Morston Holt, NR25 7AA
Harden's survey result
Summary
Having put it on the market in April 2024, Galton & Tracy Blackiston sold their famous north Norfolk destination – with its “gorgeous grounds and rooms” near the coast – in April 2025 to hotelier Henry Elworthy. But the Blackistons are set to stay on for the time being and the greater certainty over future direction – plus the arrival of chef Mike Naidoo to bolster the kitchen team – now seems to have helped a recovery in ratings from a dip last year. “Classic food in a classic style” is served in a bright, airy and unstuffy dining room – “a relaxed, refined space ideal for couples” – from an “excellent multi-course tasting menu, which changes nightly” providing eight courses for £145 per person.
Summary
“How I love Morston!” – a theme underlying many reports on Galton & Tracy Blackiston’s celebrated destination near the north Norfolk coast: “as usual, it was most enjoyable and relaxing, knowing that we were in the hands of a professional and well-run operation: service was personable and informal, and the cooking from well-balanced menus was confident and the portions exactly right, complemented by well-chosen and imaginative wines”; “and the accommodation is top-notch as well”. But while ratings here remain strong, a couple of long-term fans this year did note a slight tail-off in their experience (“the latter dinner, although very good, was a rather low-key affair and staff were perhaps less pro-active than usual”; “there appeared to have been a significant turnover of staff in the short time since our previous visit”) and it seems likely this is linked to the Blackistons’ aim to retire, with the property being put on the market in April 2024. (Apparently, though, there’s expectation of a smooth transition period as the Blackistons have offered to stay on as consultants to whoever purchases the property).
Summary
“A favourite place in Norfolk” – “Galton Blackiston and team continue to be at the top of their game” at this highly commented-on destination (amongst the top 50 outside the capital in terms of the volume of feedback in our annual diners’ poll) near the north Norfolk coast, where the “conservatory-style dining room overlooking the gardens is a lovely setting”. A favourite choice for a gastronomic break, “the wide repertoire of outstanding tasting menus changes every day” (seven courses for £135 per person): “reliably wonderful food” from “locally sourced produce” with “exceptional presentation” and “portions that are just right”. But while all the many reports it attracts rate it well this year, a number also note that “sadly prices have risen, and it seems really expensive now”.
Summary
“Making the drive to north Norfolk worthwhile!” – “Galton Blackiston (with wife Tracy) are nearing their thirtieth year at their acclaimed country house hotel, near the coast, and support in our annual diners’ poll (in which it’s one of the most commented-on destinations) shows no signs of diminishing. Thanks to “personable and efficient” staff, you “feel you are in very capable hands throughout” and “cooking of the daily-changing 7-course tasting menu is assured and simply stunning every night”. “An ideal place for a romantic break staying in their accommodation and enjoying great food.” Top Top – “the wine flight seemed expensive and a better option looked like the limited but imaginative selection of wines by the glass” (“a broad, judiciously chosen variety, at reasonable price”).
For 35 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Morston Hall?
Owner's description
Welcome to Morston Hall, a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant with rooms nestled amongst the stunning landscapes of the north Norfolk AONB. The kitchen team, led by executive chef Phil Kearsey and head chef Farrel Hirsch, offer a daily changing taster menu which showcases the best ingredients that Norfolk and the UK has to offer. For a more laid back experience, we also offer a set menu with our favourite seasonal dishes. Quality and sustainability are central to our ethos which has helped put Morston Hall on the map as one of the best restaurants in the UK. Our 13 bedrooms include 7 suites, most with a private patio or views over our beautifully maintained garden. With one of the most sought after dining experiences in the UK, so much to explore in the local area, and comfortable bedrooms to spend the night, Morston Hall has cemented itself as one of the premier destinations in the country to celebrate a special occasion.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
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|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
The kitchen at Morston Hall is lead by Phil Kearsey.
Phil brings 18 years of Michelin-level experience, having honed his craft at The Waterside Inn in Bray, Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry in California, and most recently Pied à Terre in London where he was executive chef.
Phil's produce-led approach showcases the abundance of fresh ingredients grown in Morston Hall’s own gardens, while highlighting Norfolk’s rich larder through our signature daily changing taster menu.
Morston Hall Restaurant Diner Reviews
"With one exception (the lamb course) the food was as excellent as usual. There clearly has been a turnover of staff and it affected the service more than the food, but I’m sure they’ll get there. "
Morston Holt, NR25 7AA
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 5 pm‑12 am |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 5 pm‑12 am |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 5 pm‑12 am |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 5 pm‑12 am |
| Friday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 5 pm‑12 am |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 5 pm‑12 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 5 pm‑12 am |
