert menu included a cheese board with three cheeses, and there was a Sundae described as including Baileys Irish Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Honeycomb. I had assumed that honeycomb meant something made by bees, in fact, on this occasion, it meant some lumps of what one finds in a Crunchy. Perfectly nice, but unexpected!The only point at which anything was less than very good was the coffee, which was a wan grey brown watery concoction, though served in a very nice cafetiere. When I asked if I could have some more coffee added the very charming waitress instead brought another freshly made pot, which was better than the first, if only slightly. An enjoyable evening was had by all, and I think Swaffham is very lucky to have such good food on offer. I shall definitely visit again.

Staying at Strattons so had dinner the night we arrived. Drinks in the upstairs bar area in front of the fire while we checked the menu. Started with Pan Fried Mackerel and Smoked Haddock Souffle - both really good; well cooked and nicely presented. Main course was Salmon & Leek Veloute, and the Slow Cooked Brisket of Beef - both beautifully cooked and sizeable portions. It was Irish Coffees and cookies for desert - great finish to the meal! Good wine list and found a very good 2010 Burgundy in the bin-end listing - not inexpensive - but a good wine that worked well with our spread of dishes. Recommended.

Nice dinner - tasty and everything well cooked - a more sophisticated dining experience. Liked the more quirky style décor but maybe expected it to feel a little more special but enjoyed very much and would recommend the restaurant or hotel on that basis. IPA on menu not available which was disappointing given it is currently in fashion.

we always eat from the Strattons restaurant when we stay at the hotel and the food never ever lets us down. Well worth a visit with family and friends or a ramonatic meal for couples.

The food was delicious but the staff were miserable and the atmosphere was more than chilly, the young staff openly and within earshot discussed how they were planning to leave their employment due to their treatment by the owners/ managers, very off putting and put a downer on what should have been a great night out with friends!

My girlfriend and have been to Strattons on two occasions now and both have been really fantastic, the atmosphere is just lovely, staff are friendly and wanting to help and the food is tastie yet not pretentious, thoroughly enjoyable.

Read so much about Strattons over the years yet never found an excuse to visit. It's halfway between us and friends so we booked a table for dinner and set off.I know Swaffham, but had never noticed the narrow entrance to what is an enchanting place. The garden, reception and dining room set the scene for an awesome meal.Great food, great service and not stupidly expensive either. We will be back!

We booked afternoon tea for a treat for my Mum's 90th and it proved to be an excellent choice. The afternoon tea is served in a lounge by reception. The hotel is wonderful - very quirky and colourful with a relaxed vibe, with friendly, efficient and knowledgable service. The afternoon tea was delicious - very tasty sandwiches - my particular favourite of salmon and cream cheese. Some wonderful warm scones and very enjoyable cakes - decorated beautifully and the beetroot brownie being particularly delicious. It was a lovely memorable experience and we hope to stay at the hotel at some time in the not so distant future.

We've eaten here before and it's a hidden gem. The food is absolutely delicious – tian of cromer crab to start, then salmon and then a board of local cheeses. The wine list is great too, with some really quite interesting choices. And the ambience is always splendid. Sometimes the service can be a little stretched, but you always feel comfortable and very, very welcome.

The hotel is smart and stylish with an idyllic garden frontage.The restaurant is pretty low key. Service was slightly hit and miss. The food was excellent in parts.There's a good wine list but very limited choice by the glass.

My partner and I came here on Sunday evening, the first day of a week-long holiday staying in a nearby village. We intended to eat at the village pub but they didn't serve evening meals - so we started from a position of being grateful to be able to eat anything at all. My mother who recommended it had called ahead and booked us a table, though there were only a handful of other diners so she needn't have bothered. We studied the menu in a sitting room area, with a decent Negroni and a non-alcoholic cocktail from a decent list. We went through to the restaurant, I chose the 18-hour belly pork which had a good slab of crackling on it and was served with baby vegetables, my partner had beef and lamb meatballs which she was really happy with, though the portion was large enough that I had to help. We split a great chocolate tarte dessert and I had a glass of an interesting New Zealand dessert wine with it. The bill was £62 which I thought was a bargain (though I'm used to London prices), all the staff were friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and confident in guiding us with recommendations. I didn't have cash and wasn't given an opportunity to add a tip when paying by credit card, so I felt going to the effort of a TripAdvisor review was the least I could do to say thank you for feeding us when we were hungry, and for getting our holiday off to a great start!

We were booked to have lunch in the bar/lounge to accommodate Dougal (Labrador) but the weather was so nice that we asked to eat in the garden. The staff could not have been more obliging. A good sized table for the six of us and a large umbrella for shade. Service was excellent throughout including a bowl of water for Dougal. We enjoyed starters and our main courses including smoked haddock tart with a rich tomato sauce, roast brisket and slow roast pork. The piece de resistance was definitely the puddings. I wish we'd had more room for them! We managed one pudding, a cheese board and petit fours between us. I think the food was good value given the quality but the wine was more expensive. By sticking to the house wine, the bill worked out at £45 per head. The quality of the food justified the price. The setting is super - an old house with a formal garden just tucked away behind the marketplace. A very pleasant lunch.

Nice room, comfy bed, good views of the garden, excellent breakfast, very pleasant and attentive staff

We were taken here by friends on a recent visit to this part of the world.Firstly the decor of the hotel is bizarre. I do note that it markets itself as a 'boutique' hotel, but it was like nothing I have ever seen, or want to see again. Thankfully the restaurant was a lot more subdued.We were kept waiting a fairly long time for drinks and menus by the staff in the lounge area by the hotel reception. Firstly the overall impression was that there was nobody of a senior level in charge. Were taken down to the 'Rustic' restaurant. 'Rustic' evidently refers to the brickwork not the food. Well that is the blurb!Starters were fine of local asparagus with poached egg. When I go out to eat I want to be amazed and excited by the menu. When the only main that I fancied was brisket of beef then I am going to leave at best uninspired. It was fine but I would use the term 'rustic' to describe it in the presentation and the flavour. It was OK pub food.The selection of Norfolk cheeses were very good. But you only have to choose those not cook them. One of our party asked if there was any chance of custard with his dessert. Now bearing in mind this was a midweek evening at the end of service it would not have stretched a chef to do this. It was not possible according to the kitchen who were standing around when you looked in chatting.To be kind it was value for money, just. Was the service good, no. Did they go that extra mile for the customer, not a chance.You are a bit limited in Swaffham I am told with places to eat but this is no excuse for not in my view getting the basics right.Am qualified to judge?, I do own a two AA Rosette restaurant not in the area so maybe I have a valid opinion. If I did open in the area I suspect I could clean up!To be constructive get an experienced Front of House person to move the service to the correct level. Tell the kitchen that they are there to serve the customer. Get the menu from basic pub food to something that resembles the 2000's.The decor in the hotel reception, I know it is a personal issue but it does need a radical rethink.

Very quircky hotel but very friendly staff. Each bedroom has its own character but very comfy beds and very clean.

Spent a Saturday evening in the restaurant joined by my mother and sister for an intriguing food experience. The table had been booked in advance with the restaurant being informed one of the party has an allergy to yeast. Interestingly, when we had arrived and been seated the waitress fetched the table some bread rolls and butter informing us that enough bread rolls had been supplied for two minus the participant with an allergy to yeast. They missed an opportunity here.Two of the party are vegetarians and I was pleased to hear they felt the choices on the menu for vegetarians were above average in quantity and speciality.I opted for the hot cured salmon with treacle bread and cocoa butter to start. I don't exactly remember the fine details of the menus elaborate description only that I was drawn to the combination of sweet fishyness. It was a mistake. The salmon was super oily and salty, combined with the sugary bread and sweet butter I struggled to finish but I had noticed the table opposite hoofed theirs down so, maybe I am a little precious. We didn't hang around long between servings which could easily have been the case as the restaurant was pleasantly busy. My main course had the same oily leeks from the first course piled on top of a dollop of mashed potatoes with cream and mussels, I believe I remember there being a chewy steak of fish on top. In the menu the New of New Potatoes had been consideratly crossed out - not an issue for me as a potato is a 'patarto' is a root growing vegetable and appreciated all the same. Can I assume this menu has been used since April last year?I couldn't manage a sweet off the menu as the portions are large although I would not say good value not because the ingredients were poor but, rather the treatment the ingredients had gone through in the kitchen made the dishes less of a pleasure and more an odd surprise - a side salad had a lashing of curry vinegar. My sister did, however, manage a parfait reporting it to be in good order for her expectations. I had a coffe. A filter coffee. The restaurant only has filter coffee and I was disappointed. I sense it might be poor taste to down a latte after dinner. Overall we had a great time, the food was average, the restaurant looks great and it's cosily comfortable to sit in, service was good and I would give the restaurant another try maybe over lunch this time.

We booked and ate Sunday Lunch at Strattons yesterday and really it was a disappointment. The dining room looked amazing, white linen, beautiful glasses and silver cutlery(mis-matched like the staffs attire). Between the four of us we chose two roasts of the day, beef, slow cooked pork and sea bream. We were offered and ate a small warm roll each with butter, we purchased salted broad beans for approx. £3;00 and ordered the house wine.Wine was fine at £22 a bottle, the beef, although lovely and pink, was tough. The pork was tender but with glazed and roasted skin which was leathery and no crackling, the hassleback small potatoes were nothing special and the spoonful of mush a poor excuse for cauliflower and broccoli cheese plus the baby carrots had reached adulthood and beyond!The chocolate dessert was outstanding according to the gentleman who ordered it, the cheese platter at £9 was a huge waste of effort - three thin slices of mixed cheese, no butter, a beautifully sliced very tart quarter of a green apple, a blob of quince jelly and three pieces of unlevenned bread - a requested roll and butter to add to the merge cheese, another £1.95.The meal was rounded off with a bill listing two beef briskets at £18 instead of two roast of the day at £14. A mistake rectified but they were hardly rushed off their feet.Not somewhere to hurry back to.

My wife and I visited this cafe for brunch and were quite disappointed. The coffee was nice although it took almost 15mins to be able to order from table service. The cafe was not busy either. Once we had ordered coffee and cake it then took another 20mins for the coffee to arrive and a further 5mins with prompting for the cake to arrive too. The coffee was nice and the cake was OK at best. I asked for cream with my cake but it did not arrive, I could not face asking for it though as by this time a quick mid morning brunch was turning into quite a mission. Also the prices of the food are very high indeed and there are much better coffee options in Swaffham. We shan't be returning

We ate here for a special birthday and the experience was very good. The service is friendly and competent and the wine selection and quality is superb. The main courses on the whole we very tasty and portion control and balance generally in good order although one of our party got a rather small vegetarian main dish which could have been better balanced (and value) with some salad leaves. However, all the starters were very generous and delightfully different. Some of us had room for puddings which were great. Other than the one smaller main course, an excellent meal.

Nice enough, but very overpriced. 3 courses and a glass on wine was £50 per head. Soup was boring, quail was mainly stuffing and overdone, boring cheeses selected for desert. Wouldn't bother with again.

Just lovely! Great food, lovely veggie options and great staff. Lovely court yard or gardens to eat outside, snug indoor eating.

This place is lovely ,the food in the hotel is wonderful this small off shoot keeps the standard high but just a smaller and more informal menu . the hot chocolate is really something else and it's worth any detour just to have it.it's basically chocolate and hot milk blended .....

Having stayed at this hotel some years ago and enjoyed the experience, we wanted to return for supper. The four of us were very disappointed with the meal and found it overpriced and generally tasteless. You have to pay for bread and when it came it wasn't even warmed up and the 6 rolls were tasteless. Being an eco hotel you would have thought there would be an English wine selection, but those by the glasses included wine from Chile and Argentina shipped from afar. A standard 250ml glass was overpriced. We had two vegetarian dishes. A risotto that was stodgy and dull and a quite interesting beetroot Tarte Tatin. However, accompanying roast potatoes were greasy and very bland. The two fish dishes we had lacked any flavour whatsoever and even though it seemed that the fish had been frozen, this was denied by the waitress. We didn't bother with desert after the disappointing mains. All the girls serving were very friendly and tried hard.You would have thought that exciting meals, especially vegetarian ones would be Stratton's strength. Vegetables and new potatoes are in abundance at this time of year and some creativity is needed by a different chef.

What can I say it's hidden away through a small passage and driveway it is amazing attention to detail in the individually decorated rooms mine had a huge terrace with table, chairs and sun loungers restaurant is lovely and all food from local produce. Amazing

I can't tell you whether the food is any good, but I can tell you about the poor customer service. When we asked for a table at 8.55pm on a bank holiday Friday, they said yes, because there were plenty free. They then said we couldn't order a main course because the kitchen staff were already clearing up. I pointed out that it was only 8.55pm. On a Friday. But no, this was clearly too late for an establishment that I suspect considers itself to be Swaffham's premier restaurant. So we then walked down the road to have a perfectly fine (and much cheaper) Chinese meal at the East Garden, who were naturally delighted to serve us. Strattons - get a grip.

My visit to Strattons is the reason I finally joined tripadvisor as I feel so disappointed with the experience that it had to be shared.As with other reviews I found the menu very limited however making the best of it I placed my order with the friendly waitress. The first course arrived and was hot but bland and under seasoned by most standards. The main followed and can only be described as miniscule rather than small in size, again under seasoned. The cheese taster would have left a dormouse hungry and to add insult to injury the owner who said when I placed the order he would return to tell me the story behind the cheeses didn't get time to do so as it was consumed within seconds.If you are prepared to accept overpriced, under seasoned and expensive food I can recommend Strattons.

Strattons restaurant is small and pleasant . The décor is clean . The menu is quite limited and some of the food combinations had me scratching my head lol Although the food was of good quality obviously good produce chosen a lack of seasoning made the main meals a little bland. The cheese board taster was expensive for what it was , however the peanut butter ice cream was delicious. The staff are the best part of this restaurant very polite and welcoming.

We were staying at the Hotel during our honeymoon and booked in to the restaurant the first night. It was a Monday in March so there were only a couple of people in the restaurant (also guests at the hotel). The service was a little patchy, but very friendly. Food is good - lovely fresh local ingredients and very well cooked and presented. Couple of irritants - it seems slightly crazy not to offer bread to diners having soup, but instead suggest they pay £3.50 (or whatever it was) for a bread board. Rightly or wrongly people expect a bit of bread with tasty soup and it's surely much better for the restaurant to spring for a slice of bread rather than risk slightly irritating the customers. Cost benefit analysis when it comes down to it. Desserts are fabulous.Overall worth a visit, but be prepared to pay and have slightly mixed feelings about it.

We went to Strattons as a group for a birthday celebration and had a wonderful meal. We asked for a cake to be provided and they produced the most delicious vanilla sponge I have ever eaten. The rest of the meal was fantastic too. The service is very good and the place has real character.

Booked a romantic dinner for two on Valentine's Day 2015, £60 per head. The service was fairly quick once we sat down, despite the restaurant probably seeing one of it's busiest nights of the year. However we did have to wander round the hotel itself just to get someone to see us to our table and once we did eventually find someone who took our drinks order, they brought the wrong bottle of wine. Upon being shown to our seats (that were very close and crammed next to the other diners) we were given our first course. I had to ask for a menu as the waiter did not tell us what the course was he just said "soup". The remaining 5 courses all came out one-by-one with no issues apart from the fact they forgot our cheese course so i had to send the dessert back (good job i had my menu!). The food itself all tasted fairly pleasant although slightly over priced in my opinion. The couple next to us, who were vegetarian, were told they could no longer have the food they were expecting as there was a 'mix-up' so they had to settle for an improvised menu.All in all, the produce was good and the set menu was mostly very nice (beetroot and vodka soup is not to my taste), just a shame the service was so poor and the meal itself was over priced. Stratton's is a lovely looking hotel but needs some work in the restaurant in order to warrant charging as much as they do.

I've lived in this part of Norfolk for 20 years; heard and read about Strattons, but until now, had never dined there. Why oh why have I never visited. Had a lovely pre-Christmas evening meal with retired ex-colleagues - delicious food, adequate portions, lovely ambience and quiet but attentive service. We shall definitely be going there again and I shall recommend it to friends.

I've eaten at Strattons a few times and like their quirky environment - it is odd, but comfortably so - but it is quirky. Really suits a couple looking for a memorable eveningThe food is good - the best in Swaffham (but that isn't saying much) - but I think the restaurant believes it's own myth about being 'excellent'I haven't strayed in the hotel, but have been shown around and jthere are some amazing crazy massive rooms - I'd love to stay there (if I didn't live down the road)Startton's gets mmy vote as a place to try, and enjoy

A return after many years to what was a favourite location when Les & Vanessa were hands-on in charge. "They" do say you should never go back, and maybe "they" are right. The food was good quality, but the portions in most cases were on the small side. Starter of soup, did not come with bread, so we asked for some bread and two small half slices of (Admittedly tasty) bread were provided - possibly two very delicate mouthfuls for each slice. And the bill for that - £1 for each half a slice - was ridiculous. Terrine starter was pretty good. Sea Bass as main course was tasty but far too small, and the accompanying gruel was fairly tasteless, apart from the miniscule potato slices. Nice to see good iced water offered for each table, in an old fashioned Kilner jug, but the wine list was very expensive, and was therefore given a miss on this occasion. Having asked twice for the dessert menu, we waited for about 30 minutes before assuming it was not going to appear, and then asked for the bill which took far less time! Their loss.Many people have commented positively on the young staff, but I disagree strongly. I do not (as a 70 year old) appreciate being addressed as "You Guys" by an adolescent, neither do I appreciate the manner in which what was a fairly formal type dining environment has been reduced to total informality, very casual waiting staff and very loud guests. Far better with these prices to have smart staff, sound deadening carpets and table cloths to enhance the experience overall. Clearly we were disappointed with our return visit, which is a great shame. Another aspect which was not appreciated, was the follow up to the on line booking process. First an e-mail asking for further confirmation, then a telephone call one week before (to confirm again), then a phone call on morning of the booking to confirm yet again - at which point I was half tempted to cancel. If this goes any further they will demand a deposit for the table.

We stayed in the hotel for a weekend and were persuaded by the lovely young woman who rang us to try the restaurant (in fairness there is very little choice in Swaffham). I think in spite of the good reviews here it speaks volumes that this restaurant was not busy on Friday or Saturday.I had the starter of ham terrine which was fine but served with a very strange soda bread roll, we both had the brisket of beef which was tasteless and served with a small portion of potato and little else. The wine choice is good but expensive, no bread is served with the meal-in many high end restaurants you are given bread so this is just mean . The puddings are good though with a final bill of £100 this doesn't meet that high end standard. Like the hotel it is the staff who are the stars here not the food I'm afraid.

This is a must do.It is unlikely that you will visit many more interesting hotels than this.I have visited one other and love this sort of thing.All rooms are special, relax in the lounge with tea in the afternoon or pre dinner drinks in the evening.I love it.

We are not spoilt for choice in mid-Norfolk so Stattons was a welcome find. It is very much tucked away so you could pass by without ever knowing it is in the middle of Swaffam.The chef says he specilises in slow cooking methods. The mackeral I had as a starter and cod for a main were both cooked well with plenty of flavour and were still very moist, I assume from the water bath, but did need a contrasting texture. Serveing with the skin on is fine but when it is so soft it can be unappetising.The staff were both friendly and professional.

Good, locally sourced food, presented in an imaginative style.A little on the pricey side. I think the restaurant is aspiring to be nudging at Egon Ronay to Michelin level, but it should be seen as a good, local honest bistro instead.

Limited choice and poor customer service but the pudding (for normal diet) was good. Presentation also was unimaginative. Special diet main was good but starter and dessert disappointing with not much on offer and not up to the same standard as was on offer to "normal" eaters.

It was nice. Food was good. Staff were friendly. It was just so expensive but the missus liked it so anniversary meal a success!

Eclectic decor is a favourite of mine. It's a boutique hotel as well as chi chi restaurant. We went for a birthday celebration and were really well looked after. The team were super friendly and helpful. The food was amazing and the wines were as you would expect. It's pretty pricey and a really special treat place but we had a magicial time. Make sure you have a walk around the hotel entrance, lobby, lounge and kitchen garden if you aren't a staying guest. It was delightful. Oh and save room for desserts, you will not be disappointed! I would have love to have stayed there too..

Myself and my girlfriend found ourselves staying in Swaffham for a night (25th May) over the bank holiday weekend in May. We looked online for restaurants in the area Strattons immediately caught our eye. The hotel is a really good looking building, very charming. We walked in and asked if they had any tables for dinner and were told that if we ordered quickly they could accommodate us (being very busy that evening. We ordered drinks - a martini and a prosecco to have outside while we waited for our table. My martini came with lightening speed, which immediately made me suspicious. Suspicions confirmed; the drink bore little or no relation to the martini as I know it. Not wanting to annoy my girlfriend by complaining (she thinks I'm too negative), I drank it anyway. Soon enough we were led to our table, which to my surprise, was in more than half empty restaurant. My starter was a fish cake, which was bland and contained lumps of potato. I forget what my girlfriend had but she sent it back She is very reluctant to do this normally and was quite apologetic about it to the waiter. My main was very forgettable (I don't remember what it was), but not objectionable. We finished the meal and asked for the bill. Whilst paying (and leaving a tip), we asked the waiter for a recommendation for a local pub. He immediately suggested 'The Greyhound', telling us it was by far the best one in town. We walked over there and as we approached it started to feel uneasy. There were lots of quite rough looking drunk people hanging around outside. We went in regardless, with the waiters recommendation ringing in our ears. There was a DJ inside (straight out of some kind of Irving Welsh novel) shouting above the music while lots of the very rough crowd shouted back at him. We took our drinks outside, feeling very uncomfortable. We took a few sips, left them and walked away. About an hour later we passed by the pub again and saw a large group of guys come running out, screaming at each other. This quickly developed into a massive, vicious fight with about four guys kicking the hell out of one other guy. It was one of the worst fights I've ever witnessed. We went back to our hotel quite shaken. The porter at our hotel told us that The Greyhound was the roughest pub in town and that none of their staff would ever go into it. The lady at check-out told us the same thing.Clearly the waiter at Stratton's thought it would be funny to send two 'London Types' to this place and quite possibly be beaten up.

We ate at this restaurant whilst staying over at the hotel. We had both evening meal and breakfast. The service was great at both meals and the food was very tasty, served very hot and good sized portions. Would definitely return.

My wife booked this restaurant for my birthday. She stated on the booking she was gluten free, yet no preparation had been made to accommodate her needs. Instead we had to pick bits of meals from the menu she could eat. The result was as plate of food we could have knocked up at home. My meal was lovely, but it was let down by service.

Had an evening meal at this restaurant on our last night in Swaffham, a stunning old building, probably the best service we have ever had, food was exceptional, not overly expensive, was a really nice find, and if we visit again, we will stay in the hotel as well.

My partner and I are just back from a really positive experience at Strattons. We are not from the area but read the positive reviews of the restaurant and decided to have a drive out to the lovely Norfolk town of Swaffham. We were honestly blown away with the service, food and atmosphere. I don't use the word lightly but this place is amazing.They don't do a traditional Sunday roast which is not for everyone but the menu is excellent and original and it's great to have something a bit different.I had a beautiful salmon fish cake with poached hens egg for starter and my partner had smoked chicken - couldn't fault it. Great tastes and the added hint of chilli on my fish cake was a delicious twist. My partner had a really succulent vegetable crumble for main which came with a generous helping of mash and creamed leek whilst I had slow cooked beef in suet pudding with horseradish mash and honey roast veg. Both were gorgeous. Cooked well and with the kind of home cooked detail that you just don't find that often in restaurants.I'd recently given up sugar but given the standard of the starter and mains I couldn't not try the dessert. So glad I did. My cheesecake with blueberry was incredibly creamy. My partners rhubarb and ginger sorbet was divine and really refreshing. We were served throughout by a very professional and friendly waitress who I didn't get the name of but we would like to say thank you for such a fantastic experience.We will definitely be back and will perhaps stay in one of the quirky self catering apartments (our waitress kindly took a few mins out to show us around).Prices are good value given the high standards of food and service. Our three course meal for two with wine set us back about £70 all in.It was strangely quiet (although the waitress did say this was unusual). Cannot understand why with food and service this good - anyone reading this thinking about going - don't hesitate. You won't regret it.

We stayed at this fantastic hotel over valentines, our ONLY criticism was the uninspiring set meal on Friday night completely..tastless starter !!..fish soup with bones in it (unforgivable really)..and a steak and veg mains,the steak wasn't the best cut had to leave half of it as it was so sinewy and chewy and we don't mind aldente veg but tastless and raw !! NO..and potatoes in the soup followed by potatoes in the main.....a bit of thought please for next time..

Dinner was a selection of beautifully presented and exciting tasting courses. Full Strattons breakfast make from local produce was a treat, go and find out!

I went here with family and friends a few months ago and was impressed but not amazed. The setting of the restaurant with its big chairs is very impressive and the service was excellent. I found it to be friendly without being overly formal. The starters and deserts were very good indeed and my Panacotta with Basil was exceptional. The main courses were good quality without being exceptional. I had a fillet steak inside a bun with trimmings that included gherkins served with chips which was enjoyable but I have enjoyed more memorable meals at this level. The other main courses looked well prepared and my party said they were tasty but they weren't really special.I would recommend Strattons as it is one of the best restaurants locally but I do feel that it could up its game so that the main courses match its lovely setting and decor.

Elegant hotel and a surprising find behind shops in the market square. Very secluded location and good food.

We had treated ourselves to a stay at Strattons, in part because of the food and were not disappointed. Service in the restaurant (as the hotel) was perfect, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We enjoyed three courses, which weren't huge, but we were seriously full at the end of a long leisurely meal. Everything was cooked really well, fresh and seasonal ingredients too, and a good wine list that helped you pick to fit your food choices well. Hope to be back...

My brother had heard very good reports regarding Strattons but all we can say is that it was very average. The food was OK but nothing wowed us and burnt pork crackling unforgiveable, service was OK ("Hi Guys" really doesn't do it for me) and two waiters asking us the same question seemed overkill. Instead of asking if we wanted a drink from the bar upon arrival would be better phrased as an aperitif etc. as if the bar is so special send us up there! Can't think of much to say as just came away disappointed, thinking it was expensive for nothing special. The building is very beautiful though. Need to up their game as the cafe is a far more interesting visit.

We went here for dinner with freinds from swaffham and we were so disappointed. Asked for chicken dish not available, asked for steak not available asked for children's menu not available. Only four starters and four main courses. Four adults and one child £240 ??? Value not

The title says it all really. This is a cosy little restaurant in a high end hotel. The atmosphere was very conducive to conversation and banter with old mates and the staff were very attentive and chatty. The food was very good and very interesting, who'd have thought of putting beetroot in a chocolate brownie? It was lovely. Thoroughly recommend this restaurant.

We decided to take our friends to dinner at Strattons as we heard the food was very good and we were not disappointed. Everything about Strattons is special from the welcome on arrival to the service and of course the excellent food. Maddie looked after us very well, the food was beautifully presented, hot and locally sourced. In a way it was a pity the portions were so good as we were not able to enjoy a dessert. We will certainly return, the sooner the better. I have read other reviews about Strattons and I cant believe we were dining at the same Restaurant.

We booked this for a birthday celebration and had heard very good things about it. There is certainly a wonderful charm about the place packed with eccentric art and sculptures with the odd designer cat wandering about. This did initially worry us as my husband is allergic to cats but they kept their distance and he was ok. If you want a drink in the bar before you eat you do have to climb some steep stairs - no lift - something to be aware of if you have older members in your party as we did. For such a lovely place the menu is quite small with only 5 starters and 5 mains on the menu. One vegetarian choice (salted beetroot?), one fish dish, a pork chop, a posh sausage or a posh hamburger. Would have liked a bit more choice but the food was excellent and would put master chef to shame. I asked for a simple salad (not on the menu) rather than the listed chips, carrots in cinnamon or barbecued lettuce - and got a nice tasty endive salad. The service was great and the food served with style. The wine list was extensive. The older member of out party found it all a bit quirky but all in all a good place for a special evening as long as you are not of the steak mushroom and chips brigade. We had a pre-dinner drink, starters, mains, a bottle of wine and coffees (served with complimentary cubes of delicious lemon drizzle cake) and the bill for the three of us was £150 without the tip - which the waitress deserved. Worth the experience!

Had Sunday Lunch today, my first visit to Strattons.Agree with previous review linen napkins but no sign of a tablecloth.As to the lunch had the roast chicken, with cold veg and skinny gravyfollowed by a tiny square of over sweet sticky toffee pudding in a deep cast iron black pot!Tried it once wouldn't go again overpriced and over rated on Radio Norfolk in my humble opnion.

We had 2 dinners at strattons. Valentines set meal which was Not as good as we had hoped. The main was a very strange combination of BBQ pork and not cooked enough roast pork with a pickle on top. Despite it only being a few days ago, the rest was rather unmemorable. The couple on the next table were still hungry and went for chips after their meal.The next one, we both had the burger, which was odd with cheese inside it which is why they want to serve it pink (so doesn't melt). It came with a small basket of really good chips and a pickle. The homemade ketchup was good, but the brown sauce didn't make the grade. I thought the burger was heavily overpriced for what it was, I couldn't finish mine as an inconsiderate table near us struck up a conversation about horsemeat in loud voices as we were being served. The breakfast was great, nice eggs and sausage. There was lovely yogurt and nice cereal. Two things stood out as really good, the service and the bread. The wait staff, manager and everyone in the hotel was lovely and helpful. The bread was wonderful and we had fantastic bacon sandwiches on a sweetbread one morning.Overall, I will stay in the hotel again and have breakfast but will seek dinner somewhere else. Just an after thought before you label me a food infidel, we had an outstanding meal at Morston Hall, which I also reviewed.

We happened to be in Swaffham and I had heard Strattons was a good place to eat. It's right in the town center, but difficult to find! It was Sunday Lunch time, and on arrival there was only one other table occupied, which was initially a worry. Soon another table of 8 were seated though, and that made the atmosphere better, but still it was hardly busy. The food was very accpetable, we had roast beef, and I could see through to the kitchens and the large joint the roast meat was cut from. To be picky I could have done with a bit more meat, and as is often the case with a roast, the potatoes were leathery rather than crisp and fluffy. The meal was full of taste though and I enjoyed my dessert. The place just felt a bit "land that time forgot" and the opposite of buzzing, whatever the word for that is. There was snow on the ground, but it looked as though the small garden at the front with its huge metal statue of a stag would be very attractive in the summer.I can't say I would be rushing back, but conversely if you are in Swaffham and looking for a nice place to eat I am sure you could do very much worse than eat here.

Absolutely terrible service and food. Highly overpriced too. Restaurant has no atmosphere, tables do not even have table cloths, service was by a surly waitress and the limit menu was the worst food I have EVER had.

This review kinda goes on a bit, so if you haven't got time to read all the mouthwatering details, just go to this place - you definitely won't regret it!My wife and I had an incredible Sunday lunch here. There were about 3 or 4 choices of starter, main course and dessert. I opted for a Devon crab rarebit for starter, roast venison with Yorkshire pudding, perfect roast potatoes and loads of vegetables for the main course, then blackberry and apple crumble with saffron custard for dessert. Every mouthful was an oh-my-god-this-is-perfect kind of experience. My wife is vegan, so they specially made for her a gorgeous sweet potato "fritter" for starter (a real combination of fantastic flavours) a wild mushroom risotto with chestnuts for main (perfectly cooked without any hint of that "sliminess" that risotto often has) and a peach melba with gooseberries dessert (perfectly sweet). All for £25 a head. We were both incredibly full by the end, and I have a large appetite! The wines are very reasonably priced - expect to pay around £20 - £25 a bottle. We just had a glass each - an excellent Chardonnay that reminded me of a New Zealand Cloudy Bay, and a wonderfully fat, rich, perfect-for-a-wintry-day Primitivo red.Everything's sourced from local farms, the staff are wonderful and very knowledgeable, the setting is divine and unpretentious, the pace was relaxed, and the whole bill (including wine and some coffee) came to £65 for the two of us, which I think is incredible value considering it was one of the best meals I've ever had; and I have eaten at some pretty fantastic restaurants across the world.

The venue is stunning kind of shabby chic with its cats and antique furniture. But was perhaps taken to far with some of the modern art lights and touches which really didn't fit. The service was great no problems there.The food was lovely if a little small ( if i had paid £25 for a steak the plate would be full) however my mutton was quite small and pricey. This place could thrive and become a Norfolk classic like the pigs at Edgefield. It just needed that little bit of extra food and price reduced by £3-£4 per main and I'd be going back for a regular meal out putting swaffham back on the map. All web sites I think should show more of their food on line to show examples. This morning I awake slightly hungry andSlightly lighter in the wallet.

Pricey, ish but here we got what we payed for.Choice is not extensive but preparation, presentation, quality and innovation shone through.A really nice place to eat and made us consider an overnight or weekend stay (then a diet).The staff answered my challenge over the west country mackerel politely and eloquently. "Local produce" crabs and mackerel (fabulous) from Devon? OK via a local fishmonger and fish from sustainable sources. Very ethical but high carbon and "local" should mean "local" especially when you are only 25 miles from the sea? The Kings Lynn shrimps and samphire were beautiful.Thoroughly recommended.

Great food Nice settingYou know it is all local produce

Had a great meal here. Menu had about 5 starters and 5 mains. We started with crispy lamb sweetbreads on a broad bean and mint stew with pea shoots. Was really lovely and would have been brilliant with a touch of acidity, but very nice anyway. Also to start we had the tomatoes with sirloin of beef - cut very thin on toasted bread (almost like a British crostini with carpaccio). It was nice. Mains of mutton cooked two ways in a middle eastern style with a type of couscous, and delux burger with home made ketchup, and triple cooked chips were also very good. The chips were the best I have ever had. Desserts were also lovely. Place was in the quirky but very nice boutique hotel, and was very busy. Staff were friendly and efficient. We had a bit of a wait before we ate, but they were very apologetic.Wines we had were nice. Not the most recent vintages when you would want it to be, and a bit of a mark up. All in all a very good restaurant. Would recommend it.

We visited on a quiet night. Service was excellent throughout the night. The menu is limited in range but we both fund something to suit our tastes. The food was delicious and couldn't be faulted, although it wasn't cheap - but we were having a special night.

We have eaten in many different venues in and around Norfolk. We saw a this locally and decided to give it a go. The restaurant is down stairs and the decor/art work is fab. The menu was certainly different with scotch egg ( and the egg melted as I cut open wow ) the soup was slightly odd vodka based ( not the best tasting). I ordered a burger which was fab and when I wanted a larger was supplied with a Suffolk made larger ( again different but nice). The menu does seem geared up for people staying at the hotel ( numerous items had an additional charge). My view would be to get this removed for external customers. The service was great and the waiter ( may have been owner ) was more than willing to run into the kitchen to ask questions or accommodate a customers alteration. We will be back I suspect to try there Sunday roast which was mentioned by our waiter. Interesting and certainly the best restaurant in swaffham that I am aware of.

My partner & I ate at Strattons last weekend, we were in Swaffham for the weekend and as it was my partners birthday the previous day we decided to try and book a table on the Saturday, the staff were very accomodating even though they were fully booked. We had wondered if we would be stuck in a corner by the kitchen or similar as is often the case when you are a last minute booking but we were very pleasantly surprised, from the moment we arrived the staff were friendly, attentive and the service was impeccable. At first glance one may think this restaurant a little pricey (Saturday fixed four course menu, with plenty of choice on three courses was £40 per head) but let me tell you it was worth ever penny! The whole evening was a very relaxed, enjoyable experience, the food was fabulous, the staff were lovely and the surroundings charming. We would definitely recommend this restaurant and would love to return.

Heard my friend raving about this place. Sadly, I was sorely disappointed. Food was well below par My guest had to go and get something else to eat when we left, as he was still hungry! Menu was limited. And the waiting staff's understanding of English was so poor I kept having to repeat myself to the point of frustration. Beautiful building though.

What a superb restaurant serving excellent food in convivial surroundings, waited upon by attentive and 'as polite as they come' staff. We had a fantastic night.

Heard good reviews from an elderly couple who had enjoyed a luncheon here. Booked a Saturday lunchtime slot and were surprised to discover we were the only people in the restaurrant. Waitress explained the kitchen opened especially on Saturday lunchtimes for advance bookings and we would be the only frequenters that day. Service was excellent from the outset. The menu was limited with one option for veggies and one fish course, along with a couple of meat dishes and one poultry choice. There were a reasonable selection of starters but all were priced at around £8. The least expensive main course was fish and chips for £14, with a burger retailing at £18. the food was well presented and of a good standard although the portions, without having had a starter, were very much on the small side. We opted for tea and coffee and no dessert and the bill for three people with two small glasses of wine and a pint of beer came to over £70. Nice for a special occasion but not worth the expense for an everyday Saturday lunch. Service throughout was exemplary.

Swaffham is quite a small town in Norfolk, so it was a real treat to discover the restaurant at Stratton's hotel, set off the main street in secluded private grounds.We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks in the quirky upstairs bar - with pre-dinner nibbles being of an exceptional standard.The meal itself was excellent - absolutely flawless. The service and quality of food were excellent and the sommelier was friendly and helpful too.Will return whenever I get the chance - a real treat.

The food here is a bit different to normal bland menus. Also they are very environmentally aware try it for a special night.

Booked a table for Dinner on a Saturday evening to celebrate an occasion. From the outside it is charming, our welcome was a little brusque, but we were quickly served with drinks and just as quickly our order was taken. I was expecting an interesting menu but it was disapponting. The next disappointemnt was the restuarant which appeared to be the cellar (or lower ground floor) and had low ceilings, as it was summer when we visited it was quite stuffy. Our starter was adequate and the bread arrived just as we were finishing it! As soon as we finished the plates were whipped away and repalced with an OK main course. We soon realised that they had another sitting at the table and were rushing us through. It was uncomfortable and unpleasant. Coffee was served in the lounge and we were abandoned. Verdict, disappointing and expensive

We loved our meal there - great quality, innovative dishes, excellent service, extensive wine list and lovely atmosphere. The portions were just right, and so were the flavours of the dishes. We'd definitively go back!The only thing that struck me as odd was that they don't serve espresso - only caffetiere coffee. Surely a restaurant with this high standard shouldhave an espresso machine/maker?!

We went here for a quiet birthday getaway and weren't disappointed. The room (Linen) was indeed small, and the balcony would be more use in the summer, but we loved the colourful artwork, the quirky decor, the friendly staff and the valentines decorations. It was great for one night but would have been too claustrophobic for two nights.We didn;t mind the bathroom being in the room, but there was an unnecessary step in the middle of the bathroom which wasn;t obvious, and caused us problems and was a bit of a health and safety issue.Dinner was OK, as usual the menu is rather biased towards meat and fish and as vegetarians we had little to choose from - the only thing we could have included goat's cheese which fortunately was OK for my cows-mile-allergic partner. Why can't these hotels cater better to special diets?! There didn't seem to be any difference in terms of quantity served, between the £11 'light meals' and the £22 'mains'. The breakfast was sumptuous.PS a comment in response to the review below about the bed being too small (the management say the bed is a 'standard double at 6x4 feet). In the UK, double beds are 4.5 feet wide and so a 4 foot bed would indeed have felt like a tight squeeze! I hope the managers take this on board.