Perfecting That Golf Swing At Channels Lodge

Set in the heart of the stunning Essex countryside, Channels Lodge was originally a 15th century Tudor farmhouse and family home.

The current owners lived in the house just over 20 years ago before it was slowly converted into a six-bedroom lodge. Fast forward to today, and the farm outbuildings and cart lodges around the courtyard too have been transformed into further executive rooms and suites. They and the surroundings alike make for an ideal place to host weddings (there are two honeymoon suites), a short break or even an overnight stop en-route to Stansted Airport which is a mere 30 minute drive away.

You don’t have to spend hours on a golf course to appreciate good food and the Channels Bar and Brasserie – which has been recently refurbished – is popular with both guests and non-guests alike.

The menu focuses on British fusion with plenty of healthy and gluten-free options. A seasonal specials board is regularly updated too, so there is always something new to try. The portions are generous for both the starter and main so you certainly won’t go hungry. Try as we wanted to, but after Richard’s fill of a 10oz rib eye steak and seriously good rustic chips, plus my lip-licking duck breast with celeriac, pickled turnip, blackberry, spiced duck jus, we simply didn’t have the space for dessert. But there’s no denying had we had, we would have devoured the sticky toffee pudding in seconds. Still, there was just enough space left for a night cap in the jolly bar to soak up the Saturday night atmosphere.

After a good night’s rest, attention turned to food again. Lingering over breakfast has always been my favourite way to start the day, and here at Channels Lodge, the experience is made even better. Served in the brasserie, guests can easily will away hours eating and sipping on coffee and day dreaming as they look out onto the lush greenery surrounding it. From a good-sized buffet breakfast to an a la carte with more gluten-free options I have ever seen on a breakfast menu, expect to be set up for the day. I highly recommend the avocado on toast with eggs on gluten-free bread. It gave me more than enough energy to hit some golf balls all over again.

Channels Lodge – Where and How?

Channels Lodge is located at Belsteads Farm Lane, Little Waltham, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 3PT.