Whet your appetite

We are so lucky to have many fantastic producers of food in Suffolk.  We are also fortunate to have some really great places in which to eat it– whether it’s seafood served from a humble fishing shack, a three course meal at a top gastro pub or a delicious donut from Orford’s famous Pump Street Bakery.

That said, we keenly felt the loss of a couple of our favourite restaurants during the first Covid lockdown – Darsham Nurseries and Mains.  They were the ‘go to’ restaurants for both our guests and when we fancied a meal out ourselves.

Much as we happily walk down the road to our brilliant local pub – The Parrot & Punchbowl (or simply ‘The Parrot’) – it’s always good to discover some new places.  These are some recent finds:

The Suffolk (www.the_suffolk.co.uk  – originally a Covid relocation of Soho’s L’Escargot, The Suffolk is here to stay and is already very much a fixture on Aldeburgh’s high street (and soon to be with rooms – though perhaps I shouldn’t dwell on that- and a rooftop bar).  The menu changes but you will always find delicious lobster and oysters on the menu.

Southwold Canteen (www.oldhospitalhub.co.uk) – Darsham Nurseries is dead – long live the Southwold Canteen!.  The chef, Nicola Hordern, has bought her amazing flair and creativity, from Darsham Nurseries to this quiet community location set away from the hubbub of Southwold’s High Street.  It has the vibe of a neighbourhood eaterie, with a seasonal menu prepared using wonderful ingredients,  cooked beautifully served up with super friendly service.  Lunch only at the moment – so go easy at breakfast!

Watson and Walpole (www.watsonandwalpole.com) – this has been a regular destination for us and guests over the last year or so.  The Watson of the title was the original TV Hotel Inspector and has brought her eye for detail to this buzzing restaurant (though despite her formidable TV persona I hasten to add it is relaxed and informal).  It’s in Framlingham – so a bit of a trek – but this regional Italian dishes are definitely well worth the effort. I have to confess I am a little addicted to their zucchini fries, unadventurous as that is.  They also have an excellent vegan menu.

Greyhound Inn at Pettristree (www.greyhoundpettristree.co.uk) – this pub near Wickham Market has always been on our radar because it had a good reputation, however it changed ownership a few weeks back and word quickly got out that it is well worth a visit.  We can confirm that indeed it is!  A beautiful Suffolk pub set in a quiet, out of the way village.  The food is modern British with everything cooked to perfection.  Here is my delicious oxtail ravioli starter.