Top hotel with dramatic link is new Spotlight sponsor

A hotel with links to whodunit legend Agatha Christie has teamed up with Sheringham Little Theatre as a major sponsor.

The highly-acclaimed Beechwood Hotel at North Walsham has become a Spotlight sponsor of the theatre – and will also be supplying wines from its own vineyard.

In the 1930s Agatha was a regular visitor to the Beechwood in its previous life as the elegant home of her friends Peter and Margaret McLeod, a pair of doctors she met in the Middle East. She would stay at North Walsham for weeks, writing by day in the summerhouse and discussing plots and medical matters, such as poisons, over dinner in the evening.

Nowadays diners and guests can enjoy top hospitality, and savour the library of Christie’s famous detective stories under the gaze of Agatha’s portrait.

The 20-bedroom hotel has 4 AA stars reflecting its excellence in hospitality, service, cleanliness and food. In 2022 it was also ranked 23rd in the UK in the Trip Advisor awards for top small stays and intimate hotels that make big impressions. Helped by rooms with four poster beds, it was also ranked 15th in most romantic category.

The 60-seater restaurant at the Beechwood restaurant – open to residents and staying guests – is regarded as one of the finest in North Norfolk. It offers a British fine dining menu with an emphasis on fresh local produce that has been awarded two AA Rosettes. It is open every evening, and for Sunday lunch.

Owners, husband and wife Hugh and Emma Asher said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring Sheringham Little Theatre. It is such a lovely intimate theatre with a warm welcoming atmosphere – a perfect partner for our business. We are also delighted to be supplying wine from our very own Mellasat Vineyard in Paarl, South Africa for Sheringham Little Theatre’s patrons to enjoy.”

Theatre commercial manager Hannah Smith added: “We are thrilled to be teamed up with such a prestigious local hotel which also has literary links. And it is a real bonus to have access to some superb but affordable wines which I am sure our visitors will savour.”

The Beechwood is only the second top level Spotlight sponsor of the Little Theatre – joining motor dealers Crayford and Abbs. Spotlight sponsorship includes advertising and logos on theatre publicity material, screens and website, discounted and complimentary show tickets, discounted venue hire.