This recently opened hotel set in the North Norfolk village of Langham has been nicely done. The site was formerly home of Langham Glass and the hotel building is a mix of old and new giving an air of comfortable, clean luxury. Set in a quiet location from where to explore this exceptionally beautiful area, it’s probably best to have a car but there are good walks to be done which include the renowned coastal path. The area is good for bird watching too even if you are not an expert. There are boat trips available from nearby Blakeney and Morston which include seal trips and fishing trips. The small bustling Georgian town of Holt is a short drive away and has lots of interesting shops and excellent antique shops in abundance. The Red Dot Gallery with a mix of old and new things for the home is worth seeking out as is Utopia. Cley, Cromer and Sheringham, with attractions such as Felbrigg Hall are also an easy drive.
The Harper has 32 rooms which vary in size – Big, Bigger and Biggest. The hotel had just one Big room available, it was otherwise fully booked, but it was very nice with plenty of room for a one or two night stay. A contemporary four poster king-size bed did not overcrowd the room, which was decorated in muted, natural tones with pops of colour in the accessories. The bed was extremely comfortable, and the bed linen was of high quality. The shower room, also decorated in natural tones, was user friendly with a luxury clean feel. Nice soaps and things and generously fluffy towels.
A small fridge with complementary cocktails and a tray of snacks and good tea and coffee making essentials were all thoughtfully dealt with.
The hotel has an L-shaped indoor pool with jacuzzi which, in these Covid times, must be booked for exclusive 45-minute sessions. This booking system works well, and it is a treat to be able to lap swim without competing for space or annoying others. There is a spa which offers massage and beauty treatments which, not surprisingly, also need to be booked in advance.
The Harper’s communal spaces are all thoughtfully decorated and furnished. Ivy’s, a roomy lounge with armchairs and sofas, books, and board games. The bar, with high stools, tables or comfy sofas to perhaps try the local Norfolk gin; and the Yard, the outside space which has a fire pit for chilly evenings, water features and, apart from an ancient olive tree, is newly planted and is likely to mature into a special garden space for the Harper. There are plenty of tables and chairs for eating and drinking and deckchairs too. It is possible to order drinks and food from the all-day house menu to have in any of these communal spaces. The menu includes a Caesar salad with Buffalo Mozzarella and anchovies which was very good and well presented and sourdough bread with chilled herb butter.
Stanley’s, the restaurant has a different, more formal menu which aims at local and seasonal food and includes a daily local fish and in June this was mackerel, some Norfolk asparagus and artichokes with mustard seed and some Norfolk pig cheek and rabbit terrine with rhubarb. Puddings included an iced Eton mess with Norfolk gin and strawberry confit; there was also the local Binham Blue cheese.
Stanley’s is where breakfast is served, thankfully not buffet style. Orders are taken from a small menu which includes fruit, cereals, yogurt, some excellent boiled eggs with generously buttered sourdough toast and various teas and coffees.
The senior staff are very good, professional, and welcoming. It is clear that lots of more junior staff are new and in need of experience but this is not a criticism. All staff are patient wanting to learn, and it is clear that despite a few teething troubles and hiccups the ethos of the hotel is to make guests happy and comfortable in a relaxed place. Staff appear to do all they reasonably can to make that happen. It cannot have been easy to open a hotel like the Harper in these Covid times but they are doing well and so it looks likely to develop into a lovely and special place to stay. The Harper – Norfolk.
