The team at Kesgrave Hall unveiled a brand-new look this week, after lavishing £350,000 on a refurbishment of the entire ground floor.
Styled by Geraldine Milsom, the lounge, reception area, bar and restaurant have been coated in soothing, neutral Andrew Martin paints, while fun pops of colour and off-the-wall embellishments bring in the essential ‘kooky’ Milsom vibe.
Think airstream-style tables and sideboards, surprising art (including a light-up spacewoman), neon picture frames and tactile fluffy chairs.
While the works (the first to be carried out since the hotel originally opened) were taking place, the Alpine 121 dining experience was created in The Hanger events space.
“We’re hoping to bring that back next year,” says Alice Milsom. “It was a roaring success. We were full on Fridays and Saturdays and had wonderful comments from guests about the experience. It was a great thing to do while we’ve been closed undergoing this huge project.”
Citing Geraldine as the “mastermind” behind every aspect of the refresh, Alice points out the new carpets. “Geraldine actually designed the stripe.” And then there’s the hand-selected artwork from locals Elizabeth Morris and Jason Gathorne-Hardy.
“We’ve gone for a bit of an aviator feel to fit in with The Hanger,” Alice adds, giving a nod to brass fixtures and fittings, antique glass backdrops and even a propellor.
“It’s uplifting look for the year ahead. We think it looks quite cutting edge now – especially the boutique bar with bottles illuminating in different colours.”
Speaking of which. Did you know Kesgrave Hall’s bar has a gin library? A growing collection of 90 bottles, accompanied by eight tequilas, 30 whiskies, and countless rums, vodkas and speciality spirits.
Enjoy them perched at what Alice says is the best seat in the house – the banquette arrangement deep at the back of the restaurant, with views straight across into the open kitchen.
Here you can dine on the chefs’ new, brasserie-style menu, bridging winter into spring. Dishes include Chicken breast with confit chicken terrine, sweetcorn puree, chargrilled sweetcorn, kale, maple pancetta and truffle, and Alice’s favourite – roasted carrots and beetroots with beetroot gnocchi, spiced chickpeas, pickled red onion, sumac yoghurt and parsley salad.
No bookings are required. “Customers can just turn up, and enjoy!”
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