Downham Hall with award-winning restaurant set to expand

Downham Hall, at Castledon Road, Downham, Billericay, is a picturesque destination hotel and function venue offering high brow, intimate service perfect for a quick getaway close to home.

Dining - The award-winning north Wing restaurant.(Image: Oliver Partridge)

The Georgian manor house hotel features five luxurious rooms and an award winning restaurant, with plans in motion to expand the site with five additional rooms and an external function space.

Cosy - One of the five bedrooms available to book at Downham Hall.(Image: Oliver Partridge)

Ben Hyde, manager, said: "It's very much an intimate environment and feels like staying at home - it's cosy and spacious at the same time.

"We often have repeat guests, visiting for business or leisure, and people travel from far and wide for our restaurant and events."

Team - Owners Christina Metcalfe (centre), Andrew Metcalfe (centre right), and manager Ben Hyde (right) and team with their recent award.(Image: Oliver Partridge)

Downham Hall features two dining spaces - the stylish and elegant North Wing restaurant, and the breezy patio orangery - serving esteemed breakfast, afternoon tea and fine evening dining.

Gardens - Downham Hall is attracting visitors for their stunning gardens.(Image: Oliver Partridge)

The North Wing restaurant was recently recognised for its culinary excellence after being awarded two AA Rosettes for the second consecutive year - one of the most sought-after in the UK hospitality industry.

Weddings - The outdoor marquee is used as a rented space for weddings and functions.(Image: Oliver Partridge)

The award also complements the venue’s recent success in being named a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice winner, placing among the top 10 per cent worldwide.

Five cosy rooms are available to book for a long weekend stay, featuring comfy queen sized beds, ensuite bathrooms and a stunning view over the surrounding country fields, which Ben described as "truly magnificent in the winter with snow or frost past the windows."

Expansion - The venue is set to expand with five more rooms and function suite.(Image: Downham Hall)

Outside, guests can find a marquee used for weddings and other functions seating up to 220, beautiful gardens, a coy pond and a patio with outdoor seating and woodfire pizza oven that Ben said is "a joy in the summertime."

Orangery - The breezy dining space referred to as the orangery opens up to the outdoor patio.(Image: Oliver Partridge)

As Christmas approaches, a festive menu will debut alongside a seasonal party night in the marquee, with a chance for young guests to meet Santa for brunch or supper.

Capitalising on the venue's success, owners Christina and Andrew Metcalfe have applied for planning permission to knock down the barn and build an all new function suite, alongside an additional five bedrooms that will "double the footprint size of the main building."

To book a stay or treat yourself to a dinner you won't soon forget, visit www.downhamhall.com.