Review on The Six Bells
The Six Bells country pub is based in the heart of rural Suffolk in the pretty village of Preston St Mary, just three mile north of Lavenham and twenty minutes from Bury St Edmunds. Owned by the renowned ETM group led by Tom and Ed Martin, this will be their 14th venture and their first outpost outside London.
A charming Grade II listed building with a brick façade dating back to the 19th century, it has undergone a six month sympathetic restoration programme. Inside it eschews traditional trappings with exposed beams and brickwork, an oak panelled dining room and parquet timber flooring throughout. Walls are adorned with animal mounts such as stags, bulls and hares and the welcoming polished timber bar still serves the local community as a watering hole. Carefully restored original fireplaces will be cosy in winter, while outside there is a huge garden, perfect for al fresco drinking and dining.
The kitchen makes excellent use of seasonal British produce sourced from select farmers, and artisan suppliers, as well as day-boat fish from Leigh-on-Sea and freshly grown produce from their own kitchen garden and farm. On offer there might be country style pork terrine and apricot chutney or potted Essex crab, served with soda bread amongst the starters. Main courses follow with grilled Leigh-on-Sea lemon sole, mussels, fennel and Jersey royals or grilled saddle of Suffolk venison, chicory, apple and walnut salad, and chunky chips. When it comes to desserts enjoy a dark chocolate pave, salted caramel ice cream and honeycomb or a traditional apple crumble and vanilla ice cream.
To accompany the food, the bar serves an extensive range of international wine together with ale and premium draft larger.
Cuisine
Gastro pub / British
Chef
Neil Holliday
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: Wed-Sun 12:00 through until
Dinner: 12:00pm (Sun 8.00pm)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express