Harden's survey result
Summary
A 500-year-old country inn set in gorgeous Suffolk countryside provides a stunning backdrop to a meal at this ambitious property, which has been owned by Richard Sunderland & Sarah Broadbent since 2022. But if “after spending millions the place is very nice”, the odd report also has reservations: the traditional (and sensibly priced) French-inflected cuisine is well-rated by one repeat-visitor, but another feels that: “they seem to be chasing a Michelin Star, but are trying to run before they can walk”.
Summary
“At last Suffolk has somewhere very special again” – this “relatively new, upmarket” outfit is set in a five-hundred-year-old country inn that has long had a culinary reputation. Fans say it’s “the best-looking restaurant for miles around”, and is “trying hard” – they’re “obviously chasing a star” in the kitchen, which is praised for its “great tasting menu” (the only option by night).
For 33 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 The Angel Inn?
Polstead St, Stoke-by-Nayland, CO6 4SA
Restaurant details
The Angel Inn Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Hardens recommendation to this very popular gastro "pub" in a pretty village. The conversion of an old building is very well done down to the super WCs. Mid-week lunch offer was a good price at £68 for 2 with a glass of wine. French Soup first for a while coupled with Carpaccio of venison; Next Grilled Salmon was OK Sea-bream better. Pumpkin Tart and Bread and Butter Pudding were outstanding and left us with a good feeling. "
"Very attractive gastropub/hotel. Very reasonably priced set menu £26 for 2 courses, £34 for 3, considering the quality. French onion soup, carpaccio of venison, grilled salmon, seabream, Chocolate bread and butter pudding, pumpkin tart with chestnut ice cream. (Failed to ask if we had allergies). "
"Really mixed emotions. I was the only customer in the whole restaurant except for some people having a meeting with staff very noisily in the next room. Starter was two scallops with a tiny piece of pork belly. Sauce was ok but priced outside its rating (£18). Main was a delicious sea bream with nice accompaniments. Dessert was a slightly odd combination of cinnamon creme brûlée with apple tart. The apple tart was thin pastry with thin slices of apple and nice. The creme brûlée was not that great, the sugar was bitter as slightly too burnt, the creme was too liquid it was more like a custard with little cinnamon flavour. Waitress was less than engaged bearing in mind she only had to serve me until another two customers arrived after about 30 minutes. Toilets very clean and of impressive facilities. Lots of promise not sadly delivered"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £28.00 | £34.00 |  |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 89.00 | Dinner only | 12 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £18.50 | £35.60 | £7.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £33.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Polstead St, Stoke-by-Nayland, CO6 4SA
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑7 pm |
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