The Northgate, Suffolk

Overview

A grand red-brick Victorian house on a smart street a short stroll from the Abbey, transformed from a guesthouse into a beautifully designed and immaculately presently Townhouse hotel by the Chestnut Group.

The result is impressive as The Northgate is a cool, modern-day hotel, one that eschews all the pomp and formality once attributed to such urban places to stay. Yes, the rooms are stunning, very swish and super luxurious, but the atmosphere is relaxed and informal throughout, there's no reception as such, just a computer on a conveniently placed table, and the staff are very friendly and informally dressed, and the dining rooms have simply laid-up tables - no tablecloths here.

The chilled hub of the place is the cocktail bar-cum-lounge, which is open all day and has direct access to an amazing summer terrace - also the setting for the Winter Garden Tipi, dressed in faux furs, blankets, heaters and candlelight for cosy winter dining. Add a cracking drinks menu and an inspired, modern British menu, one that evolves from breakfast through to dinner, then it is no wonder this vibrant town-centre hotel is thriving.

Rooms from

Doubles/twins: £150

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Private & alfresco dining
Winter Garden Tipi
Wedding venue
Parking available

Town and city
The redbrick townhouse is located in the heart of bustling Bury St Edmunds - just a stroll from the Abbey & Gardens and independent shops.

Family favourite
Kids are very welcome with their own menu and smaller portions. The family suite has an adjoining twin-bedded room.

Events and celebrations
The chef's table seats 12 and offers an amazing nine-course tasting feast for family and friends. It is also a popular venue for small weddings.

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, that ramble across three floors.

Fabulous design, contemporary and very stylish furnishings and great attention to detail have combined brilliantly with the building's period features to create the elegant, super comfortable and very luxurious rooms. 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, head chef Greig Young creates inventive modern British menus that make sound use of fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce.

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. A spring menu may reveal charred asparagus, parmesan risotto, crispy onion and cured egg yolk; Colne Valley salt marsh lamb, roast carrots, almonds, slow cooked garlic and lemon; and white chocolate and Fen Farm mascarpone mousse and new season rhubarb.

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 - and an excellent wine list - 17 by the glass.

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.