Suffolk Restaurant Guide

After 32 years the Crêpy family were a tough act to follow at this “lovely” old (in parts 14th century) inn, on the square of a picturesque town: “a unique, quintessentially English building, whose other defining features are essentially French: this includes the staff, food, wine and especially the cheeseboard!”. “There’s very little to fault in its classic French cuisine”, and although the ratings awarded by its huge and dedicated fan club have slipped a fraction in the transition period, most reporters are optimistic: “since the Crêpys have retired the new owners have tried to keep the Great House just the same, and although it’s not 100% as good it’s getting there” is a sensible middle view. However you cut it, it’s “certainly one of the best East Anglian restaurants”.

One of the most popular and highly rated neighbourhood restaurants in the country – Justin & Jurga Sharp’s “delightful” bistro occupies a “tucked-away” townhouse in the heart of the town and “though a little off-the-beaten track is worth seeking out”. “Often combining quirky ingredients”, the “exciting” cuisine is “unusual, hearty” and “brilliantly realised” and supported by a “very interesting wine list”: “of diverse inspiration, with lots of natural wines and perfectly complementing the food”. Service, meanwhile “could not be more welcoming or accommodating.”

“Still our favourite!” – this beloved Chinese operation remains “just fabulous all round”, delivering “exquisite and authentic Asian flavours, paired with great service and years of knowledge” from the Vietnamese owners; “they hardly need reviews as word of mouth seems to always keep them busy, but here is one!”

“Consistently good, flavoursome local food” (with “fish a strong point, landed on the nearby village quay”) is abetted by “efficient but laidback service” at this crowd-pleasing hotel; while TV’s ‘Hotel Inspector’ Ruth Watson sold it to a local hotel group recently, longtime regulars report that standards have been preserved.

Carl and Beth Shillingford have moved from nearby arts venue, The Quay in Sudbury, to these converted former stables, “in the middle of a small village”. “With a carefully constructed ever-changing menu, Carl manages to forage for and produce the most wonderful food with ingredients garnered from the Suffolk countryside”: “amazing!”.

“A stunning location, outstanding food and their own delicious wine” make this 400-year-old oak-framed barn conversion on the Wyken estate “a brilliant place to take friends from abroad” – while for locals it’s “good enough to save seeking alternatives nearby”. Open for more than 25 years, the restaurant “makes great use of local produce”.

“Spectacular views, smart accommodation and consistently good food” – this gastropub with rooms in beautiful Constable countryside is well worth the drive – and “the prices aren’t crippling”.