A BOUTIQUE hotel in the heart of the south Essex countryside has been recognised with two AA awards as it prepares to expand its offering later this year.

Downham Hall, the five-bedroom hotel near Wickford, has received a five-star accommodation award in the restaurant with rooms category and two Rosettes for its North Wing restaurant.

The awards follow planning approval for owners Andrew and Christine Metcalfe to expand their renowned weddings and events space at the hotel off Castledon Road.

Owners - Andrew and Christine MetcalfeOwners - Andrew and Christine Metcalfe (Image: Downham Hall)

Mrs Metcalfe said: “The recent AA awards are a real testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, who are truly committed to delivering exceptional service and experience to our guests.

“Recent years have been a challenge for us and the entire hospitality industry. However, we are now looking to the future and excited to turn our development plans into reality and extend our offer to existing and new guests.”

This new space will host 150 guests and will replace the current marquee structure at the venue, with work starting later this year. 

Venue - Downham HallVenue - Downham Hall (Image: Downham Hall)

In response to increasing guest demand, the Metcalfes have also invested in new team members for its North Wing restaurant, which will be extending its opening hours to open seven days a week from September.

Mr Metcalfe added: “We feel extremely fortunate that we have been able to invest in growing our team and F&B offer in recent times to achieve not one but two accolades from the AA.

“The development of the new events space is the next exciting stage of our development.

“Since we first purchased Downhall Hall in 2017 we have always believed in its potential and had ambitious plans to grow its offering.

“We are now looking forward to getting started and welcoming more guests and more awards in the future.”