It’s ready, steady, cook again for Suffolk’s pubs and restaurants since July 4. Tessa Allingham reveals what’s opening and what we can expect eating out to be like.
On March 23, the government said we must stay at home, the better to fight Covid-19. On June 23, three challenging months to the day later, the government announced an easing of lockdown in England that gave pubs and restaurants the green light to re-open – with conditions – on July 4.
We should remain two metres apart if possible, or ‘one metre-plus’ if further preventative measures such as masks or screens to divide tables are used. There can be seated service only – expect to be taken straight to your table, there’ll be no lingering at the bar or standing around – and tables will be laid only when your food is served. Side by side seating might take a bit of getting used to, but is preferable to face-to-face to minimise contagion, we are told and more tables may be arranged this way. There must be plenty of hand sanitiser for guest use.
All pubs and restaurants are implementing scrupulous extra cleaning measures – ask for details or check out their website if you’re concerned. Don’t be surprised that your details are taken on arrival as part of the government’s test-and-trace scheme.
Covid-19 is far from over, and easings could be tightened should a second wave hit. But the June 23 announcement was the first tiny step on a long road towards recovery. Suffolk pubs and restaurants need our support like never before, so go if you can, enjoy yourself, and be kind because every one of these July openings is effectively a new business launch. Behind that mask is someone welcoming you with the biggest smile ever. You’ll see in their eyes just how glad they are to see you again.
So, which pubs and restaurants will open, and when?
This list will be updated as information from Suffolk’s independent hospitality businesses is gathered. Tag @suffolkmag in your social media so that we can share your news, or email latest information to jayne.lindill@archant.co.uk.
Please check establishment websites for opening times and availability before making a journey. Card payment and booking or pre-ordering is generally preferred.
The Bildeston Crown
Open for drinks from July 4. A simplified menu and bedrooms will be available from July 7. Tickets (£45) are on sale for a garden BBQ from 6pm Friday July 10.
www.thebildestoncrown.com
Tuddenham Mill
The Secret Garden is the Mill’s new al fresco restaurant. Set under a heated stretch tent by the meadow, it opens July 4 with a short menu of light dishes (arancini, charcuterie) and more substantial ones (brisket burgers, lobster claw pappardelle), available from 11.30am to 8pm.
www.tuddenhammill.co.uk
The Cockhorse Inn, Lavenham
Thorough measures are in place to make a visit to this village pub by the church safe and enjoyable. Two new outside bars are in place in each of the large gardens, offering drinks, ice creams and a menu of light bites either for takeaway or to eat in. The lockdown service of free meal delivery to those shielding will continue until further notice.
www.thecockhorse.co.uk
The Greyhound, Ipswich
This Ipswich favourite is set to race into action again from 11.30am, July 4. Takeaway meal kits popular during lockdown will continue to be available.
www.thegreyhoundipswich.co.uk
Ben’s Farm & Shop; Queen’s Bar & Grill, Bury St Edmunds
Ben’s Restaurant has become a farm shop (open weekends) and the adjacent Queen’s Bar & Grill will open on July 4 for rustic British food, much from the owners’ farm, alongside American BBQ-inspired burgers, grills and ribs
www.queensbse.co.uk www.bensrestaurant.co.uk
The Angel hotel, Bury St Edmunds; The Salthouse Harbour hotel, Ipswich
Both Gough Hotels properties will re-open 4 July from midday. Head to the marina in Ipswich for stylish waterfront dining at the Salthouse Harbour, or to the historic heart of Bury St Edmunds for the Angel and its mix of urban, contemporary and traditional. An expanded takeaway menu will be on offer, and a larger room-service menu for residents.
www.theangel.co.uk www.salthouseharbour.co.uk
The Brewers, Rattlesden
From July 4, a set-price evening menu will be served indoors or in the garden. At lunchtime, relax in the garden where the Big Green Egg BBQ will be fired up. Opening hours Friday-Saturday 12.30pm-10pm (food 12.30-3pm; 6-9pm), Sunday 12.30-8pm (food 12.30-3pm).
www.thebrewersrattlesden.co.uk
Maison Bleue, Bury St Edmunds
There will of course be fewer tables in this town-centre favourite, but Pascal and Karine Canevet are looking forward to welcoming guests back from July 8. Two three-course menus will be on offer at either £32 or £55 plus amuse bouche and petits fours.
www.maisonbleue.co.uk
The Unruly Pig, Bromeswell
There will be brollies for shelter on the terrace, a marquee in the garden, and bespoke ‘snugs’ inside The Unruly Pig when it opens on July 8. A shorter menu will include plenty of familiar favourites such as homemade pasta and magnificent burgers. Takeaways and heat-at-home meals will be available on July 3 and 4, then daily from July 8, with delivery possible for heat-at-home meals.
www.theunrulypig.co.uk
The Leaping Hare, Wyken Vineyards, Stanton
Head chef Simon Woodrow’s new home (at least until the Leaping Hare restaurant and café re-open) is a pizza wagon in the carpark. Pre-order wood-fired sourdough pizzas online for collection (or during the day just turn up). Alongside regular toppings, why not try smoked pheasant and celeriac purée with wild garlic pesto? Pizzas available Wednesday-Sunday 12-3pm; dinner Thursday-Saturday 6-8.30pm.
www.wykenvineyards.co.uk
The Plough & Sail, Snape Maltings
Walk on the marshes by Snape Maltings before a bite to eat and something to slake your thirst. The pub is open from July 4 with food and drink served throughout the day.
www.theploughandsailsnape.com
The Golden Key, Snape
This village pub is looking forward to opening its doors again on July 4 for lunch and dinner. The Friday night and Sunday lunch takeaways launched during lockdown will continue.
www.goldenkeysnape.co.uk
Regatta Restaurant, Aldeburgh
Alex and Oli Burnside (of the Plough & Sail and Golden Key pubs, Snape) took on the Regatta just two weeks before lockdown. They’re looking forward to welcoming guests to their high street restaurant on July 4. Takeaways will continue for now – it’s pre-orders only for evening collection, but walk-ins are welcome during the day.
www.regattaaldeburgh.com
The Table and The Anchor, Woodbridge
These Woodbridge siblings both re-open on July 4. Go for pub classics at The Anchor, and an easy-going brasserie menu (with tables on the patio) at The Table.
www.thetablewoodbridge.co.uk www.theanchorwoodbridge.co.uk
The Duck, Campsea Ashe
Head to The Duck on July 4 for a bite to eat and to raise a glass to its re-opening.
www.theduckcampseaashe.co.uk
The Easton White Horse
This much-loved pub with a reputation for authentic south east Asian dishes alongside family-friendly favourites re-opens July 4.
www.eastonwhitehorse.co.uk
The Packhorse, Moulton
Just by the ancient packhorse bridge in Moulton, this stylish pub is set to buzz again with food and drink available from July 11. Book a comfortable stay from July 17.
www.thepackhorseinn.com
The Three Blackbirds, Woodditton
Repaired and refurbished following a fire in March 2018, the Three Blackbirds had just reopened when Covid-19 struck. It re-opens for food and drink on July 11 with its nine bedrooms available from July 31.
www.threeblackbirds.co.uk
The Northgate, Bury St Edmunds
This handsome townhouse, restaurant and cocktail bar with its spacious terrace re-opens July 18 for food and drink. Stay over in style from August 7.
www.thenorthgate.com
The Westleton Crown
Visitors to the Suffolk coast will be able to eat and drink well, and stay in comfort at the Crown from July 17. www.westletoncrown.co.uk
The Ship, Dunwich
Doors re-open on July 4 for food, drink and bedrooms at this village pub just moments from Dunwich beach.
www.shipatdunwich.co.uk
The Crown, Stoke by Nayland
Meander through pretty Constable country, and stop at the Crown for food and drink from July 4. The bedrooms follow on July 10.
www.crowninn.net
The Weeping Willow, Barrow
This bright village pub with its spacious terrace and garden will welcome guests back for a bite to eat and pint to drink on July 4.
www.theweepingwillow.co.uk
The Black Lion, Long Melford
The former coaching inn by the church in pretty Melford re-opens on July 25. Its bedrooms will be available for stays from August 7.
www.theblacklionlongmelford.com
The King’s Arms, Haughley
Grant and Lucy Newland’s village pub will re-open July 23. New menus are being finalised, and the outside area refurbished to enable more al fresco dining. www.thekingsarmshaughley.co.uk
The Woolpack, Fornham St Martin
A row of bright beach huts makes creative use of part of The Woolpack’s big garden (formerly a bowling green), and a fun solution to eating out in the safety of your bubble. Owners Graham and Clare Hindle are opening their ‘outside inn’ on July 4 with bacon butties from 9am, then a hog roast and bbq. Expect a shorter menu inside the completely redecorated pub. www.thewoolpackfornham.co.uk
The One Bull, Bury St Edmunds
This pub, one of the Gusto Pronto stable, turned into a wine shop, Vino Gusto, during lockdown. From July 4 it will become a ‘wine shop that you can drink in’. Opening days and times will be extended. www.theonebull.co.uk
The Beerhouse, Bury St Edmunds
Re-opening July 4 for drinking outside on the terrace and using the carpark. www.burybeerhouse.co.uk
The Crown, Hartest
Head to this pretty village pub for pizza from a new wood-fired pizza oven and drinks from July 4. You’ll be able to eat indoors from a new set menu come July 6th. www.thecrownhartest.co.uk
The Cadogan, Ingham
A new set menu will be available from July 10, and accommodation in the pub’s seven bedrooms (room-only) will be available. www.thecadogan.co.uk
The Fox, Bulmer Tye
Set to re-open with a new set menu on July 10 www.thefoxbulmertye.co.uk
1921 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds
A full makeover – new carpets, fresh reupholstery, a lick of paint – will welcome guests when Zack Deakins re-opens his town-centre restaurant on July 4. There are just 10 well-spaced tables, but plenty of menu options: a seven- or five-course taster menu (£65/£48), an à la carte that’s slightly shorter than the previous offer, or a midweek three-course set menu for £21. www.nineteen-twentyone.co.uk
Black Dog Deli Street Food Fridays, Southwold
Look out for Street Food Friday pop-ups at The Box in Southwold through the summer. An extension of the Black Dog Deli, Walberswick, the Friday pop-ups might offer a taste of Morocco with lamb tagine and pastilla one week, tacos or a seafood bar the next.
@blackdogdelifoods
Randolph Hotel, Reydon
Reopening from July 4, now taking room and restaurant bookings. https://via.eviivo.com/en-GB/mywebsite/randip186pz.
Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa
The hotel, golf and spa, with restaurant and bars, is reopening its doors to the public on Friday July 10. www.uffordpark.co.uk
Battleburys at the Kings Head, Hadleigh.
A modern British pub housed in a 16th century building with many original features. Home cooked food throughout the day to accompany local beers, ciders and spirits, along with a range of soft drinks and hot beverages.
Reopening at 8am on Saturday July 4 July. Fully Covid-19 compliant with many alterations. Indoor and outside table service only. Book on 01473 828855 to reserve a table.
www.battleburys.com
Ravenwood Hall, Rougham
Reopening July 4 with new Edible Emporium experience, open throughout summer from Friday to Sunday.
Wood fired pizza ovens, Big Bertha oven roasting and smoking meats, vintage ice cream bicycle. Locally produced food and a shop selling local produce. Order online or on site. Outside seating with fire pits and a big marquee on loan from local village association in Beyton.
Full social distancing and safety measures in place, with plenty of outdoor covered and uncovered seating, a one-way system at the bar, staff wearing masks and gloves, and regular cleaning being performed before, during and after opening hours. ravenwoodhall.co.uk
Hotel Folk
Now taking bookings at its various properties – The Brudenell Hotel and White Lion Hotel in Aldeburgh, The Crown at Woodbridge, The Crown and Castle at Orford, The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa, Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel and Sea Spice Restaurant at Aldeburgh. Check the website for details thehotelfolk.co.uk
The Boathouse, Dedham
Inspired by its sister property, The Kitchen in Thorpeness, the Boathouse is operating as a deli/cafe for this summer. Cakes, pastries, breakfast baps and boxed salads, Illy coffee and Teapigs tea. From 12pm light lunch menu. Food and hot drinks are served in/on single use biodegradable products, including cutlery, to stop any cross contamination.
Every day 9.30am until 5pm. dedhamboathouse.com/
The Kitchen at Thorpeness – open seven days a week from 9am for takeaway thekitchenthorpeness.co.uk
Adnams
Adnams pubs, inns and hotels reopened on July 4, incdluing The Swan in Southwold, The Bell in Walberswick, The Plough in Wangford, The White Horse in Blakeney and The Five Bells Wrentham. Expect a safe, warm welcome. Booking is essential. Some stores have reopened - other Adnams stores and others will reopen over time, so keep checking the website. adnams.co.uk
Anchor at Walberswick
The Anchor has been offering a take away supper service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. We are also providing draught and bottled beers, cider, apple juice and wine as a service for our villagers. Welcoming customers from July 4 with safety measures in place. 4th July. anchoratwalberswick.com
Great House Lavenham
Re-opening from lunch time July 9. Safety measures in place to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Book atgreathouse.co.uk
The Sail Loft and Bell at Sax’
Johnny Nicholson’s two establishments are re-opened and ready to welcome you back. All day dining at The Bell, 8am - 9pm.
and The Sail Loft restaurant with rooms. Details at sailloftsouthwold.uk
Fox & Goose Fressingfield
Re-opening from July 10. Book if possible – if you have not booked in advance, be prepared to give your details to allow for ‘Track and Trace’. (They won’t pass these details on to any third party). Safety measures in place – specific entrances for pub and restaurat, hand sanitiser when entering and exiting, all customers directed straight to tables, dining areas expanded to allow for social distancing
Diners have their own menus already at the table, which they are asked to take away or place in recycling bins provided.
foxandgoose.net
The Crown, Nayland
Thevillage pub with rooms re-opened on July 4 for dining, and July 10 for a relaxed stay in the country. Book a table or room at crowninn.net/
Six Bells Horringer
Gradual reopening over the coming weeks with fish and chip evenings, coffee, cake and snacks. www.6bells.co.uk
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