A little pocket of France in Suffolk is how Regis and Martine Crépy describe The Great House, their multi-award winning five guest room hotel and restaurant in Lavenham. The setting for their endeavours is a glorious fifteenth-century residence (with a Georgian façade) in Lavenham Market Place, by the National Trust Guildhall and next to Little Hall Museum, it's rated by the AA as 5 stars, 'Restaurant with Rooms'.

The combination of English country charm and authentic French food is a winner, and the dining room works its own magic with a log fire burning in the inglenook and candles flickering on the tables. In summer months you can eat al fresco in the colourful courtyard or retreat to the seclusion of the hidden walled garden.

The food oozes full-blooded Gallic flavour. The repertoire changes from day to day, but you might begin with a ballotine of duck foie gras with Armagnac and Port with grilled brioche or veal sweetbread pan-fried until crisp, wild girolle mushrooms, hazelnut and truffle oil emulsion. Main courses home in on classics such as roasted best end rack of English lamb with rosemary sauce or farmed turbot, tranche, pan-fried with a vanilla butter and Jerusalem artichoke sauce, while desserts stay with well-tried favourites including pistachio and raspberry crème brûlée or fresh strawberries marinated in red wine, balsamic vinegar and fresh mint with vanilla ice cream.

The French cheeseboard comes in for high praise and the wine list predominantly keeps its Gallic roots.

The Great House is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide, Hardens, AA Guide

Rate this Restaurant

Modern French / Continental

Guillaume Dericq

Breakfast: 8.30 - 9.30
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.30pm Wed-Sun
Dinner: 7.00 - 9.30pm Tue-Fri (7.00 - 10.00pm Sat)

Visa, Master Card, American Express

• Childrens menu
• Alfresco dining
• Partial disabled access
• Private parties
• Vegetarian menu
• 40 covers

Accomodation is available, (5 rooms)

WiFi is available