Harden's survey result
Summary
A “beautiful setting” on the banks of the River Stour in the unspoilt heart of Constable Country is the making of this well-known half-timbered venue – these days a spa hotel and restaurant owned by East Anglia’s Milsom Hotels group. As is so often the case here, opinion divides sharply on the merits of its cuisine, with some diners enjoying an “excellent meal” with “noteworthy service”, while others complain of “very average and expensive food” and “service which doesn’t live up to its former excellence”. Local superstar Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance last summer, singing a three-song acoustic set in a marquee on the lawn at the launch of the Lentonbrook Foundation, a new charity to help children and families in Suffolk.
Summary
“The setting is beautiful” – “especially outside in the summer months” – at this famous half-timbered destination, which has been a restaurant since 1925 and is a major favourite in the area for special occasions thanks to its marvellous beamed interior and heavenly location in Constable Country. Even those who acknowledge these strengths, though, note that “the food varies in quality and does disappoint” as results are “only average and very overpriced”. Also, “service can go downhill, especially when there is a large wedding going on… but it is lovely…”
Summary
“The delightful setting in Constable Country” makes this famous landmark – opened in 1925 – ideal for “special occasions and memorable meals”, and the beamed interiors are almost a match for the dreamy Dedham Vale location. But the pricey food has too often been judged “average” over many years – critics feel it “doesn’t live up to its reputation or ideal surroundings”.
Summary
This “beautiful location in the heart of Constable country” (indeed it was painted by the great man) with a terrace next to the River Stour, has hosted a restaurant for 70 years, with “food that has returned to form after a few years of not quite living up to the hype”. There’s a minority view, however, that they still need to “up the food quality” to match the location and prices.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Le Talbooth?
Gun Hill, Dedham, CO7 6HP
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £44.00 | £58.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £21.10 | £42.00 | £0.00 | £14.75 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
Gun Hill, Dedham, CO7 6HP
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm |
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