What is there to do at Kentwell Hall? 1:58 AM (18 hours ago)
If you’re paying £20 for an adult ticket alone (or £2 extra if you pay on the gate), you want to be sure that a place is worth the visit, right? Until recently, I’d not been to Kentwell Hall – described as “one of the finest moated Tudor houses in England” – since I was a child.
With their ‘Lambs & Spring Bulbs* days offering a family springtime experience, I decided to pay the £45 for the three of us to visit the house, gardens and farm. While there were plenty of positives, there were also a few drawbacks that are worth bearing in mind should you decide to visit.
The positives include…
The gardens
The Kentwell Hall gardens are beautiful, with plenty to explore for all ages. Spanning nearly 30 acres, there’s woodland, there’s a walled garden, there are water features. There’s the moat (complete with fish), a Yew Castle and a bug hotel. There are sculptures, fruit trees, impressive topiary and more. I’m not sharing too many photos, as it’s well worth visiting for yourself and exploring the surprises around every corner.
The farm
So, I probably wouldn’t visit Kentwell Hall just for this. However, their traditional working farm is fun to explore. Here, you’ll find rare breed pigs, a Suffolk Punch cross, Shetland ponies and chickens – and we also managed to spot the two peahens (didn’t see the peacock) on our visit.
There are also sheep, and, at this time of year, newborn lambs as well as a ‘maternity ward’ for the heavily pregnant sheep. I liked the fact that a camera linked to the tearoom allows visitors to see any activity in this area while eating or drinking.
The house
Kentwell Hall itself is an intriguing place. This grand, moated building has wings dating from the 16th century and outbuildings from the 15th, and the insight is a mish-mash of all different eras.
The Phillips family has owned Kentwell Hall since the 1970s, and they’ve made a huge number of changes since then. Wander around two floors of the building – and the outbuildings – and you’ll be surprised at the variations in style. From the Tudor kitchen to the bedroom created for the Duke of York by Thomas Hopper, and even a Chinese-inspired bedroom, the majority of rooms have detailed information sheets about their contents, and for those refurbished by the current owners, details of their vision at the time.
Its family-friendly nature
Curious children will find plenty to do at Kentwell Hall. As soon as we walked in we were offered a springtime I-spy sheet, giving the seven-year-old the challenge of spotting seasonal finds around the estate. By the entrance there is a small obstacle course and a series of wooden games to play, and the brick maze just outside the Hall kept him entertained, too.
There’s a Yew Castle to explore. There are various sculptures dotted around the gardens, and some impressive topiary (it took him a while to spot the caterpillar, though! There’s a Camera Obscura to discover, and he was amazed when we showed him it in action.
Plus, of course, there’s the obligatory shop within the ticket office, selling a variety of small toys. What’s not to love?
The events
There’s always something going on at Kentwell Hall. We went during a lambing and spring bulbs weekend, but check their website to see what’s coming up.
From Easter egg hunts to Tudor May Day experiences (including costumed volunteers), from history and food festivals to Magic Weekends, there’s always something different to see and do.
On the downside, though…
The place could do with a little TLC
I know, I know – Kentwell Hall is an old building. The main house, though, does need a bit of attention.
There are sofas falling apart. There are cobwebs everywhere. There are cracks in the walls and ceilings, and the whole place just feels a bit rundown.
There’s a wooden games area by the main entrance, the wood of some of which had rotted away, making the games unusable. There were rowing boat oars floating in the moat. I appreciate that it’s a big place to stay on top of, but when visitors are paying that kind of money to get in…
When the current owners bought the place in 1970, says the Kentwell website, “it stood neglected and in need of much investment”. They’ve certainly invested, as the descriptions of each room attest to, but we left feeling that there’s a great amount of general maintenance – rather than refurbishment – to be done.
The café isn’t great
There’s just one catering option on site: the Paddocks Tea Garden and Tearoom. The cakes and scones looked alright, but we needed lunch and with no menu or real info on the Kentwell Hall website, I’d gambled on it being suitable.
There was a range of baguettes with various fillings on offer, priced at over £7 each (around the £4 mark for a half baguette for kids). These were served with a side salad, but seemed ridiculously overpriced.
My egg mayo offering was ok-ish, but the BLT wasn’t great – half the fat on the bacon was rock solid, half was far too chewy. The child barely ate any of his tuna baguette, which, given it’s his favourite filling, was a surprise. And at £3.90 for two cans of drink earlier in the day, one thing became clear: when we go back, we’ll be taking our own refreshments.
Despite these downsides, Kentwell Hall is well worth a visit. While the ticket price may seem high, there’s plenty on-site to keep you entertained for the whole day. The place could do with a little TLC, absolutely, but we’ll no doubt be back – I’d love the child to experience one of their reenactment days!
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Check out this new Ipswich food hall! 4 Mar 12:55 AM (yesterday, 12:55 am)
I’ve always been insanely envious when I’ve seen people share their food hall experiences on social media, wishing we had something similar in Suffolk. Last year we visited Yalm in Norwich and loved it – and now we have something similar closer to home.
Tower Street Food Hall in Ipswich opened this February, featuring six kitchens, two bars and two floors of dining in the former home of Yates, not far from Christchurch Park. It’s a beautiful building with a relaxed vibe, and, on a Friday lunchtime in half term, was relatively busy when we arrived.
At Yalm we ordered our food via an app and it was brought directly to our table – at Tower Street Food Hall, the experience is a bit different. Once you’ve claimed your table you head to one of the bars to buy your drinks, and order your food directly from one or more of the six vendors on the ground floor.
Once you’ve paid, you receive a buzzer which vibrates and beeps loudly when your food is ready to collect. I understand why they’ve chosen to do things this way, but it does make it a little more disruptive to the dining experience if you’ve ordered small things from different kitchens and have to keep jumping up mid-meal to collect.
We did order from multiple places – three, in fact. The first dish to be ready was The Baconator with fries (£17) from Slap & Pickle’s Tower Street Food Hall venture, Chosen Bun.
I won’t lie, it seemed a little pricy for a burger and chips. The double patty cheeseburger, though, was both cooked and seasoned beautifully, with a decent amount of cheese and that delicious smoked bacon. When you consider that they use slow-grown, dry-aged, grass-fed beef, the price point seems a little more reasonable.
Those fries were incredible. Hand-chipped, triple-cooked and nicely seasoned, they didn’t need any sauces for dipping, they were perfect on their own.
Next up, the Big Bro Toast Bites (£3.25) from Asian fusion restaurant Big Bro Bao. This is the sort of thing I tend to go for at a food hall or festival: smaller dishes which mean I can try more things! I’d seen someone else recommend them on Instagram, and they were clearly popular: we grabbed the last portion.
This take on prawn toasts was delicious. Served as squares rather than the normal triangles, the prawn filling was lovely and juicy, the toast itself not greasy like some can be. The team had overcooked them a *little*, but they were still very enjoyable.
Our final dish came from The Bucket List, a Cromer-based business who specialise in loaded fries. I’d like to say my choice of The Nuggs Bucket (£12) was mainly for the seven-year-old, but the description appealed to me, too.
A huge mound of crispy golden fries came topped with a creamy Cheddar and bacon fondue sauce, BBQ sauce, grated Cheddar and mounds of aioli – not only delicious, but with a beautiful, almost whipped texture. And then there were the nuggets themselves. These were incredible: the coating crispy and well-flavoured, the chicken tender and delicious, and an unexpected katsu-like flavour between the chicken and the coating.
There are three more kitchens that we didn’t try at Tower Street Food Hall. Titu’s Kitchen serves up Hyderabadi flavours, while Dad & Daughter’s Pizza has a hand-stretched Neapolitan-style pizza offering. And then there’s London Calling, serving up everything from jellied eels and pie and mash to salt beef beigels.
I guess we need a return visit…
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This Suffolk Italian lunch deal is incredible value! 28 Feb 5:33 AM (5 days ago)
The Wednesday of the February half term was particularly expensive. The boy needed a new coat and a haircut – as well, of course, as a go on two of the rides stationed at the local shopping centre, and a couple of new Hot Wheels cars.
The haircut was a bit of a mission – he’s not a fan. My trick? To get him excited about going for lunch at a restaurant a few doors down from his barber, to arrive 15 minutes before the doors opened for lunch, and to suggest that a haircut (with a free lollipop) might be a good way to pass the time…
It worked! We were then the first ones to arrive at Rustico for their lunch service: the first lunch service of their new set menu. Served from Monday to Friday, it offers two courses for £16.95 or three for £19.95 and, even better, it includes a glass of house wine and a coffee at the end of the meal.
It’s a charming, cosy place, its interior true to its beautiful timber-framed exterior, and festooned with a range of Italian goodies from panettone to olive oil. With just one table booked for lunch, we were able to sit where we wanted – but the place soon filled up with other walk-ins.
At £7.75, the kids’ menu was equally good value, including a main, a scoop of ice cream and a drink. The tall glass of apple juice was certainly more generous than the chain Italian restaurants he’s eaten at before, and it was lovely that our server agreed to his request for capers to be added to his pepperoni pizza (the boy’s obsessed!)
The pizza was a hit. The base was thin and fairly crispy, the pepperoni and capers plentiful and packed with flavour. You could tell the tomato sauce was of a decent quality, too.
Talking of tomatoes, my pizza didn’t have the usual variety. Instead, it came smothered in yellow Piennolo tomato pulp, which was beautifully sweet and fragrant. Combined with huge chunks of marinated artichoke heart, salty Pecorino and thinly-sliced fennel salami, it was incredible. I’m not sure why my base was different to the boy’s, but those crusts were deliciously chewy.
He actually allowed me to taste a tiny spoonful of his chocolate ice cream: this too seemed great quality, with a lovely rich flavour. My choice was the polenta cake, and while its coarse, dense texture may not appeal to everyone, the flavour was delicious. I did have food envy, though: if I’d realised beforehand that the bread and butter pudding on the menu was made with panettone (which I only learned by overhearing a conversation at another table), I’d have gone for that instead…
The house red was decent, as was my post-prandial coffee, and the service was genuine and friendly. There was a small mix-up with the bill, but this was rectified quickly and apologetically.
Based on the quality of the food and the price of the set lunch menu, Rustico definitely deserves to be busier than it is. Risbygate Street may be a little out of the main town centre shopping and dining area, but it’s still within easy walking distance – and it definitely won’t disappoint.
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The best smashed avocado toast at Edmundo Lounge! 18 Feb 3:13 AM (15 days ago)
Working from home obviously has its perks. Problem is, it has plenty of downsides, too.
The biggest one for me is distraction. Whether it’s hanging out laundry, pre-preparing that evening’s meal, trying to tidy some of the child’s toys or cuddling the cat, it can sometimes be pretty hard to stay focused.
When I hit a wall, escaping to a coffee shop with my laptop is generally the answer. Here in Bury St Edmunds, Edmundo Lounge is the perfect place.
Why? For many reasons. Edmundo Lounge is a huge space spanning two floors, so I don’t feel guilty about taking up a table that others may need more than me. There’s free WiFi. I can order food and drinks from my table by scanning a QR code, so no need to worry about leaving my laptop unattended. And the food and drinks are pretty decent, too.
There are now over 240 Lounges nationwide (the last one we visited was in Faversham, Kent). They all seem to have the same quirky style: mismatched furniture, fancy wallpaper and eclectic artwork adorning the walls, and matching menus. Edmundo Lounge is no different.
They’re a great choice for families, too, with tons of space, highchairs readily available, and a decent children’s menu.
I started with an almond latte (£4.60 – more places need to offer almond syrup, it’s delicious in a coffee!) and gave myself a set amount of work to do before I’d allow myself to order brunch. It was a decent coffee, too.
I’d never actually ordered from the brunch menu at one of the Lounges before. It wasn’t an easy choice. In the end, though, it was the smashed avocado brunch (£10.75, plus £2.45 extra for bacon) that won.
It was a very pretty plate of food. The toasted ciabatta was a nice change from the sourdough that seems to be the choice for most coffee shops! It was stacked with plenty of chunky guacamole, crumbled feta and cherry tomatoes. Pink pickled onions added some zing, and the poached egg on top had a beautifully runny yolk. The whole thing was finished with a sprinkling of Aleppo chilli and a drizzle of harissa and lime honey for some fruity heat, and a chopped coriander garnish. The bacon wasn’t quite as crisp as I’d normally like it, but it complemented the meal nicely.
By the time I’d finished, others had occupied a few of the tables around me with their laptops. I’m definitely not alone in my choice of “WFH” venue! The team are lovely, too, no complaints about the service. Once half term is over, I’ll be back…
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Why you need to visit Hollow Trees Farm 13 Feb 2:34 AM (20 days ago)
In the village of Semer, not far from Ipswich, you’ll find Hollow Trees Farm. Since visiting on a school trip last year, the seven-year-old had been desperate to show us what the place was all about.
That finally happened on a cold weekend in January. We now see why he was so keen to go back.
Here are five reasons you should consider visiting Hollow Trees Farm.
1. The farm shop
The farm shop and the farm trail have separate parking areas. This suggests to me that the former is as much of an attraction as the latter. And I can see why.
You’ll find wooden display units packed with vibrantly coloured fruit and veg, shelves laden with local bread, and plenty of store cupboard ingredients. There’s an on-site butcher (including a beef ageing fridge), with home-reared produce clearly labelled. The deli area has a well-stocked cheese counter, and fridges filled with cured meats, smoked fish, pies, coleslaw and more. Many of these are either local or made in-house.
There’s alcohol. You can buy local fruit juice. There’s pet food and supplies, and an area out the back selling plants and garden items. It’s a pretty impressive place.
2. The animals
The farm itself was, of course, of more interest to the child. We bought the obligatory £1 bag of animal food at the ticket kiosk and paid for our tickets. Tickets are priced at £6.50 per person (those aged 2 and under go free) if booked in advance, or £7 on the gate.
The animals included goats, pigs, sheep, cows, donkeys, alpacas, guinea fowl, rabbits, guinea pigs, turkeys and more. There are, thankfully, also plenty of hand washing stations! All the animals seemed happy and well cared for, with plenty of space, too. The child’s favourite area? Goat Mountain, where goats climb up a wooden structure to a platform at the top, and children can turn a handle to winch food up to them.
3. The play opportunities
The various Hollow Trees Farm play areas were probably the highlight of his day. As well as a covered soft play and sandpit for younger children, there are pedal tractors, a play structure with two slides, a smaller play area, tunnels, welly wanging and a fairy garden to explore.
His favourites? The (very fast) covered slide that ran down a hill, and the three tree swings, ranging from only around 3m high to one that was seriously sizeable. Funnily enough, that’s where we spent a large part of our day…
4. The café
The Hollow Trees Farm café is located in the same building as the farm shop – if you’re visiting the farm trail you’ll have to leave (retaining your ticket for proof of entry) to eat. Food and drink is available both to eat in and to take away – and we chose to eat inside the café.
There are three dining areas: one by the counter, with comfortable seating and a log burner, and one in a plant-filled room just off the main café. There’s also a terraced area offering extra space in warmer weather.
The menu offers hot and cold drinks, as well as sandwiches, toasties, jacket potatoes and more – and the range of cakes on the counter looked enticing, too. As you’d expect for a place like this, there’s a decent kids’ menu, and our son was very happy with his half jacket potato with beans and cheese (£6.50), served with cucumber and cherry tomatoes.
My roastie roll (£9.50) was delicious. It contained farm-reared pork, stuffing and apple sauce, and came with a generous dollop of super creamy coleslaw, also made in-house, plus a strip of crunchy crackling.
You can see the full café menu here.
5. The seasonal events
Depending on when you visit, you may get the opportunity to meet newborn baby animals – there were some VERY pregnant nanny goats when we went! Half terms and school holidays offer all sorts of extra entertainment, from story time sessions to football golf, Cresta Run sledges and more – keep an eye on their website to find out what’s coming up.
In addition, Hollow Trees Farm birthday parties are available, as well as organised school trips. There’s always something to see and do!
Find out more on the Hollow Trees Farm website.
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A great spot for BBQ food in Cambridge 7 Feb 12:00 AM (26 days ago)
I still refuse to believe that it’s nearly 21 years since my uni life in Cambridge ended. Even back in the early 2000s Cambridge was a pretty foodie city. In recent years, though, its foodie credentials have boomed.
I have a huge list of restaurants and cafes in Cambridge that I want to visit – and I’ll hopefully be sharing some of those on here soon! This most recent trip, though, was my son’s first introduction to the city, and we needed to find somewhere quick, easy and child-friendly for a lunch stop.
That place was Smokeworks on Free School Lane. The fact that Smokeworks has been around for 11 years boded well – and we were lucky enough to get a table without booking.
One side of the building operates as a bar, with the other side the restaurant – but that’s not all. Downstairs you’ll find The Puck & Pong Society, whose beer pong games and shuffleboard tables make up Smokeworks’ “basement room of fun”.
The place has a very industrial feel with its exposed pipework and slightly run-down vibe. There’s neon signage everywhere and a light-up service board that shows which tables need attention. How do the team know? Well, there’s a switch beside every table, which you simply twist when you need something (a great source of entertainment for the child!)
The menus are VAST: ribs, chicken, buns, dogs, mac & cheese, wings…you’ll be spoilt for choice. You’ll also find platters piled high with BBQ meats and serving between one and four people: we’re definitely doing this next time! We went slightly lighter, though, knowing we had plenty of walking to do post-lunch.
The kids’ menu (for children aged 11 and under) is priced at £7 and includes a main, one side and an ice cream sundae. The child was pleased to see that his menu featured puzzles, colouring, games and jokes…and also that it featured halloumi.
The halloumi sticks were thin and crisp around the edges, with a beautiful BBQ flavour (“the best halloumi I’ve ever had!”, he proclaimed. He chose corn on the cob for his side (juicy and tender with plenty of melted butter) and the pickle mayo for dipping – he loved the tang.
The ‘Mr Whippy ice cream sundae’ turned out to be more of a milkshake (with a choice of flavours) but he of course didn’t complain. This was thick and delicious, and it didn’t last long!
With no fewer than five different mac and cheese options available, I was spoilt for choice. In the end, it was the buffalo variety (£13) that swayed me. It was a decent sized bowl of pasta with plenty of sauce, topped with succulent, crispy chopped chicken tenders, salty crumbled blue cheese, a drizzle of blue cheese sauce and plenty of buffalo sauce, offering a good whack of both flavour and heat.
In all honesty, the toppings were more exciting than the mac and cheese itself: while tasty enough, I’d have expected a richer flavour from a dish that contained Smokeworks’ “signature four cheese sauce”.
The real star of the show was the loaded beef fries (£10.50). This mountain of crisp, thin-cut fries came laden with plenty of tender, slow-cooked BBQ beef brisket, crumbled blue cheese, blue cheese sauce and a scattering of crispy onions. The flavour of the beef was insane, and cemented our decision to return for a meat platter to share.
The clientele at Smokeworks was certainly varied: couples, groups, families with young children, solo diners. It seems to be a spot that has universal appeal, and with a diverse menu (and delicious drinks), it’s easy to see why. We’ll be back in Cambridge for a meatier feast soon…
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Looking for a great pub lunch in West Suffolk? 6 Feb 1:21 AM (27 days ago)
January is a month of birthdays in our family. We needed a great venue in West Suffolk to celebrate three birthdays: somewhere that could host a table of eight, was suitable for children, had vegan and pescatarian options and allowed dogs.
Luckily, we’re surrounded by country pubs where these needs can easily be met. After some deliberation, we settled on The Weeping Willow in Barrow, a small village just a few miles to the west of Bury St Edmunds.
This 16th-century pub with rooms is a little haven in the middle of the West Suffolk countryside. Part of the Chestnut Group, it not only offers dining and drinking options, but also seven new eco-friendly lodges – some with hot tubs – for those looking for a rural escape.
When we visited, the main building felt a little cramped – drinkers (who seemed to be celebrating a special occasion) filled the route through to the toilets and it was hard to fight our way past. The dining area, though, is in the extension: a bright, airy space with spaced out tables and views of the open plan kitchen. High shelves by the ceiling are piled high with cookbooks, and the decor is contemporary and cosy.
Food-wise, expect a menu packed with local, seasonal produce. There are vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free choices, and a dedicated kids’ menu. Disappointingly, the kids’ menu on the day consisted of a burger and chips, fish and chips, sausages and mash or chicken goujons and chips: always a shame when the “grown-up” menu in a place is so much more exciting.
As a result, the birthday boy (we visited on the day of his seventh birthday) shunned the selections aimed at his age range. Instead, he ordered from the small plates menu, choosing the BBQ sardines with pesto and sourdough (£8).
He loved the presentation, the toasted bread spread with the rich green pesto, topped with the fish fillets and finished with a generous handful of pickled pink onions and microgreens. The combination of the smoky, tender fish and fresh, tangy pesto was delicious – and needless to say, he cleared his plate.
Elsewhere at our table, the beer-battered haddock and chips, served with minted peas and lemon (£18), was a hit. The portion sizes were huge, the batter looked lovely and crisp, and the chips (I managed to pinch one) were chunky and delicious, if a little over-salted.
I’ve mentioned before that I’m a veal fan…and guess what I found on the menu? The saffron risotto with ossobuco and confit cherry tomatoes (£20) didn’t disappoint. It was a huge, steaming bowl, packed with a creamy risotto topped with plenty of rich, meaty jus. The ossobuco was incredibly tender and full of flavour, the richness of the dish tempered by the pop of the sweet tomatoes. Absolutely delicious.
While the food at The Weeping Willow in Barrow is at the pricier end of the ‘pub grub’ spectrum, the delicious flavours and generous portions made it well worth the money for a family celebration in West Suffolk. I’d be keen to head back when the weather’s a little warmer to enjoy the circular walk that starts from the pub, building up an appetite for another meal. Definitely recommended.
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A great foodie option for kids’ parties! 30 Jan 2:26 AM (last month)
My son turned seven this month.
A January birthday makes party organising a little trickier. We can’t risk doing something outdoors because the weather’s so unpredictable. There’s the option of hiring a hall – but while room hire is pretty affordable, the cost of everything else soon adds up.
Last year we did a party at the local independent bowling alley. It was great fun, but two years on the trot would have been a bit much. That just left soft play…or did it?
While out for coffee with a friend, she told me about another option. Until that conversation I’d had no idea that Pizza Express children’s parties existed, but it turned out to be the perfect choice.
Priced at £14.95 per child, kids’ pizza-making parties are available at Pizza Express restaurants up and down the country. The restaurant will require a minimum of eight and a maximum of 30 guests, and there are even printable invitations on their website that you can download.
The booking process was the only thing that frustrated me. I tried to book at our local restaurant (Bury St Edmunds) online, and received a generic email back saying that they couldn’t accept the booking. I ended up going into the restaurant and they recommended booking for a Sunday and as early as possible, which is how we ended up with a 10.30am slot. The fact that it began an hour before the restaurant opened meant that we could do the noisier, messier part of the party before other customers arrived, and we had the entire restaurant to ourselves.
I paid a £5 per head deposit in advance, with the remainder paid once the party was over. We were told that we didn’t need to turn up early, so we rocked up just before 10.30 to get started.
Excitingly for the kids, their long table was right beside the open kitchen so they could see the chefs at work and talk to them during the party, which some of the kids really enjoyed!
The table was laid out with activity sheets for each child, a paper chef’s hat each, and a plastic apron draped over each chair. There were jugs of blackcurrant squash, orange squash and water on the table (replenished regularly), and while we were waiting for everyone to arrive, those who were earliest cracked on with their puzzles, colouring and drawing.
Once everyone was there, the children were marched off to wash their hands before each being presented with a pizza base. They were shown how to use their fingers to press the edges of the dough slightly up the sides of the pan, before spreading out their tomato sauce over the base.
The next step was the toppings. Pizza Express kids’ parties tend to use a standard selection of toppings, but they’ll happily add extras to cater for any dietary requirements (we had one vegetarian in the party who was asked which extra toppings she’d like). I also managed to wangle a bowl of capers for the birthday boy, as he’s obsessed! The bowls were set down on the table, and the kids had a great time choosing how to customise their pizzas.
The cheese went on last, with instructions to space it out as it spreads quite a lot while cooking. Our server (who was absolutely AMAZING, and so good with the kids) added a drizzle of olive oil to each pizza, then it was time for them to be cooked.
You know the chef hats I mentioned earlier? There was an additional purpose for those. Each child’s hat was numbered, and a label with the corresponding number was added to each pan while the pizza was cooked. It meant no mix-ups, no children receiving the wrong pizza, and it made it quicker to get each one to the kids.
Now, the pizzas don’t take long to cook – but it does take time to slice and dish up a party’s-worth! In the meantime, each child was given four dough balls, garlic butter and veg sticks as a starter – a real hit all the way down the table.
And then it was time for the main event. The excitement on the kids’ faces when they saw their own creations brought to the table was brilliant – every single pizza looked delicious! It was also nice to enjoy a little silence while they ate! 
When they’d had enough, the team came out with boxes so that they could take the rest home. While they may have been stuffed, there’s always room for pudding – and they happily demolished the gelato that was brought to their table to finish the meal.
We were also allowed to bring a birthday cake, and when the gelato was finished, we brought it over to the table so the birthday boy could blow out the candles (see my Super Mario cake on my Instagram feed!)
For £14.95 per head, the Pizza Express party was really good value for money. The kids all seemed to love it, there was great interaction and it was nice to do something different from the normal party options, too.
If you’re interested in booking a kids’ Pizza Express pizza-making party, you can do so on their website here (just remember to change the restaurant location to your closest one!) They even do adult parties with added Prosecco, too…
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Planning a Road Trip Across the UK: Exploring Local Cuisine with Accessibility in Mind 30 Jan 12:55 AM (last month)
**This is a collaborative post**
Are you interested in taking a road trip across the UK to explore its diverse culinary landscape? It’s an exciting and rewarding opportunity, so it’s understandable to want to experience it for yourself!
From sampling traditional fish and chips in seaside towns to Michelin-starred dining in bustling cities, there is no shortage of exceptional food to discover. However, for individuals with accessibility needs, planning such a journey requires thoughtful preparation to ensure comfort and ease throughout the trip.
Thankfully, with proper planning, you can move one step closer to sampling food from across the UK. Keep reading as we guide you through making your gastronomic adventure seamless and enjoyable.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Journey
A road trip begins with reliable and accessible transportation. If you have mobility needs, a WAV vehicle can make all the difference. These vehicles are specially adapted to accommodate wheelchairs, providing spacious interiors, ramps, and other essential features to ensure safe and comfortable travel. Don’t worry if you don’t already own a WAV vehicle; used ones are on the market at reduced costs, but they are still quality vehicles.
Fortunately, many reputable dealers, like Allied Mobility, offer used WAV vehicles that have been inspected and maintained to high standards. Renting is another option if you’re looking for a temporary solution. Ensuring the vehicle is equipped with any additional modifications you may require, such as swivel seats or hand controls, is essential for a smooth journey.
Planning Accessible Dining Stops
The UK is home to countless dining establishments catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Researching venues ahead of time is crucial to ensure they meet accessibility needs. Look for restaurants and cafes that provide step-free access, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces close to the venue. Regions such as the Cotswolds, Lake District, and Yorkshire Dales are renowned for their picturesque settings and delectable food. These areas also feature numerous accessible dining spots that blend inclusivity with charm.
For instance, the Cotswolds’ quaint tearooms and gastropubs often feature outdoor seating and level access, while the Lake District’s scenic cafes and bistros frequently provide wheelchair-friendly pathways and facilities. In the Yorkshire Dales, farm-to-table eateries embrace accessibility with ample parking and clear layouts. Planning your stops in advance saves time and ensures a more relaxed dining experience.
Creating a Flexible Itinerary
A well-planned itinerary can significantly enhance your road trip experience. Begin by mapping out dining locations to avoid excessive travel time between meals. Starting your day with breakfast at a cosy cafe, stopping for a hearty lunch at a countryside inn, and concluding with dinner at a fine-dining restaurant known for its local specialities can create a memorable day.
When crafting your itinerary, ensure the travel times between locations are manageable. This reduces stress and allows you to fully enjoy each destination. Consider including local food festivals or farmers’ markets along your route for a chance to taste regional delicacies and interact with local vendors. Guided culinary tours that focus on accessibility can also be an enriching addition to your trip, offering insights into the local food scene while accommodating mobility needs.
Dining Out with Accessibility in Mind
Ensuring a stress-free dining experience requires proactive measures. Contacting restaurants in advance to confirm their accessibility features can help avoid unexpected obstacles. Some venues provide detailed information about their facilities, including wheelchair access, elevator availability, and accessible restrooms. Others go a step further by offering larger print or braille menus and adjustable seating arrangements.
Modern establishments are increasingly prioritising inclusivity by training their staff to assist guests with diverse needs. Engaging with restaurant employees about specific requirements not only prepares you better but also encourages venues to maintain high standards of accessibility. Dining out should be a pleasurable experience, and choosing inclusive venues ensures that everyone can relax and enjoy their meal.
Discovering Regional Flavours
One of the highlights of a UK road trip is exploring its rich culinary diversity. Each region offers unique flavours and specialities that reflect its cultural heritage. Scotland, for example, is known for dishes like haggis, smoked salmon, and locally brewed whiskies, often served in accessible Highland pubs. Wales offers delights such as Welsh cakes, with many venues ensuring step-free access and spacious layouts. Meanwhile, London’s vibrant dining scene provides an array of international cuisines, with many restaurants embracing accessibility as a core value.
Highlighting accessibility features while exploring regional cuisines not only enhances your journey but also raises awareness about the importance of inclusivity in dining. By supporting establishments that prioritise accessibility, you’re encouraging positive change in the hospitality industry.
Making Accessibility a Priority
From planning transportation to choosing inclusive dining venues, prioritising accessibility ensures your road trip is enjoyable and hassle-free. Investing in a WAV vehicle, mapping out accessible food trails, and engaging with venues about their facilities are vital steps for a successful culinary adventure. This thoughtful approach allows you to savour the UK’s rich culinary heritage while ensuring comfort and inclusivity every step of the way.
An accessible road trip is about more than just dining; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, connect with communities, and create lasting memories. So, pack your bags, prepare your itinerary, and get ready to explore the flavours of the UK on a delicious and inclusive adventure.
The post Planning a Road Trip Across the UK: Exploring Local Cuisine with Accessibility in Mind first appeared on Breaks and Bites.
Have you tried Suffolk’s newest live fire restaurant? 27 Jan 4:04 AM (last month)
Head to Bury St Edmunds market and you’ll spot one stretch that’s purely street food vendors. With burritos, Thai food and more, there’s something for everyone – and if you’re a meat lover, you’ll no doubt have sniffed out Meat & Greet with their BBQ setup.
As a result of their market success, the team have opened up a new restaurant on Bury’s Whiting Street, just a short walk from the market.
Billing themselves as a ‘live fire BBQ steakhouse’, they’re open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays). We booked a table during their soft launch weekend when food was 20% off and only the upstairs dining room was open.
As soon as you walk in, you’ll see the open flames behind the counter (and the massive extraction system above!) – a nice bit of theatre while you’re dining. To one side of the counter there’s a fridge displaying some beautiful dry-aged beef: while there are options on the menu for non-meat eaters, this could be a bit off-putting…
We’ve not yet seen the downstairs dining room, but upstairs offers a few smaller tables along with two long tables: we were seated at one of these along with three other groups of diners. We’re not massive fans of sharing tables with strangers, so it’s worth checking where you’ll be sitting if you’re the same…
Along with a small list of appetisers (the chicken wings served to the people to our left looked amazing), the menu offers a variety of burgers and steaks – including a vegetarian halloumi burger and a vegan steak option. There’s a kids’ menu, too, offering a choice of three mains with chips, plus an ice cream, for £8.
It came as no surprise that the child ordered the halloumi burger. Five decent slices of halloumi filled the toasted bun, along with a lettuce leaf and some thickly-sliced pickles. No sauce, which is a shame – it’s always annoying to have to pick apart a kids’ burger to add their chosen sauces. The portion of fries was generous, I’d just say they were a little on the salty side for a child’s palate. He seemed to enjoy it (although didn’t eat many of the chips) – and while he demolished his little tub of ice cream, it was sadly a low-quality “chocolate-flavoured” option rather than something more decent.
I was always going to order the GOAT burger (£13). Described as “an elevated, old school burger” on the Meat & Greet menu, it featured two 4oz steak patties, mild Cheddar, bacon, and Kansas BBQ smoked pulled pork. On the side, a portion of salted fries (£4) and a smoked mac and cheese (£6.50) to share. Overall, a great burger. The patties were juicy, nicely seasoned and had that beautiful wood-fired flavour. There was plenty of cheese and the bacon was nice and crisp around the edges, and the pulled pork on top was perfectly sweet and tender. The bun held together well, but the constant falling poppy seeds made it a very messy eat!
The chips were decent, but like my son’s portion, a bit over-salted. We loved the amount of melted cheese on top of the mac and cheese and the consistency was great, but we were disappointed that the promised smoked flavour didn’t come through very strongly.
Service was ok throughout, very varied depending on who came to our table but it’s always hard to gauge whether this is just teething issues with a new restaurant! Would we go back to Meat & Greet? Absolutely – we’re keen to try their starters and steaks next time around!
The post Have you tried Suffolk’s newest live fire restaurant? first appeared on Breaks and Bites.