10/12/2025
𝔸 𝕥𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕪 𝔾𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕡𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔾𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝔽𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕃𝕦𝕟𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟝…
🌳 Tucked away within the sunny Essex countryside, Downham Hall delivered a festive flourish for the
Galloping Gourmates end of year “bit of a lunchtime “Do”…❗️
🚙 Approaching half way down Castledon Road, off the A129, with the village church perched proudly on the nearby hill, we already felt the charm of the setting, long before reaching the historic hall itself.
🔥 Stepping inside, we were greeted by the heartwarming aroma of the log 🪵 burner fire crackling in the reception area—a perfect welcome for a December lunchtime. “The North Wing Restaurant” , though intimate in size, radiated unassuming class and easy comfort.
🎄 A long table of 10 or so ladies, enjoying their Christmas 🤶 Lunch, complete with Crackers and party hats, set the festive mood…!
📋 We were swiftly seated and handed the Downham Hall Festive Menu, which set the tone for a memorable dining experience-just 4 of each starters, mains and desserts (plus cheeseboard!) ) see photo 📋
🍄🟫 For starters, Frank opted for scallops whilst I chose wild mushrooms on sourdough toast—accompanied, as ever, by our trusted Zero beers, this time 🍻 Birra Moretti. Both dishes arrived promptly and were plated with real artistry. The scallops were enormous, yet delicate and beautifully balanced alongside pickled pear, and roasted shallots, while my wild mushrooms on toast were nothing short of spectacular— quite possibly the most impressive presentation of this oh so simple dish I’ve ever seen, served with a slow-poached egg yolk, shaved Pecorino on sourdough toast…👌
Our main course of Roe Deer Loin,
was a seasonal 🎄 triumph. Tender, pink, flavorful, and perfectly complemented with rustic black pudding, caramelised sprouts, and a gin and blackberry sauce , each bite oozed thoughtful preparation and festive flair.
🍧 We even found room for dessert each—sticky toffee pudding for Frank and an apple 🍏 crumble tart for moi. Both were with ice 🍨 cream, comforting, indulgent, and ideal for a winter ❄️ celebration.
☕️ Smooth Americano coffees brought our dining experience to a warm and satisfying close.🔥
🙏 All through the visit, the warmth 🔥 of Downham Hall proved most captivating. Service by Elizabeth and her team was ‘just right’ —attentive without being intrusive—and the entire experience gave the feel of “a touch of class”- predominantly a wedding 💍 venue for much of the year, the “North Wing Restaurant” promises an exciting future, with varied à la carte and locally sourced menus 📋alongside this seasonal offering.
🏠 If you have the chance to visit before Christmas, this enchanting spot is well worth the journey. Downham Hall’s festive menu left us more than a little impressed…🙌
🫵 We will- no doubt be back next year…❗️
