The Northgate, Suffolk

Overview

A beautifully designed and immaculately presented hotel, the Northgate is a redbrick Victorian townhouse just a short stroll from Bury St Edmund's 11th-century Abbey. A marvellous modern option, this inn prizes luxurious surroundings and top-quality food without the pretentiousness. At the heart of the inn is the cocktail bar-cum-lounge, open all day with direct access to the alfresco terrace. Add a cracking drinks list and a modern crowd-pleasing menu that evolves from breakfast to dinner, and it's no wonder this vibrant newcomer is a local hotspot.

Stunning rooms are elegant and super comfortable and offer an excellent breakfast, so guests can plan the day ahead over a full Suffolk or a plate of pancakes. Summer days mean time spent on the stunning south facing rear terrace, with heated parasols keeping guests warm on chillier evenings.

Rooms from

Doubles and twins: £150
Family room: £225

Good to know

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

Town and city
This redbrick townhouse inn is located in the heart of bustling Bury St Edmunds.

Family favourite
Kids are very welcome with their own menu and smaller portions. Families can stay in the family suite an adjoining twin-bedded room.

Events and celebrations
The chef's table seats 12 and offers an amazing nine-course tasting feast.

No car needed
A short ten-minute walk from the station and in the heart of a thriving town, the Northgate is easy to access by foot.

Rooms

Expect to be wowed at the ten individually styled bedrooms, named after former Bury St Edmunds political figures. Rambling across three floors, rooms are fabulously designed with contemporary furnishings and real attention to detail, combining effortlessly with the building's period features. Soothing Farrow & Ball hues, rich fabrics, French inspired furniture and stunning bathrooms with underfloor heating all contribute to the stylish, relaxed atmosphere.

Fitzroy has is own bathtub in the room and a separate bathroom with walk-in rain shower; Davers overlooks the leafy garden; Felton up in the eaves has a softer feel with hints of grey, cream and sweet pea; and Templetown & Crofts features two linked double rooms with twin beds - perfect for families. Enjoy Nespresso machines and Smart TVs, as well as plenty of glossy magazines.

Restaurant & bar

In keeping with the Northgate's relaxed feel, the kitchen team have created an inventive all-day menu. Catering for all tastes and making use of fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce, it's a real crowd-pleaser and popular with locals and visitors alike. The doors open early, so passersby can start the day with a hearty breakfast or take their time over freshly baked croissants and a pot of tea on the terrace.

The range of food available means that the place is busy dawn 'til dusk. From morning coffee to casual lunches, champagne afternoon teas to hearty candlelit dinners, guests are kept happily fed and watered all day long. The relaxed atmosphere and extensive drinks selection also draws discerning drinkers from across town, especially for the carefully curated cocktail menu. Expect adventurous, classic cocktails with contemporary, theatrical twists and unusual flavour combinations - not to be missed.

Private dining

If you want to splash out and impress the family or a group of friends, then book the Chef's Table for 12 in the kitchen for the ultimate dining experience - a deletable nine-course tasting feast.

Things to do

For those needing some retail therapy, head to the wonderful Wyken Vineyard, Shop & Restaurant. Shop first in the country store which sells wool throws and blankets from Scotland, design-led crafts and pottery from England and timeless clothes in linens and wool. Then head to the Leaping Hare restaurant in a 400-year-old barn and sip a glass of Wyken Bacchus while perusing the Michelin Bib Gourmand menu.

Fancy something.a little more adventurous? Wizard Balloons fly in small, intimate groups from the launch site at Nowton Park near Bury St Edmunds, with the main flying season being March to October.

Car enthusiasts should head to Great Classic Car Hire, based near Stowmarket, this is the place to seek an exhilarating alternative means of discovering 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.

Head to nearby Pakenham to see their charming water mill; for over 1000 years water from Pakenham Fen has collected in the beautiful millpond before being released to turn the water-wheel that drives the mill-stones which turn the wheat into flour. The current 18th-century building is the last working watermill in Suffolk and friendly guides will explain the whole fascinating process of milling that produces our favourite staple.