Prepare for an elegant and cosy escape to Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, with an English country Christmas like no other
Just under two hours from London, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, nestled in Newmarket, Suffolk, is celebrating the festive season in style, with experiences ranging from traditional menus across its two AA rosette restaurant and bar; festive parties, overnight packages and, of course, a gala celebration to see in the New Year!
Festive Afternoon Tea
Originally built as a Georgian hunting lodge for the 6th Duke of Bedford, who built Bedford Lodge, the property was then passed to his eldest son Francis Russell, the 7th Duke of Bedford, on his death in 1839. Incidentally, his wife, Anna Maria, is accredited with creating the much-loved concept of Afternoon Tea in 1845. True to its roots, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa excels at afternoon tea and, throughout December, guests can indulge in a traditional Festive Afternoon Tea knowing that the hotel is closely linked to this British phenomenon. Besides elegant finger sandwiches, beautifully-designed pastries with a festive twist will be created by the Head Chef and his team. The festive afternoon tea is just £23 pp – the perfect treat. A champagne tea option with a glass of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial is priced at £34.50 pp.
Festive Parties
For colleagues or friends looking to celebrate the festive season in style, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa’s Christmas parties are perfect. Enjoy a set three-course menu dinner from £60.00 pp, including dishes such as pressed game terrine, traditional roast Suffolk turkey, baked cod, beetroot wellington, and cranberry Bakewell tart or Christmas pudding (to name but a couple of desserts) to finish. This decadent feast and entertainment – which includes a disco until the early hours – will be available on 25th and 26th November, and Thursdays through to Saturdays in December. For guests attending the Christmas Party Nights, a special festive overnight rate is available at £145.00 per room, including breakfast.
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
The lead-up to the big day will see Squires Restaurant providing guests with a festive selection of fabulous menus from which to choose. To kick-start three days of festive indulgence, a luxurious three-course dinner menu will be available on Christmas Eve, with a glass of Moet et Chandon champagne, priced at £65 pp.
Christmas Day will be a grand affair, with a five-course meal – with canapes and champagne on arrival – before savouring a selection of traditional and contemporary dishes. Besides Christmas favourites, expect to see dishes like Salt Aged Duck Terrine, Long Horn Beef Fillet, Mushroom, Kale & Pine Nut Pie and, for dessert, Spiced Caramel Tart or Malt & Teaser – all very decadent! Christmas Day Lunch is priced at £155 pp, including a glass champagne. For guests who seek to escape the kitchen on Boxing Day, the Chef and his team will be pulling out the stops yet again. A three-course seasonal lunch, including a glass of prosecco, is priced at £69.00 pp.
New Year’s Eve Classics Ball & Gala Dinner
The festive fun continues on New Year’s Eve, with two events to choose from – a glamorous five-course black-tie dinner in Squires Restaurant, and the Classics Ball, taking place in the elegant Classics Suite. The black-tie Classics Ball includes a three-course dinner before an unforgettable Ball and, of course, a celebratory countdown to 2023. At midnight, the hotel’s traditional Piper will play as guests raise a glass to toast the year ahead. Tickets for the New Year’s Eve Classic Ball are £145.00 pp, and, for the Gala dinner, £165.00 pp.
Festive Accommodation
Guests staying at the hotel for the Christmas/New Year holidays can choose from two festive room packages.Throughout December, guests can fulfil all their Christmas shopping needs thanks to the hotel’s proximity to some of the UK’s best shopping centres, where they can get into the festive spirit with a myriad of luxury shopping, fine dining and iconic cultural attractions, complete with an overnight stay at the hotel. Prices from £160 per room, including English Breakfast, for stays between 2nd – 30th December.
Additionally, the hotel will welcome guests to celebrate New Year with a special overnight experience, complete with access to The Health & Fitness Club and a hearty brunch the following day… the perfect hangover cure.
Prices from £290 per room for stays on 31st December.
Surrounded by three acres of secluded gardens, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa is a 17th century Georgian house nestled in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. There is no better place to spend Christmas!