An elegant period building on St Giles Street in Norwich is undergoing a transformation
There are some very special features to 38, St Giles. First, the beautiful interiors are the creation of its male owner who didn't resort to female inspiration. Instead, Dennis Bacon chose everything himself from the paint to the bed linen. I really don't want to appear sexist in any way as I'm sure many men are capable of doing this, especially those who have transformed beautiful buildings before like Mr Bacon, but it's still impressive. The other special feature is the owner's son George is the chef who specialises in cooking breakfasts and brunches. He actually went to Melbourne to train and really wants to make it a USP of this establishment. So you definitely are in for a treat from the moment you arrive at this hotel and there will not be a greasy fry up the next morning, that's for sure! Breakfast can often be the experience people remember most at a hotel as it's the last before leaving so how wonderful to be given something which isn't mediocre. Instead, you can enjoy such delights as a beautifully poached, locally sourced egg on top of toasted brioche with rocket and a drizzle of dressing! I have written about the correlation with food and interiors before as more restaurateurs understand how the two are intrinsically linked when offering a hugely enjoyable experience. As much food as possible at 38 St Giles is locally sourced with a real effort in offering home made delights such as the bread and jams and great attention is given to taste so the coffee is specially chosen for its flavour. Milk in the bedrooms is fresh and not in those awful little cartons and then come the interiors to really appeal. The largest bedroom suite was the previous hotel owner's living room and bedroom and boasts beautiful original features including some elaborate plasterwork in the form of a ceiling rose, a large fireplace and a superb set of stained glass doors which lead into the en suite. Everything is so beautiful and luxurious so you feel you are staying somewhere really special. I loved this room painted in Farrow & Ball's down pipe with a large bed dressed with white Egyptian cotton and goose down bed linen.
The en suite boasts a large power shower but also a modern take on a single ended slipper bath and there are sumptuous drapes at the sash windows. An understated chandelier completes the look.
The hotel is open for business now and there are eight bedrooms. Further work is being planned which will relocate the dining room into a larger room but at present it's in a very elegant, panelled drawing room with a fireplace. Starched white tablecloths adorn each table with little vases of flowers. Mr Bacon is also planning to create a pretty courtyard garden at the rear for guests.
I also really liked the main hallway you enter with a lovely original fireplace - it's a very welcoming sight when you enter. The marvellous thing is you are right in the heart of the city so it's ideal for going to the theatre or cinema.
What work like this on properties is doing is making Norwich a really interesting choice as a destination. It doesn't matter if you live in the city, 38, St Giles is the perfect getaway for a romantic night away from the children - and you don't have a long journey in traffic to get home afterwards!
For more information call 38, St Giles on 01603 662944.
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