“Was my gin strong or is this floor uneven?”
Always a good question to ask when you’re feeling a little fragile but, in this case, the floor of our bedroom at The Crown at Woodbridge, Suffolk, was most definitely irregular. The slope towards the bathroom made for an entertaining visit there a few hours later.
Located on the gorgeous street, Thoroughfare, in the centre of the town, this 16th century historic pub has been stylishly updated by London-based designers, Benthiam. Retaining authentic features, including some higgledy-piggledy floors, it has a contemporary look, with a soothing pale grey and white palette. Our room, Number One (of ten), was situated at the front of the pub so two of the walls were also delightfully uneven, the pale plastered walls reminiscent of well-thumbed icing on a cake.
There were so many lovely touches which made this accommodation a real treat: home-made shortbread biscuits, local Paddy & Scott’s ground coffee, a good supply of new glossy magazines, REN toiletries, goose down pillows, dressing gowns and slippers. We loved the room keys: each one a kitchen utensil. As Dougie followed me up to bed after dinner, patting the whisk on my behind to hurry me up I thought, ooh er missus, you couldn’t do that with an electronic key card…
The public areas of The Crown are just as impressive. The bar, with a boat hanging jauntily above it, was very chilled with plenty of newspapers available for guests. We also took advantage of the sensational weather, having a pre-dinner drink in the attractive outdoor seating area, neatly hidden from the car park with a clever willow-weave creation.
Our meal, in the 2AA rosette restaurant, using fresh Suffolk produce where possible, consisted of soy-marinated pork belly, crab ballotine, whole sole with burnt butter and capers, leg of lamb steak with rosemary and garlic. Delicious cocktails made this a very memorable feast.
Breakfast the following morning was all cooked to order and was, in the main, very good, though the black pudding could have benefited from being given an extra sizzle in the pan.
The staff were extremely friendly and attentive, from the offer of a fresh glass of orange juice on check-in, to the motherly fussing at breakfast time, everyone made us feel very welcome during our short stay.
We had looked at a number of places before choosing The Crown at Woodbridge and this one was Dougie’s excellent choice. I’m not sure whether it was the kitchen utensils which swayed him but we did have a jolly good time.
More about our trip: A day on the Suffolk coast
Oooer missus I hope you had a good night too!! 😉
Very nice thank you….;-)
I have to say that you had me at “16th century”, but the addition of shortbread, 2 AA rosettes and great staff, makes this sound extremely appealing…..
Not going to ask what happened to the whisk!
It was such a super little place – they have styed it so beautifully.
What happens in Room One stays in Room One! 😉
That sounds really really lovely. Will put it on my list! (:
It was a cracking little place – and so much to do in the area.
This has been on my list for ages, Trish! I really must stay here. Woodbridge is such a pretty town and I adore Suffolk.
I thought it was a super little pub/hotel and pretty good value too. Woodbridge was super – well worth trying The Riverside restaurant too to ring the changes.