19 July 2022

Following a major two-year refurbishment project, located in the picturesque village of Stoke-by-Nayland, The Angel Inn is a new, independently owned, gastronomic “restaurant with rooms” set in an historic, heritage 16^th century building in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.

Having been lovingly and sensitively restored, it features the most beautiful restaurant with large open fireplaces, Tudor beams, locally made furnishings and even a 100ft deep, glass topped well. The addition of the landscaped courtyard garden (designed by Thomas Hoblyn, Chelsea Flower Show Gold winner 2022), has created an oasis for guests to enjoy a light lunch, or afternoon drinks.

The Angel Inn, Stoke-by-Nayland offers eleven en-suite luxury boutique rooms designed for peaceful relaxation. Each room has been designed to incorporate style and comfort using locally produced furnishings and luxury finishes.

This charming period restaurant and hotel still has many features that date back to its time as a 16^th century coaching inn. Respecting the history of the building, the interiors have been sensitively renovated in a pared-back contemporary fashion to create a tranquil and elegant interior, where guests feel a world away from the bustle of everyday life. Original works of art on display can be seen throughout the building and all come from the owning family’s private collection. They include some important old masters and post war modern British works.

Nestled in Constable country on the Suffolk/Essex border makes the Angel Inn, Stoke-by-Nayland extremely accessible. Guests can stay for the day or overnight as there are excellent transport links and proximity to London and Colchester allowing time for a relaxing walk and a lunch before returning home

Gastronomic experience:

Chef, Michelin trained Ruben Aguilar Bel from Spain has crafted all the menus, which reflect seasonality and sustainability making use of fine local and British produce. Focusing on innovation and invention, diners can choose between the A la carte and the Tasting Menus (including vegetarian options), beautifully presented on bespoke handmade dinnerware.

Gastronomy runs through every element of the restaurant and working with the very best suppliers is central to Ruben and his team producing exceptional food.  The menu boasts wagyu beef from Dunblane in the Scottish Highlands, rabbit from the Lake District, hand dived scallops from Cornwall, Suffolk brown crab and locally foraged herbs.

The menus reflect the seasons and champion small independent suppliers wherever possible. The addition of a charcoal ‘ox-grill’ in the kitchen enables the chefs to create unique flavours and combine modern cooking techniques with a traditional and timeless process of cooking over fire.

Wonderful food deserves wonderful wine and at The Angel Inn, Stoke-by-Nayland, head sommelier, Valerio Vallani has carefully chosen some stunning wines perfectly paired with the Tasting Menu for a truly memorable experience.

Working with exceptional producers and selecting wines from regions that are less known makes for an interesting and rewarding tasting. Wine flights, with pairing wines for each course, are available, and this gives Valerio the opportunity to showcase some of these new and special discoveries.

Bar manager, Juan Perez Gomez, has developed a fantastic cocktail menu from the vast spirit list boasting many small independent UK producers of gins, vodkas and whiskies.  Signature ‘orange smoked old fashioned’ is a must, presented at the table in a smoke-filled cloche.

Location, location, location:

Not only is Dedham Vale and Constable country on the doorstep, but so too is the medieval village of Lavenham, well known by Harry Potter fans, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Colchester and gorgeous Long Melford, as well as Sudbury, Polstead and many more. Walking routes in the area are many and varied with something for everyone.

With a relaxed atmosphere The Angel Inn, Stoke-by-Nayland is the perfect destination for a foodie experience, a weekend break or relaxing drinks in the courtyard garden.

Transport connections are excellent so there is easy access primarily by train. Colchester station is just twelve minutes or so away by taxi. Colchester is a 44-minute train journey from London Liverpool St with Greater Anglia.

Photo credits: From top left, clockwise: VE; Visit Suffolk; Paul Coghlin; Visit Suffolk; Paul Coghlin; Visit Suffolk; Bill Hiskett; Visit Suffolk

Rates:

Menus in the restaurant start at £65 per person (short tasting)
Bed & Breakfast: from £325
Dine & Stay package: 3 course à la carte menu with breakfast the following morning. Prices from £410 (for 2 sharing)
Gourmet Getaway package: sample our tasting menu followed by breakfast on the morning of departure. Prices from £430 (for 2 sharing)

Booking:

Tel:  01206 263245
Email:  [email protected] / [email protected]
Instagram: angelinnsuffolk
Website:  www.angelinnsuffolk.co.uk

Notes for editors:

Note for editors: Part of Constable Country, the picturesque village of Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk, is home to The Angel Inn, a recently and sensitively restored property whose rich history is reflected in its thoughtful design. The centrepiece is the restaurant offering a delicious selection of food and wine of the very highest standard. The easily accessible hotel has eleven exclusive and comfortable rooms. This is a new and special destination restaurant of the top order.

The Angel Inn – inspiring food and inspiring people with an understated excellence