There aren’t many hotels we’ve been back to
more than once. In fact, I’m pretty certain there’s only one – Strattons.
Based in the heart of Swaffham (did you
just read that as Swaaaaaaafham? Thought so), in Norfolk’s Brecks, Strattons is
a boutique hotel, with restaurant café and deli all thrown into the mix, too.
Unlike many boutique hotels, you get the
feeling that while Strattons takes its work very seriously, it doesn’t take
itself too seriously. There’s no snobbishness or air of superiority, the
website and social media output is fun and friendly and the staff are down to
earth and as helpful as can be.
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| Strattons, Swaffham |
We like Norfolk. It’s probably fair to say
we love Norfolk. From the charm of Norwich, one of Britain’s most pleasant
cities, to the wide open beaches of Wells, Brancaster and Holkham, and charming
towns such as Holt and Burnham Market. The downside to this, is that lots of
other people like Norfolk. So, on a sunny day, the roads to and from
Hunstanton, Sheringham and Cromer are a nightmare and the more upmarket
establishments can be flooded with flash cars and loud mouths. That’s where
Strattons comes in. Swaffham sits just outside of the main throng, yet is only
45 minutes from Norwich or the north Norfolk coast. It’s a real secret gem and
we’re not sure we should be sharing it…
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| Opium - we're a sucker for a bath in a bedroom |
The 14 rooms each have their own sense of
style and character and are as comfortable and relaxing as they are opulent and
charming. Though the hotel is set just off the main market square, via a narrow
drive, you could easily be forgiven for thinking you’re in the middle of the
Norfolk countryside, or perhaps even in rural France, such is the sense of
seclusion.
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| A selection of deliciousness from The Rustic |
As well as being a terrific place to stay,
Strattons is a fine place to eat. We’ve had some of our favourite ever meals in
the on-site restaurant, The Rustic. Using local, seasonal ingredients, The
Rustic offers contemporary English cuisine, which is as well presented and
innovative as it is delicious – and what’s more it’s the first place we ever
tasted Bacon Jam. Oh, and the breakfasts… I’d happily drive the hour and half
from RVHQ just to eat a Strattons kedgeree.
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| We forgot to mention the resident cats... |
Take a look for yourself, there are always
special offers and great deals to be had – you won’t regret it and you’ll
definitely be back for more. And, if you stay in Edie, you’ll see they also
have great taste in furniture, as you’ll see from the chest of drawers,
supplied by a little Rutland-based outfit called Reloved Vintage…
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| Edie, complete with chest of drawers by Reloved Vintage |
