A break form the country-house hotel norm, Milsoms is an emphatically a “casual concept” complete with an “ample” outdoor space, an invitingly buzzy dining room, big comfortable leather chairs and a laid-back DIY ordering system; there’s ‘no need to book a table’ either, say the owners. Milsoms doesn’t take itself too seriously, which adds to its charm. On its website, it proclaims how it aims to be the sort of place where people can where whatever they feel comfortable in when visiting; “you won’t look out of place in shorts and sandals or a shirt and tie.”
One fan also says how “lovely the outside area is for bringing the children to” and that the “beautiful ground and lovely ambience” paired with the “wonderful food” make this a great country house hotel and restaurant.
The wide-ranging international menu allows diners to choose any size or combination of courses: start with Asian duck tacos, prawn cocktail or smoked eel pâté with chicory and crostini, then consider tandoori salmon fillet with spiced broccoli, slow-cooked lamb shank with parsley mash or butternut squash tortellini. Steaks and burgers are made with local Dedham Vale beef, and if you’re after some serious comfort food look no further than Mr G’s shepherd’s pie or beer-battered cod and chips.
Sunday lunches get the nod, while puds run from tiramisu to strawberry pavlova. Staff are bright, well-drilled and on-the-ball – handy if you’re staying the night. The restaurant takes its name from Geraldine Milsom, who has designed the spacious dining room in a contemporary and beautiful way.
There are also two private dining rooms for all types of celebrations – these are thankfully bookable. The 14-capacity Library is pretty, and Mr G’s has an incredible private garden with its own private facilities and room for up to 24 people. The latter also has its own dedicated kitchen.