Suffolk Food Hall

A Goliath of local produce, the Suffolk Food Hall gathers together top-quality food and crafts from across the county in one enormous warehouse, formerly a cattle barn lest the farming connection be forgotten. Bakers continually stock the baskets with loaves and buns fresh from the oven, butchers prepare all the meat on site and will cheerfully advise on the best cut, while the deli is crammed with antipasti, pies, tarts and salads.

You can grab a bite to take away or enjoy a more relaxing meal in the Cookhouse. The farm’s own beef forms the signature dishes, but it stands alongside home-smoked meat and fish, seasonal veg and trout. Lunch could be anything from fish laksa to a steak burger with pickles. It’s often busy at this time, so calling ahead is advisable.

If you don’t need to rush off, let the kids can wear themselves out on the pillow cushion and climbing frame then wander down the drive to watch the sailing boats tack across the river beneath the soaring pillars of the Orwell Bridge.