Review on The Bildeston Crown
From the outside, the Crown at Bildeston looks like just another timber-framed Suffolk hostelry - albeit a fine example of the genre. Dating back to the fifteenth century, it still displays massive old beams and timbers and cosy open fires welcome guests in the stylish dining room.
You are still welcome to have a pint and some classic food in the two traditional beamed bars (think herring roes on toast, venison pie with buttered kale), but the main action now takes place in the exclusive dining room - also bristling with centuries-old beams and character.
Chef/proprietor Chris Lee is an ambitious, self-taught chef, and his version of modern British food is overtly intricate but brimming with excitement. 'Select' menus bring on the likes of tongue and foie gras terrine with dandelion, capers and raisin purée, steamed fillet of Cornish mackerel, potato and truffle espuma and artichoke barigoule, and poached and roasted rump of veal with sweetbreads and smoked cheese macaroni.
Desserts summon up memories of the tuck shop with the likes of iced peanut butter sandwich with milk and cookies or popcorn pannacotta with sour cherry and cola. Seven-course tasting menus wow the crowds and the lengthy, 100-bin wine list is peppered with sound names. The Crown is also a restaurant-with-rooms, and its accommodation is out of the top drawer in its class.
The Bildeston Crown is also featured in: Good Food Guide, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Modern British
Chef
Chris Lee
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.45pm Mon-Sat
Dinner: 7.00 - 9.45pm Mon-Sat (7.00pm & 9.00pm Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express
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