Bleak House, the former holiday home of novelist Charles Dickens,
which opened recently as a restaurant with rooms, has announced its
Christmas menus.
For people wishing to celebrate Christmas Day in an historic setting
made famous by the author of A Christmas Carol, and with it
popularised created many of the ‘traditions’ we now regard as
essential to festive celebrations, Bleak House is unique. This year
marked the centenary of the Victorian author’s birth.
The former museum and private residence, which now operates as a
boutique B+B, restaurant and tea rooms and boast spectacular sea views
across Viking Bay, Bleak House is also available for private hire.
Now owned by the Hilton family, who have lovingly restored the
property to its former glory, Bleak House, which retains many original
features and antique furnishings, offers a truly unique setting.
“The brass bed in the luxurious Dickens Suite was once slept in by
Queen Victoria, although we have changed the sheets and replaced the
mattress,” said Nicola Hilton.
On Christmas Day, Bleak House will serve a four-course menu, with “all
the trimmings for £79.95 (under 12s £39.95).
For starters there is a choice of Broccoli and Stilton soup; Scottish
Smoked and Poached Salmon or Game Terrine Campagne in Bacon with
Victorian spiced chutney.
Mains offer organic Norfolk turkey; Slow Roasted Organic Rib of Beef;
and Loin of Cod Mornay.
For desserts there is traditional Christmas pudding; Winter Berry
Pavlova or Crème bruleé.
To finish there is a selection of cheeses, mince pies, coffee and
chocolate truffles.
A 50% deposit required on booking with the balance due by 10th December.
Bleak house is also serving a Christmas Party Menu from 1st December
for £37.50 a head from 1st December.
For guests looking for over night stays, a double room with breakfast
costs from £135 a night. Bleak House is also offering a free night’s
accommodation on two-night bookings.
‘Nancy’s’ tea rooms offers cream tea’s, daily specials, snacks and
selection of Nellie’s delicious home made cakes, pastries, sandwiches
and baguettes.
Home cooked Sunday lunches are served between 12.00 noon and 3.00pm.
One courses £9.95, two courses £12.95.
About Bleak House
Built in 1801, the cliff top Fort House as it was known then, was the
home of the local fort captain during the Napoleonic wars. It was
renamed Bleak House in 1870 on Dickens’s death, it was turned into a
museum by way of tribute to the author before going into private
ownership.
From 1837 to 1859 Dickens leased the six-bedroomed property for his
family's summer holidays, spending a least a month here or over 20
years. At the time he lived 20 miles away at Gad's Hill Place at
Higham, near Chatham, Kent.
He wrote David Copperfield at Bleak House, plus chapters of Nicholas
Nickelby, Barnaby Rudge and Oliver Twist and was inspired to write his
1952 novel ‘Bleak House’, which is set in Bedfordshire.
A spectacular wedding venue – Bleak House is licensed for civil
ceremonies – the entire property can be rented as a family holiday
home for between £5,000 for a weekend and £12,000 a week. A private
chef, butler and maid can also be provided as part of the package.
Open daily 10.00am to 5.00pm. Guided Tours cost £4 for adults and £2
for children under 12. The cellar is home to a gruesome Smuggling
Museum. The Charles Dickens lounge bar is open from 12.00 noon to
10.00pm.
Bleak House, Fort Road, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1EY
T: 01843 865 338 M: 07974 131 375
enquiries@bleakhousebroadstairs.co.uk www.bleakhousebroadstairs.co.uk
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