The Black Lion, Suffolk

Overview

The innovative Chestnut Group have breathed new life into this striking 17th-century coaching inn set in a stunning spot overlooking Long Melford's vast green and historic Tudor Hall.

Refurbished with style and panache and very much in keeping with the age of the building, you can expect an informal country-house feel throughout, with rugs on board or flagged floors, glowing fires in feature fireplaces, antiques, artefacts and big lamps, and walls adorned with huge mirrors and grand paintings in the cracking bar, relaxing dining rooms and the warm and cosy drawing room.

The beautifully refurbished Orangery dining space leads to fabulous sheltered terrace for alfresco dining. It's the perfect base for antique buffs on the Lovejoy Trail, as Long Melford boasts some fine antique showrooms and art galleries, and picture-postcard Lavenham is a short drive away

Rooms from

9 Doubles: £85; 1 suite: £175

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Private & alfresco dining
Weddings
Parking available
Dog stay: £15

Family favourite
There's a kids menu, highchairs and plenty of toys to keep little ones busy! Family rooms are also available.

A touch of culture
The Lovejoy Trail is a must for antique buffs, and the village of Long Melford boasts many showrooms and galleries.

Outdoor adventures
Set in a quintessential English village in the heart of the picturesque Suffolk countryside, enjoy proper country walking in idyllic environs.

Rooms

The ten fabulous rooms ramble across two floors and most enjoy great views across the green to Long Melford Hall. Cosy snug rooms, spacious luxury rooms and the grand suite with its huge king-size bed and separate lounge ooze charm, style and comfort.

Enjoy rich fabrics, the best linen and down on amazing beds (great sleep guaranteed), big lamps and ornate mirrors, upholstered easy chairs, antique furnishings and period fireplaces. The fun family room has a very neat little kids room with bunk beds. Nespresso machines, homemade biscuits, super-fast wi-fi and smart TVs are standard throughout and smart tiled bathrooms have shower over baths, contemporary fittings, Noble Isle toiletries and bathrobes.

Restaurant & bar

Food is innovative and well cooked without being over fussy and pretentious - the Black Lion is still very much a pub - and the simply described menu successfully combines classics like fish and chips with more adventurous dishes.

Perhaps kick off with grilled mackerel, heritage tomatoes, dill and horseradish, then follow with confit duck leg, summer squash, spinach and Suffolk chorizo, leaving room for chocolate tart, hazelnut praline and cherries. Menus evolve with the seasons and fantastic local ingredients are sourced locally, including meat from Clarke & Son, the independent butcher in Long Melford, and eggs from Rattlesden Farm just down the road. Book ahead for the excellent family sharing roasts on Sunday.

The good wine list is worth exploring as it offers sound tasting notes and great value (17 by the glass). Arrive early for a classic afternoon cream tea in the conservatory or drawing room.

Things to do

Local antiques aside, there's plenty of opportunities to get crafty in the local area. Visit the gorgeous Blue Owl Ceramics Studio, for some top-notch coffee and stunning views over the Stour. Get arty and get stuck into some painted pottery whilst you're here.

For those keen to step back in time, visit Great Classic Car Hire in Stowmarket. This is the place to seek an exhilarating way to discover the extensive countryside of East Anglia. The fleet of vehicles covers British, European and Far Eastern classic cars - a classy, ideal way to explore Suffolk on a perfect summer's day.