Morston Hall in Norfolk secures investment ahead of renovation

Morston Hall hotel and restaurant in north Norfolk has secured investment from hotelier Henry Elworthy.

It comes after Galton and Tracy Blackiston, owners of the property since 1992, announced last year they were seeking an investor at the site, which has also held a Michelin star and four-AA-rosettes at its fine dining restaurant for 25 years.

At the time, Galton hoped investment would allow him to realise further ambitions for the property, with the possibility of adding additional bedrooms as well as exploring further culinary opportunities.

Elworthy’s investment will support the eight-strong kitchen team, who remain unchanged, with Galton staying as executive chef. The hotel is also due to undergo a renovation programme.  

Galton said: “Over recent years, I’ve faced an increasingly challenging balancing act between overseeing the hotel and restaurant’s day-to-day operations and focusing on the culinary excellence for which our kitchens have enjoyed such widespread acclaim.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Henry, who shares our team’s unerring vision for developing the business, allowing me to devote even more time to creating exciting new menus and to maximising our commitment to using the finest seasonal, locally produced ingredients. Innovation remains key to the success of Morston Hall, while we will also be continuing to grow as much produce as possible in the restaurant’s own gardens.”

Galton began his career at Miller Howe in the Lake District, working his way up to the position of head chef. He then worked in restaurants in New York, Canada, South Africa and London before moving to Norfolk.

A year after taking over Morston Hall, Blackiston won the Newcomer Award at the 1993 Cateys.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.