the UK based Restaurant and Hotel Review
the UK based Restaurant and Hotel Review
We recently wanted to entertain some American guests to dinner in a typical Norfolk country house and we decided that Elderton Lodge, run by Martin and Christine Worby, and situated between Norwich and the coast would be ideal. Once the shooting lodge to the nearby Gunton Estate, the lodge was a favourite retreat for Lily Langtry, the noted Victorian beauty, and it was here that she entertained Edward VII (then Prince of Wales ) who frequently came to Gunton Hall, family home of the Lords of Suffield. Martin is making an interesting collection of photographs and memorabilia of that time. The lodge stands in six acres of its own gardens and has spectacular views enhanced by a herd of deer and highland cattle.
On arrival we were greeted by Christine and immediately made to feel as welcome guests in her home. The bar is in the comfortable lounge and we took our time reading the menu for that evening, while enjoying a cool Muscadet from the formidable wine list. Our previous experience from visits to Elderton Lodge caused us to skip the first course, despite the attractive choices available, so that our appetites were not impaired for the rest of the meal to follow.
Ann chose the Breast of Chicken which was baked with a brie filling and served in a tarragon cream. Bob and I had the Scottish Salmon and lemon sole on a bed of tagliatelle verdi with a dill beurre blanc.
Our guest, Mary Joyce selected the Medallions of Lamb with a redcurrant and rosemary jus. All the dishes were accompanied by a good selection of piping hot fresh vegetables. Ann thought the combination of flavours in her chicken interesting and original, and the salmon proved to be an enormous steak wrapped in the sole. Bob thought the dish rather bland but I found it delightful, especially as it was complemented so well by the Muscadet '97 - sur lie, naturellement! - which we shared.
The star of the main courses was undoubtedly M.J.'s lamb. It consisted of two very large medallions which seemed literally to melt in the mouth and the jus gave it a distinctive taste which did not detract from the delicate meat which we all had to sample !
The presentation could not be faulted and we felt the attentive service was spot on. We needed a pause before moving to the next course and there was much discussion over what to choose. Ann settled for the selection of ice creams and sorbets and our American guests eulogised over their Fresh Strawberry Creme Brulée. I was impressed with the choice of cheeses served with walnut bread and celery and found the Brouilly '97 made an excellent partner.
The atmosphere at Elderton lodge is one of complete relaxation and we took our coffee in the lounge settled in the luxurious arm chairs with a feeling of contentment which was not spoilt when our bill arrived ! For just over £100, we were well satisfied with an excellent two course dinner for four including two bottles of wine.
Vivian Salter, September 1999
Elderton Lodge Hotel and Restaurant, Gunton Park, Norfolk NR11 8TZ
Telephone 01263 833547 Fax 01263 834673
E-mail elderton@mistral.co.uk
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