The Bildeston Crown, Suffolk

Overview

Seven hundred years old, the Bildeston Crown is a rare find. Uniting an old world, historic aesthetic with a modern restaurant that prioritises imaginative and modern gastronomy, this 15th-century coaching inn is the perfect luxurious bolthole. Oozing history at every twist and turn, its timber-framed village setting and simplicity of its beamed exterior makes it a popular option for locals and visitors alike. Retaining a sense of charm, opulence and warmth, its period features are complemented with all the modern trappings, making it the ideal foodie break away.

Guests can indulge in the innovative yet elegant British cooking, stay in one of the eight lavishly decorated rooms, explore the local countryside and relax in the delightful sheltered courtyard. With teak tables and chairs, posh brollies and olive trees in planters, it's the perfect spot for summer drinking and dining.

Rooms from

Doubles and twins: £80

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Parking available
Private and alfresco dining

Quiet romance
With a cracking bar, dedicated wine list and innovative menu, the Bildeston Crown is the perfect place to spend an evening à deux.

A touch of culture
Close to picture-postcard Lavenham and Long Melford and within easy reach of the Dedham Vale and Constable Country, there's plenty of cultural pursuits to keep art and history lovers happy.

Outdoor adventures
Bildeston is set in the glorious rolling Suffolk countryside, meaning there's plenty of exploring to be done on foot for keen hikers.

Fine dining
The restaurant's head chef, Chris Lee, has recently been awarded 3 AA Rosettes and for the past few years, they have been named as one of Suffolk's top 3 restaurants in The Good Food Guide.

Rooms

Befitting its 15th-century origins, the bedrooms upstairs come in all shapes and sizes. Chic fabrics, tactile textures and bold colour schemes adorn these rooms, blending in beautifully with the beams, timbers and period charm of the building. Every opportunity has been taken to indulge and spoil guests - think deep pile carpets, wooden French-style beds, upholstered chairs and sumptuous drapes.

If you like sleeping in a grand four-poster bed, book Room One, a quiet, elegant and luxurious room in hues of gold and rose pink with triple-aspect windows, an antique four-poster and dark wood furnishings. All of the smart tiled bathrooms include bathrobes and Green & Spring bathroom products; a few have deep tubs and huge walk-in rain showers. A hearty breakfast sets you up for a good browse around the nearby landmarks of Lavenham and Kersey, full of quintessential Suffolk charm and quaint teashops for a civilised stop-off mid afternoon.

Restaurant & bar

Boasting an exciting dollop of culinary exuberance, the Bildeston Crown offers an eclectic range of innovative and imaginative dishes suiting every budget and palate. Pop in for a pint and a retro nibble, enjoy a classic sandwich combo or tuck into a pub classic with a twist, perhaps Red Poll cheeseburger with foie gras, truffle mayonnaise and fries.

Guests wishing to indulge can try the seven-course tasting menu or opt for the 'Select' menu to experience the kitchen's culinary flair. Expect top-notch local ingredients, notably game from surrounding estates and locally caught fish from Aldeburgh and Orford. Behind the bar, you'll find local Adnams beers and Aspall's cider, and a cracking list of wines.

Things to do

Guests looking for some creative activities can head to Assington Mill Courses, a fabulous rural crafts tuition centre in an old watermill. Learn about growing your own or harvesting wild foods, and enjoy a delectious home-made lunch when you're there.

History lovers will enjoy Lavenham Guildhall, one of many notable buildings in this picturesque medieval village. Inside, you'll find a museum devoted to the history of Lavenham, with fascinating displays depicting 500 years of farming and industry.

Long Melford is also the home of red-brick Melford Hall, a Tudor mansion later restored by the Hyde Parker family. Beatrix Potter was a regular visitor here, and there are sketches by the children's writer, as well as a good collection of naval paintings and Chinese porcelain.