Foodies Days Out in Suffolk

Fortunate to lay claim to world class manufacturers as well as established old family firms, Suffolk caters for all taste buds and occasions. Many of these recommendations also enjoy stunning countryside views.

We have combined a mix of places to buy produce to prepare at home and for eating out. So you can Breakfast, Lunch and Supper in style in Suffolk. Not forgetting teatime too. And for good measure, we have included great places to see wine and beer produced.

 

Breakfast

The Jolly Meat Company 

83 High St, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 5EA.

5 minute drive from Suffolk Character Cottages

For cooking at home

Start the day the right way with a wonderfully generous breakfast box prepared by The Jolly Meat Company in Suffolk. You probably won't want lunch afterwards: bacon, baked beans, black pudding, sausages, bacon, tomatoes, eggs, bread and butter. All food is sourced locally and is fresh as can be.

Sunday Brunch

Hollow Trees Farmshop

Hollow Trees, Semer, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 6HX‎ (map) Phone: 01449 741247
Open: 8.30 - 17.45 (Mon-Sat) Sundays & Bank Hols: 9.00 - 17.00

5 minutes drive from our Suffolk holiday lettings

For eating out or at home

An award winning farm shop, Hollow Trees has plenty to offer on a chilled out Sunday morning. Try their freshly baked take away croissants and bread. There's a little sunny patio where you can enjoy a Sunday brunch without the guilt after as you walk it off around the farm trail or browse around the farmshop. Hollow Trees is rustic around the edges, nothing grand, there's no ye olde worlde charm - the building is new and utilitarian but it's a great place amuse the children whilst picking up a few fresh groceries.

Lunch

Fergusons

48 High St, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 5AL (map) Telephone: 01473 824665
Open: 9.00 - 17.00 (Mon - Sat) Might close on a Wednesday afternoon.

5 minutes drive from our Suffolk holiday homes.

For cooking at home

This bijou deli sells both local food and fine produce from France. The shelves bulge with tempting jars of pickles, soups, pates and biscuits. All the typical deli produce: hams, cheeses, coleslaw, potato salad, stuffed mini peppers and a small selection of fine wines.

Have one of their lovely fresh sandwiches made with mouth watering fillings whilst you choose your wine to add to your hamper, then hit the road to find the perfect picnic spot. 

The Suffolk Food Hall

Wherstead Hall, Peppers Lane, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2AB (map) Phone: 01473 786 610

Open: Mon – Sat 9am to 6pm, Sun & Public Hols 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Within 30 minutes drive of our Suffolk holiday homes. 

For cooking at home and eating out 

A big sprawling place packed with wonderful produce. Indulge yourself with a mouth-watering spread of local delicacies in this huge farm complex of converted barns. Home to a full Butcher’s shop, traditional Fishmonger, artisan Baker, Fruit & Veg stalls, Deli, Food Hall, Restaurant, Café and Garden Centre; all offering a wide range of local food. Specialities include home-reared Red Poll beef, rare breed pork, free-range poultry and a restaurant to showcase the best of Suffolk.

So pick up some nibbles and settle outside for a bite to eat on the grassy banks near the famous Orwell bridge over the estuary.

LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS nearby to Suffolk Character Cottages -

For products in season and a taste of countrylife. Picking up a juicy meat pie, seasonal vegetables, preserves and pickles, fresh meat and local fish.

Lavenham: Village Hall - 4th Saturdays monthly 10am to 1pm - Contact: Justine Paul - Tel: 07704 627973

Long Melford: Village Hall - 3rd Saturday monthly - 10am to 1pm - Contact: Steve & Carrina Barker - Tel: 01440 786375 or 07810515505

Needham Market: Alder Carr Farm - 3rd Saturday monthly - 9am to 1pm - Contact: Tiffany Jones - Tel: 01449 720820

Sudbury: St Peter's, Market Hill - Last Friday monthly - 9.30am to 1pm - Contact: Ian Clark - Tel: 01787 372331

Teatime

The Boat House 

Dedham (off the A12). Telephone - 01206 323153

30 minutes drive from Suffolk Character Cottages.

The Boathouse in Dedham hires out 26 rowing boats during the summer months from Easter – September. Serving food, teas, coffees and ice creams in the tranquil setting beside the River Stour, the Boathouse has a large outside seating area next to the Boatshed and space inside with a more formal menu and dining. It is known to be a firm favourite with many locals and past visitors who enjoy a coffee or ice cream down by the river and maybe a gentle float up stream.

Hall Farm Shop

Dedham (off the A12). Telephone 01206 322572

30 minutes drive from Suffolk Character Cottages.

Cafe Restaurant, winnng 'Best Informal Dining Venue 2009'

'Best Farm Shop 2008' with the Suffolk Food and Drink Awards

Combines a superb deli and spacious cafe with view across farmland with small holding. A really lovely place for brunch or tea and to stock up on yummy produce. Highly recommended if you visit Dedham.

The Swann Hotel

Lavenham - Telephone - 01787 247477

20 minutes drive from Suffolk Character Cottages.

A lovely old medieval building in the heart of the ancient market town of Lavenham. The perfect place for a traditional cream tea - sit in the walled garden surrounded by roses in the summer.

Crabtrees coffee shop

66 High Street, Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 5EF Telephone: 01473 828166

10 minutes drive from Suffolk Character Cottages.

Good for a light lunch or cup of tea with a wedge of yummy homemade cake. It can get crowded but there is a room upstairs too and in summer a pretty walled garden with parasols tables and chairs. Crabtrees is ideally situated for a bite to eat after a stroll around Hadleigh and its many quaint shops, market streets and ancient churchyard.

Supper

The Crown Inn

Stoke By Nayland. Telephone - 01206 262001.  

20 minutes drive from Suffolk Character Cottages.

This spacious pub restaurant offers the finest bistro food in a traditional but imaginative space. The Crown cleverly divides the dining space between open plan and intimate alcoves. With its mix of comfy high backed arm chairs countryhouse table and chairs, the restaurant is both welcoming and quietly stylish. 

The terrace for summer dining has lovely farmland views and as befits all country pubs there's an open fire for those cooler evenings. The Crown is a regular favourite for locals and visitors who enjoy the food and can get quite busy at weekends, booking is advisable. Ideal for both large groups and couples.

Mariners formerly Il Punto

Ipswich Docks. Telephone - 01473 289748

20- 30 minutes drive from Suffolk Character Cottages.

This renowned French Brasserie is situated by the Quayside in Ipswich. Built in 1899 in Belgium this old gunship retains much of its original features and is immaculate in its presentation. Eat within and you will be surrounded by gleaming brass and beautifully polished wood, or alternatively enjoy the views on the patio deck both ideal to enjoy the award winning French food served.

 

The Great House 

Market Place, main square, Lavenham, (main square) Telephone - 01787 247431

20 minutes drive from Suffolk Character Cottages.

A** Top UK Restaurant 2000 - 2008' Harden's Guide

'One of the 10 top French Restaurants in South East & London'
Squaremeal's

An exceptional French fine dining restaurant with outside terrace and canopy for eating alfresco. Situated in a historic Grade I building, the dining room is very intimate and beautifully furnished with fine antiques and rich textures. It feels like a room in a fine countryhouse home. Al-fresco dining in the summer is a delight: lovely white crisp table linen greats you with gleaming glasses and pretty flowers to enjoy your food with. The sommelier and table waiting staff are top draw as you might expect.

The Cooking Experience

A truly recreational cooking school, aimed at making cooking and food as enjoyable as possible. Join TV chef Mark David in his professional kitchens in Hadleigh for The Cooking Experience regular cooking events and courses including a fantastic Seafood Extravaganza Day.

 

Food Safari

Around Suffolk farmland and coastal locations. Telephone 01787 621380

Between 20 mins and 1 hour from Suffolk Character Cottages.

The name says it all. What fun and a well thought out way to experience food from its source to the plate. Learn how to prepare partridge and rabbit or fish for lobsters and oysters. Food Safari run events and workshops that take you behind the scenes of some of Suffolk's best food and drink producers. Days out include farm walks, seaside outings, hands-on butchery classes and cooking what you catch. Each day culminates in a feast. Calendar of events and private days available.

Private chef at home

Bespoke cuisine from £27 per head (based on 8 guests)

Expert chef Gemma Haining, who has an impressive client list of A-list celebrities, will cook for you at home at Suffolk Character Cottages. Services: drop off food, posh picnics, casual suppers and fine dining. By appointment only.

Wine and beer

See Suffolk Character Cottage's Days Out in Suffolk for wine etc

For more local food shopping & suppliers - click here

 

 Enquire here or

call 0044 (0)1473 822620