Winter at the new gastronomic destination:

09 November 2022

The Angel Inn, situated in the picturesque village of Stoke-by-Nayland, is celebrating the start of the autumn/winter season with seasonal additions to their tasting and A La Carte menus, as well as the announcement of some very special Christmas/winter packages. An independently owned, gastronomic “restaurant with rooms” set in an historic, heritage 16th century building, The Angel Inn is gaining a reputation as a destination in its own right. Seasonality and sustainability are the cornerstones of the finely tuned menus.

This charming period restaurant and hotel still has many features that date back to its time as a 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. 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.

The hotel’s eleven rooms offer a luxury escape with the uniquely designed furnishings and all the trappings required to make your stay just that much more special.  Charm oozes from every beam.  Some rooms boast a free-standing bath behind a screen that frosts at the touch of a button. The whole accommodation experience exudes a relaxing atmosphere to make your stay simply unforgettable.

Autumn & Winter Breaks

The Angel Inn is very well placed in the Dedham Vale to explore the delights of Constable Country and to enjoy the autumnal colours on many of the glorious walks throughout the countryside (*see below). The wintry season is one of the best times to visit this part of Suffolk, less than 45 minutes by train from London. Not only is Dedham Vale and Constable country on the doorstep, so too is the medieval village of Lavenham, well known to Harry Potter fans, Bury St Edmunds – with a thousand years of history – a jewel in the crown of Suffolk, Cambridge, Colchester and gorgeous Long Melford, as well as Sudbury – birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, Polstead and many more.

Enhancing your autumn short break and celebrating the hidden bounty autumn brings, Head Chef Ruben Aguilar Bel has designed a special Autumn Foraging Tasting Menu that celebrates fungi in all of its forms. Working alongside British foragers, Ruben has designed a mycological menu, pairing the best of British ingredients with a delicious and interesting array of fungi, to showcase the best autumnal flavours. Chanterelles, girolles and tropettes are amongst the highlights. To complement the food, sommelier, Valerio Vallani, has created a carefully chosen wine-pairing selection too.

As we near the festive season towards the end of November, some traditional events take place in the area that are fun to visit. Apart from pantomimes and carol concerts, Christmas Markets are well reputed in Suffolk. Trinity Park Ipswich holds a Christmas market on Saturday 3^rd December followed by the renowned Christmas Suffolk Farmers Market a week later. This market has a wonderful selection of crafters and makers, welcoming this year amongst others The White Candle Company, Little Lime Fused Glass and Seascape Jewellery, as well as many drinks and food producers from the area.

Alternatively try the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre beginning 17^th November and continuing into December or Stonham Barns Christmas Craft Market, happening 26^th & 27^th November with hand-crafted, locally produced gifts not found on the High Street.

Festive Treats

Gastronomy runs through every element of the restaurant and working with the very best suppliers is central to chef Ruben and his team producing exceptional food. The seasonal menu boasts hare from the Lake District, red mullet from Cornwall, Scottish salmon, Highland venison, lobster from Felixstowe and locally foraged herbs.

Wonderful food deserves wonderful wine and at The Angel Inn, Stoke-by-Nayland, head sommelier, Valerio Vallani has carefully chosen some stunning wines to be perfectly paired with the menus for a truly memorable experience. The Angel Inn, Stoke-by-Nayland also has its own private wine collection which the family owners have assembled over several generations, giving the restaurant the opportunity to showcase some finer wines from rare Italian and Spanish reds to classic Bordeaux and Burgundy’s. British sparkling wines are also available.

Looking forward to winter and Christmas, Michelin trained chef Ruben has crafted the most delicious seasonal menus as the centrepieces of some enticing packages. Try the Dine and Stay Getaway package which includes a three-course dinner from the winter à la carte menu and a night’s stay in one of the luxurious interior-designed rooms, followed by breakfast in the morning. Otherwise the Winter Gourmet Getaway, which offers a seven-course full tasting menu and a night’s stay with breakfast is not to be missed.

If you require a little longer away from the hustle and bustle – then the Festive Short Break Packages are for you. On your first night a seven-course full tasting menu is included and on the second a three-course dinner from the Winter A La Carte menu. On your B&B stay, a welcome glass of champagne is also included on arrival.

For Christmas itself, enjoy similar packages but maybe add on a wine flight chosen by the expert in house sommelier Valerio. The Angel Inn’s most beautiful restaurant with its large open fireplaces, Tudor beams, locally made furnishings and a 100ft deep, glass topped well is the perfect, cosy, festive place to be.

The Angel Inn, Stoke-by-Nayland is open from Thursday lunch to Sunday dinner for lunch and dinner for bookings visit the website www.angelinnsuffolk.co.uk

Walking itineraries

Links to a few of the many scenic walks around The Angel Inn:

https://www.idyllicsuffolk.com/wp–content/uploads/2018/10/Stoke–by–Nayland–walk.pdf
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford https://www.visitessex.com/explore/destinations/dedham–aonbhttps://www.bethchatto.co.uk http://polstead.onesuffolk.net/about–polstead/ https://www.lovelavenham.co.uk

Location, location, location

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. The Angel Inn, Stoke-by-Nayland is open from Thursday lunch to Sunday dinner for lunch and dinner.

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

Winter A La Carte menu – from £375 per room (based on two- person occupancy)
Gourmet Getaway stay – from £395 per room (based on two-person occupancy)
Festive Short Break – from £720 per room (based on two-person occupancy)

The Winter Packages are available for bookings arriving between 24th November 2022 and 8th January 2023.

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

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