One of the joys of staying at a Kip Hideaway is discovering new corners of the UK; hunting out independent gems, lesser known beauty spots and the coolest foodie hangouts.
In a new series of monthly Insider Guides we’ll be picking the brains of hideaway owners in different regions to bring you all the best things to do, see, eat and drink — hopefully providing inspiration to holiday a little closer to home this year.
This week we’re headed to West Suffolk. Home to the bustling market town of Bury St Edmunds, beautiful nature reserves, great little cafes and excellent eateries for those who like holidays to be led by their appetites…(just us?!) Now you’ll just need an extended trip to fit it all in…
EAT
Pea Porridge, Bury St Edmunds.
Holding Suffolk’s only Michelin star for 2023, this neighbourhood restaurant is tucked away on a residential square across two 19thC brick cottages – once serving as a bakery, and with the original cast iron bread oven still intact. Run by a husband-wife team, the vibe is homely and unpretentious, with a daily changing menu of North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes.
Lark, Bury St Edmunds.
The newest addition to the local food scene, Lark is an intimate restaurant – actually set in what was once used as a bus shelter – in the heart of the town serving hyper-seasonal, local ingredients across a selection of delicious small plates. With dishes like razor clams with café de Paris butter, hand-rolled pasta with locally foraged wild mushrooms, and homemade charcuterie made with meat from Suffolk pigs, it’s definitely one not to miss.
Wooster’s Bakery, Bury St Edmunds & Bardwell.
An artisan bakery that the owner of The Engine House hideaway quotes as having “beautifully squidgy canelés, a morning bun the size of your head or the best croissant this side of The Channel.” Do we need to say more?!
A lovely cafe serving great salt beef toasties, a sandwich with six kinds of mushroom(!), generous salads, delicious cakes and Monmouth coffee. Evening service available on Friday and Saturday.
Folk Cafe, Fornham St Martin.
A warm and friendly cafe serving great coffee from local roasters, Butterworth & Sons, as well as delicious brunch and lunch. The perfect pit-stop to fuel up before a day of exploring.
DRINK
The Nutshell Pub, Bury St Edmunds.
Britain’s smallest pub, at 4.5 by 2 metres, founded in 1867 and still serving local Greene King beer. Cosy pub – check.
Vino Gusto, Bury St Edmunds.
If a night in is more your thing this independent wine shop is a must, with lovely expert staff selling a great selection of wines.
Wyken Vineyards, Stanton.
Make a day of it and visit this beautiful local vineyard situated in the middle of a 1,200 acre farm, in a converted Medieval barn, with an award-winning restaurant, country store and vineyard tours.
DO
Knettishall Heath, Thetford.
A beautiful local nature reserve, good for dog walking as well as river swimming for the brave!
Ickworth House, near Bury St Edmunds.
A beautiful neoclassical National Trust house with formal gardens, pleasure grounds, rolling Suffolk landscape and woodlands – perfect for gentle strolls, long walks, bike rides and picnics.
A renovated 1920s cinema showing independent and mainstream titles, with super comfortable reclining seats and a bar. A private screen is also available for hire.
Claire’s House, one-off pottery classes in store with lots of beautiful natural light. A two hour taster pottery wheel class costs £50 – for up to six people per class. Claire also sells work by local ceramicists.
SHOP
Vinyl Hunter, Bury St Edmunds
A great independent record shop and cafe selling new and vintage vinyl alongside good coffee. What’s not to love.
Vintage furniture and lighting, with lots of great finds from Arts & Crafts era to Mid Century Modern.
A sweet little shop run by lovely Marcia, selling beautiful old samplers, ceramics, maps and antique books.
STAY
The Engine House, a stunning 3-bedroom industrial conversion just 3 miles from Bury St Edmunds, is a truly special base for exploring the area. Beautifully designed, the plain white walls offset an impressive collection of vintage treasures, whilst high vaulted ceilings flooding the space with light year round.
