The Blog

Join us between 8.00am and 12.00, on Tuesday, 12th September, for our Meeting and Events Open Morning.

Meet Rose and Hannah, our experienced Meeting and Event Planners. Take a tour of our 7 versatile meeting and event rooms and have a chat about how we can help you to plan your next event. Rooms will be set up in different styles to showcase the different set ups. Whether big or small, Christmas, team building, training or away day we have the flexibility to provide bespoke events. There will also be the opportunity to talk to some of our preferred suppliers. We have linked up with several great local independents who can add experiences to your event. This could be anything from paddle boarding, to an Escape Room or a guided tour of Norwich.

Rose Taylor, our Events Manager, said “I really hope that people will take this opportunity to visit us. We have some excellent spaces and along with our prime position, in the centre of Norwich, offering complimentary car parking to all delegates, we believe we are the perfect venue for meetings and events. We can accommodate anything from 2 to 120 delegates. Also, we can deliver a great hospitality package”

The Hotel boasts 84 contemporary bedrooms, all with their own unique design, so 24 hour delegate rates are also available.

There will of course be plenty of tea and coffee available, along with croissants and pastries. In addition, you could win a pair of tickets for hospitality at the Top of the Terrace and to watch a match, or maybe take a spin in one of our vintage Bentleys, with our chauffeur Matt.

To find out more about our Meeting and Events Open Morning contact events@maidsheadhotel.co.uk or call 01603 272008

We have linked up with Russell Evans to offer a Bullards Gin Cocktail Making Masterclass.

This exciting, brand NEW event will be held in our pretty courtyard, between 6.00pm and 8.00pm on Friday, 18th August.

Russell Evans, co-founder of Bullards Gin, will demonstrate 4 cocktails, including their popular Strawberry and Black Pepper Gin. In pairs, guests will then have the opportunity to make and garnish each of the four cocktails to share and savour. This is a great event to grab your friends, family or work colleagues together on a Friday night and celebrate the taste of summer.Read more »

The new summer menu for the WinePress Restaurant has just landed.

Head Chef Olly Sanders, has now been able to put his stamp firmly on our WinePress Restaurant, creating his very first seasonal menu.

The new summer menu was introduced on Monday, 10th July and is already receiving great feedback from diners. Moreover, the menu was launched on the same night that an AA Inspector paid a surprise visit. AA Inspectors book accommodation and dinner anonymously, only making themselves known upon check out.

Receiving some great feedback, with the Inspector once again endorsing the Restaurant’s 2 AA Rosette rating. Proudly, the WinePress has held it’s 2 AA Rosettes for over 6 years now. He commented “…the quality of the food was most enjoyable and comfortably exceeded four star Hotel expectations”

Wild mushroom duxelle tart, truffled spinach, dashi Hollandaise

Joining the Brigade last month, Olly is already getting to grips with the complexity of the menus  the Hotel is proud to offer. Already catering for several weddings; a large 4 day residential conference; numerous private dining events; as well as the day to day breakfast, casual dining, afternoon tea and room service menus.

The new a la carte menu demonstrates Olly’s commitment to continue he’s predecessors legacy of championing seasonal produce. Produce is sourced from the wealth of local suppliers on our doorstep.

Dishes ordered by the AA Inspector included:

Starter – Cromer crab dressed crumpet, pickled courgettes, caviar butter;

Main Course – herb crusted saddle of Norfolk Blackface lamb, potato terrine, crisp sweetbread, new season peas, lamb season

Dessert – plum cake, plum curd, honey roast plum, crumble ice cream, chocolate feuilletine.

Roasted Garlic Gnocchi, courgette ribbons, sorrel pesto, cep foam, tempura goats curd, stuffed courgette flower

To see the full a la carte menu click on the link. Alternatively diners can choose the Tasting Menu with Wine Flight option. Food Services Manager, Gemma, has expertly paired the dishes with 4 wines. She has included 2 wines from local vineyards, Chilford Hall and Flint.

Tables can be booked by calling 01603 272010, or alternately by going online. 

We are incredibly proud of our Food and Beverage Supervisor, Kelsey, who has successfully completed the Greene King Cellar Management Course.

The Maids Head Bar over the Centuries has been providing warm hospitality and serving great beer. Kelsey says that much goes in to being able to serve a good pint. Many real ale drinkers visit the Jacobean Bar both for its quirkiness but particularly for the range of local beers always on offer. Kelsey prides herself on now being able to manage the cellar to ensure that both customers and Hotel guests are guaranteed the perfect pint.Read more »

We are excited to announce our brand new Jazz in June events.

Join Francesca and Clifford in our pretty courtyard, where the duo will be playing cool RnB, upbeat Ska and Latin Lounge…. with a jazz feel.

Our intimate Jazz in June events are being held between 6pm – 8pm on 2nd, 9th, 23rd and 30th June. Booking is essential.Read more »

We are incredibly proud of our General Manager, Christine and Operations Managers Jon and Alex who have now completed their Mental Health First Aid Training. Huge congratulations to all three of you.

The two-day course, accredited by Mental Health England is available to study online, via zoom. The vision of MHFA England is to improve the mental health of the nation. They are focussed on providing support in the workplace and helping to look after the mental health of employees.

Jon explained that the well delivered Mental Health First Aid training course had a small number of just 10 attendees. The content focussing on all matters relating to mental health, from depression to alcohol and drug abuse and anxiety disorder to psychosis. Learning very much focussed on discussion and many breakout activities where small groups were given different scenarios to consider and then report back on for further discussion with their peers and Tutor. Key elements always being to show empathy and understanding and to use open questions, initiating more listening than talking. Most importantly, NEVER be too busy to not recognise and respond immediately to a colleagues request to talk.

The support offered by MHFA England includes access to an APP which provides the opportunity to confidentially log all conversations. Key words from the record are then recognised and the APP will then recommend advice that can be offered, as well as signposting to local organisations where the individual can seek professional help.

Christine has always adopted an Open-Door policy. Staff have always very much appreciated knowing that a confidential listening ear is available to them. Now, having undertaken the course Christine feels much more confident to be able to better support individuals, particularly having access to know where to signpost them for professional help locally. Christine said “the APP is a tremendously useful tool, not just in terms of the signposting but also in the ability to recognise the issues being raised and the advice to offer”.

Alex commented “the course was a real eye opener for me, highlighting the struggles people go through, especially in this current climate, and how everyone responds to these challenges in a different way. I found the advice given as to the terminology to use valuable and would not have considered before the reasons behind not using certain words” Alex summed up by saying that she had learnt an amazing new skill which she can now use both inside and outside of the workplace.

It has been well documented that the Hospitality Industry has suffered hugely over the past couple of years. Mental health and staff wellbeing has never before been more important to recognise than today. The three members of the team having undertaken this training will certainly make a difference to the Maids Head Family, who by a long tradition, have always supported and cared for one another.

Jon says “ I found the whole course highly enlightening. It has made me much more aware of mental health and wellbeing. The techniques for how to phrase your questions and how to listen will certainly help me to be able to provide much better support in the future.  The APP will help me to confidently support any individual in the Hotel who seeks my support. Already I have put my Mental Health First Aid training into practice and it is comforting to know that I can make a difference”.

The Maids Head was proud winner of Best Employer in the 2018 Norfolk Business Awards, demonstrating its strong commitment to the support and development of it’s valuable team. If you would like to consider working for the Maids Head, you can find details of all our current vacancies here

We have an exciting opportunity for a full time Maintenance Assistant to join the great team here at the historic and award winning Maids Head Hotel.

As the oldest Hotel in Britain we have a beautiful building which requires a lot of care and attention. Since becoming independent in 2012, the hotel has received a multi-million pound investment. All 84 bedrooms have been completely refurbished and now boast their own individual design.

The 2 AA Rosette WinePress Restaurant and all public areas have also been redesigned and provide the warmest of welcomes to all guests. The Bentley Showroom, added in 2020, provides the newest space to house our classic Bentleys. The S3 Saloon and Mark 6 convertible Bentleys offer complimentary spins around the City offering guests a unique experience.

As a full time Maintenance Assistant you will work in a team to ensure the smooth running of this 24/7 AA 4 star silver Hotel. Qualifications and a background in a similar role would be advantageous. However, training will be given and there is an opportunity to develop your skills further.

The hotel won Best Employer in the 2018 Norfolk Business Awards, demonstrating its commitment towards all employees. Staff are also signed up to LimeBee which provides legal, financial and counselling support. This further demonstrates the care that the Hotel has to ensure a happy, healthy and motivated team.

This permanent position is for 40 hours per week, working 5 days, including weekends. Meals on duty are included, along with a uniform. Car parking at the hotel is also provided. You can also benefit from discounts on accommodation and food across the Chaplin Hotels Group.

If you would like to find out more about this position, or wish to apply, then please contact maintenance@maidsheadhotel.co.uk and send them a copy of your CV.

This month the Maids Head celebrates 10 amazing years of becoming an independent Hotel. We would like to thank everyone involved in helping us to become the award winning 4 star hotel we are today, here in the heart of the fine City of Norwich.

Over these past 10 amazing years, the Maids Head has embarked on a multi-million pound investment with guests at the heart of every decision made. The hotel has invested in providing guests with unique experiences. These Maids Head experiences range from fine dining in our 2 AA Rosette WinePress Restaurant, taking a spin around the City in one of our vintage Bentleys,  to hiring one of the Bobbin Bikes to explore Norwich.

As part of the investment, all 84 contemporary rooms have received a complete makeover and are all uniquely designed. Guests can choose a range of room types.  Suites, Junior Suites and Feature Rooms all have their own personalised name. Names include local Rivers and Broads, such as the Wensum Junior Suite and the Filby Junior Suite. Along with famous people who have been associated to the Hotel during it’s long history, such as Catherine of Aragon.  We are passionate and proud about our strong connections to our past as well as our location. All our bathroom tiles feature scenes of Norwich either above the bath or on the wall of the shower. These images champion our independence and our support for Norwich.

With the festive activities in full swing, it has not, as yet, been possible for the Maids Head to celebrate these 10 amazing years. But rest assured there are plans afoot to rectify this in the New Year!

We are delighted to announce that our WinePress Restaurant has once again been awarded the coveted 2 AA Rosettes.

The AA Inspector anonymously dined in the WinePress Restaurant recently, only announcing his visit upon paying his bill. His comments reflected the Kitchen Brigade’s passion for delivering menus which reflect the seasons as well as the support of local producers. This is also fully reflected in the achievement of Highly Recommended in the Taste of East of England awards 2022.

The WinePress Restaurant’s new Festive a La Carte Menu  is packed full of seasonal flavours. As a diner you can enjoy a main course of Norfolk venison loin with pickled blackberries, pommes boulangere and crispy kale; or cod loin, thyme potato terrine, carrot and leek fricassee and saffron cream sauce. If you like your desserts, then you  be may be tempted with a ginger and cranberry sponge, poached fruit sorbet and ginger tuile.

Any dietary concerns can all be addressed and even the vegan option has a highly festive flavour, who wouldn’t enjoy a parsnip and chestnut Wellington with honey glazed root vegetables and Brussel sprout ficassee.

The fantastic Food and Beverage Team are committed to delivering a high level of customer service and offering advice to diners on what to eat and what wines they would recommend to accompany the dishes. The Wine List even features 8 wines from local vineyards including Flint and Chilford Hall.

To book a table call 01603 272010 or go online.

Norfolk venison loin, pickled blackberries, pommes Boulangere, crispy kale and blackberry jus

Cod loin, thyme potato terrine, carrot and leek fricasee, saffron cream sauce

Afternoon Tea and Winter Warmer Menu

As well as the a la carte menu served in the 2 AA Rosette WinePress Restaurant, the hotel also serves afternoon tea daily and from Thursday, 1st December, the Winter Warmer Menu will be available in the magical Winter Garden, found in the heart of the Hotel. The menu will feature baked camembert and of course hot chocolate. The Courtyard is covered and sheltered with blankets, hot water bottles and heaters available for when the days become really chilly.

Post December 2022

To book a table call 01603 272010 or go online.

We are delighted to once again be taking part in the 2022 Norfolk Restaurant Week.

This highly popular event runs from Monday 31st October until Friday 11th November and lots of local independent Restaurants are joining up, including our award winning 2 AA Rosette WinePress Restaurant.

Our Norfolk Restaurant Week menu is offered Monday to Friday and you can enjoy a two course meal for £23 or 3 courses for just £29. It is a great opportunity to visit the WinePress Restaurant, maybe for the first time. Set in the courtyard of a 15th century inn, the WinePress Restaurant provides a historic setting with a contemporary twist. You might also like to to enjoy a drink in our Jacobean Maids Head Bar before sitting down to dine, or maybe a coffee afterwards.

The Norfolk Week Restaurant Week menu can also be enjoyed alfresco in our pretty, Autumn themed courtyard, found in the heart of the Hotel. This sheltered and heated space is perfect to enjoy either lunch or even dinner under the twinkling lights.

Celebrate with us all the amazing flavours of Autumn and rest assured our menus will reflect the finest of seasonal produce sourced from local independent supplies which our Head Chef, Adam is passionate about. To complement our menus we have a wine list of 50 wines, many available to purchase by the glass, including 8 wines from local vineyards, from Chilford Hall to Flint Vineyards

Head Chef Adam said, “We love Norfolk Restaurant Week as it provides a platform for all the amazing local independent Restaurants to shout about the amazing produce we have in Norfolk and we can champion all our fantastic local suppliers. It provides an opportunity for diners to try a range of restaurants at a time when the nights are drawing in.”

The WinePreshttp://01603 272010s Restaurant proudly achieved Highly Recommended in the Taste of East of England at the 2022 East of England Tourism Awards.

To book your WinePress Restaurant Dining Experience call 01603 272010.