My girlfriend and I arrived at the Norfolk Mead Hotel in less than fine fettle.
Setting off in optimistic spirits around midday, I foolishly put my faith in a brand spanking new Sat Nav which had made stern promises of a three hour journey time.
Enough time, it assured, to arrive in time to take a meander along the Norfolk Broads, sample the local pubs, and more importantly ales, and be back in time for dinner at the hotel.
Sadly, such trust was misplaced.
When we finally pulled into the car park a few minutes shy of 6pm it was obvious to those present (my long suffering girlfriend) that my disposition had sharpened somewhat.
Fortunately checking in was a doddle (I was in no mood for an inquisition, as is often the case when confirming a book at some hotels).
A few details taken and we were shown to our room, the bridal suite.
Barely a moment had passed when there came a knock at the door.
Beyond it we found a beaming waiter attached to two flutes of champagne.
Spirits lifted we headed, champers in hand, through the double French doors onto the balcony.
There we were greeted by spectacular views across the hotels garden and beyond to the River Brue.
I could feel my early buoyancy returning as I jumped into the boat shaped bath for a well-earned soak.
No time for meandering- thanks Sat Nav- we had the briefest walk around quaint Coltishall before it was back to the restaurant for dinner.
I started with prawns while my better half plumped for the scallops’- neither of which were fantastic
A chink in armour?
Fortunately, no.
The Moroccan lamb that followed was fantastic, flavoursome and tender, while the pork, sampled only for the purposes of research, was perhaps better.
A cheese board arrived and was quickly dispatched, along with the bottle of Malbec, before we dragged ourselves to our king-sized bed, sated.
Arriving tired, fraught, ferocious, I set off the following morning- having sampled the smorgasbord of tempting breakfast treats- my mood transformed, now pastoral.
The staff were excellent, the food fantastic, the room luxurious.
My only advice (other than booking a weekend break at the Norfolk Mead)? take the train!
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