With the stresses and strains of life, sometimes you just need a weekend away to hit the reset button. I needed just that.
Just a stones throw away from the stunning North Norfolk coast, The Hoste has been welcoming guests since 1651. Overlooking Burnham Market’s central green, the hotel makes the perfect destination for a coastal staycation.
This Georgian resort is known as Chelsea-on-Sea, its beautiful high street is lined with period houses and independent shops, and a traditional butcher, baker and post office, ideal for both locals and visitors alike.
A great Hoste…
The Hoste is a 62-room hotel spread across three sites: the original inn, the Georgian-era Vine House, and Railway House, a former train station. The inn houses the main reception, dining areas, a luxury spa and most of the bedrooms, there’s also a 20-seat cinema!
All rooms at The Hoste are individually designed, as a special treat we opted for a Divine room, which was elegantly decorated and extremely comfortable.
The Hoste is a dog friendly spot, so upon arrival we sat next to the pub’s roaring fire, whilst making friends with a couple of spaniels, what a treat! It’s great for those who love to travel with their four-legged friends, especially in this area, with so many lovely walks around.
Award winning dining…
After a quick freshen up, it was time to dine at its two AA-rosette restaurant. The Hoste is home to an award-winning restaurant facilitated by a stylish panelled dining room with menus changing regularly. This approach celebrates the region’s produce by using the finest locally sourced ingredients possible. With such an appealing menu it makes the choice more difficult!
I was impressed with the imaginative menu created by head chef Trevor Clark, but even more impressed with his appearance halfway through our meal.
With an unimposing introduction he added a personal touch to our dining experience, plus, it was wonderful to be able to tell him how much we enjoyed the food.
Breakfast in the morning is served in either of the two restaurants. In addition to the lavish buffet breakfast (included in the room price) are cooked breakfast options including roasted chestnut mushrooms on brioche or avocado on sourdough.
The Lunch menu is served every day between 12-00pm & 6-00pm, or if you can wait, indulge in The Hoste full afternoon tea for £16. On fine weather days you can dine alfresco on the lawn.
Relax and Unwind…
The hotel’s spa has two treatment rooms using products by Espa. During my stay I was treated to a mum to be pregnancy massage, which after 14 weeks of being turned down at various salons, it was great to find somewhere who had a qualified therapist to treat me.
You could have just the one treatment or you could book in for the whole day. The choice is yours. Treatments include a facial, full-body massage, manicure, use of the hot tub and a two-course lunch with wine for £170.
Things to do…
This area is not short of beautiful places to visit. Take a trip to nearby Brancaster Beach, run by the National Trust, with its four miles of golden sandy beaches and dunes.
Or how about a stroll at Holkham? You can visit the National Nature Reserve, one of the largest in the country, and home to many rare species of flora and fauna.
It’s also worth a journey to Wells-next-the-Sea to walk beside its bright colourful beach huts along miles of sand, followed by some fun at the amusement arcade, and a spot of fish and chips!
If you don’t want to stray too far away from the hotel, as well as the spa, gym and cinema, The Hoste has its own on-site Nelson museum, Nelson Lodge. Artefacts include a leather bucket from HMS Victory, letters written by Horatio Nelson and a life-size model.
Lord Admiral Nelson used to drink at The Hoste, but that’s not the hotels only claim to fame, it was rumoured that Kate and William have also been spotted sipping on local drinks at the bar.
The Verdict…
For me, it was just what the doctor ordered, an escape away in beautiful surroundings. With welcoming staff, outstanding food and the ideal base for exploring the North Norfolk coast, as well as the county’s many stately homes and picturesque villages, The Hoste makes the perfect host.
Address: The Green, Burnham Market, Burnham Market, PE31 8HD, Norfolk, England.
Phone: 01328 738777
Website: thehoste.com
