Stretching seductively behind the inspiring façade of the 19th Century Grade II building designed by renowned local architect George Skipper, St. Giles House is surely the first and last word as far as urban destination hotels go in Norfolk. A perfect, luxury base for a City break to explore Norwich or the wider county, it also offers pretty much everything you need if your agenda is less about seeing the sights and more about rest, relaxation and (perhaps) romance.

Other than its fantastic location in the heart of Norwich (a mere stroll from the wonderful shops, theatres, eateries and attractions that Norwich has to offer), St. Giles House comes complete with extra-special accommodation, an award-winning restaurant, a bar and lounge that extend to a continental-style terrace (a sun-trap that belies the Hotels’ Metropolitan location like a little oasis in the City), meeting and function rooms and an indulgent beauty area.

As soon as you step in from the street, you are transported into a magnificent world where the grand meets the boutique to give an opulent, modern setting that, in keeping with the style of the building, has more than a touch of early twentieth century glamour about it. Imagine the aristocratic, slightly wild lovechild of The Ritz and Vivienne Westwood.

This year, the Hotel has received a boost in the form of new owners Rachel and Pat Roofe, who already run the hugely successful Country House Hotel, Elderton Lodge. While they have taken great care to maintain the Hotel’s lush interior appeal, they have made subtle changes to ensure that St. Giles House’s status as one of Norfolk’s most exciting hotels continues to grow.

Having last stayed (and dined) at St. Giles House some two years ago, we were impressed when, upon attending the official re-launch a few weeks ago, we were treated to a tour of the newly refurbished rooms (spacious, smart and plush with every extra to make your stay as comfortable as possible, including prestige bath products, sleek flat-screen televisions, DVD players and sensual, high-quality furnishing and bedding). Updated compared to what we’d stayed in previously, they are thoughtfully and beautifully appointed, and actually feel more ‘designed’.

We also had the opportunity to dine at the ‘rejuvenated’ St. Giles House restaurant. AA-rosette recognised, it still bears the essence of its former inception (I even recognised some of the staff from our last visit), but as we found, offers quite a different experience to the one we’d had two years ago.

Firstly, the atmosphere is warmer. From the deep red walls (previously a more clinical white I believe) to the retro-hip Oceans Eleven soundtrack playing in the background, the restaurant has a real ‘funky bistro’ feel. Candles and single red roses on each table, as well as the immaculate styling and faultless staff keep the relaxed vibe at a quality level that makes the bar and restaurant as ideal for drinks before going off out into Norwich as it is for a special romantic occasion.

As we perused the menu, we were proffered bread, olives and Wasabi peas by the very friendly staff. We were also told that the bar does quite a nice line in both cocktails and mocktails (good if you’re driving!).

For my meal, I had Grilled Halloumi to start, followed by Open Feta Tart, and finally finished with Apple Tart Tatin. A mix of choices from both the Dinner Menu and the ‘Lunch Till Late’ Menu, each dish was very colourful and tasted very ‘fresh’ and delicious. The dessert was to die for and most definitely my favourite course.

My Partner chose the St. Giles House Cromer Crab Fish Cakes to begin, then the wonderfully named Belly of Free Range ‘Dingley Dell’ Pork (which he said was very lean and tender), finishing with the Passion Fruit Torte (which had a wonderful, crunchy glazed sugar topping). I was lucky enough to be able to taste some of his dessert as well and can say that it was so delicious that it is an almost impossible choice as to who had the most scrumptious pudding.

Throughout our meal, the service was prompt and all the dishes were served in good-sized portions - not over-filling, yet wonderfully satisfying.

As we dined the restaurant began to come alive, like some sort of living, breathing, dynamic organism. Larger groups and couples came in from the street to drink and dine, residents of the hotel appeared and we noticed a range of ages, some dressed in jeans and some dressed in their best togs. A low hum of conversation filled the air and it was certainly full of far more energy compared to when we’d dined here previously.

Recently appointed Hotel Manager, Oliver Cushion told us that he very much intends St Giles House to be more than just ‘rooms with a restaurant’, but for the bar and restaurant to be a destination worth discovering in their own right. Seems to me this aim is already starting to be fulfilled.

To finish what I imagine sounds like a ‘glowing’ appraisal of St. Giles House (it should do - I can fault nothing from my experience there), I have just enough room to mention the on-site beauty space - Elysium Beauty. If respite rather than exertion is your bag, you cannot go far wrong with a trip to this tranquil City-Centre sanctuary. Now offering wonderful Elemis treatments, I have been somewhat of a devotee since it’s original opening and think that the idea of having such a delight attached to the hotel must be marvellous for staying guests. Ladies, Gentlemen, Hen Parties and celebrating groups are also catered for in this Zen-like mini-spa.

Add to all this the fact that St. Giles House will very soon be licensed for Civil Wedding Ceremonies and also offers some rather special private dining rooms for functions and events, and you begin to see that St. Giles House certainly is far more than ‘just a hotel’. Within Norwich, it is an inspirational location to meet, pamper yourself or just reconnect with yourself or significant other.

St. Giles House Hotel.

41-45 St. Giles Street, Norwich, NR2 1JR.

Tel: 01603 275180.

 

| EnjoyMent Privilege Cardholders and one guest receive a free glass of champagne upon arrival when staying or dining at St Giles House |

BACK TO TOP