Reopened in November 2003, The Crown Inn in Stoke by Nayland has grown to become one of Suffolk’s best known fine dining restaurants and boutique hotels. The hotel element was launched in 2008 and took 12 months to complete. Having heard some rather impressive things about the restaurant we were dead keen to see for ourselves just what all the fuss was about.
The Crown is situated about 40 minutes from the M25 and getting there is in itself a pleasurable drive with quaint country villages and rural mansions scattered across the scenic countryside. On arrival it became immediately apparent just how highly regarded the restaurant is as the car park was packed – always a good sign!
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Take a stroll along the Strand and glance up Bedford Street and you’d be forgiven for missing Bedford & Strand. Its unassuming exterior is barely ten feet across and is little more than the top of a fairly uninviting, brightly lit staircase. Aside from the modest sign, some wall-mounted wine bottles and discreetly placed rosettes and awards, it’s not obvious that this is a bar and bistro at all.
Don’t be put off. Take the stairs down and push through the double doors and it’s likely you’ll find yourself amidst some hearty lunchtime or after-work revelry. The atmosphere is extremely welcoming. Drinkers and diners relax and share stories in the surprisingly spacious combination of bar and restaurant, which fortunately retains many of its original fittings. Everything about this place has a tangible consistency – from the logo to the décor to the friendly service and the authentic menu – it all hangs together really well.
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If you’re planning to propose marriage to your loved one this Valentine’s Day you may want to read on…
The Purple Bar at the Sanderson have produced a £200 cocktail called The Proposal, made of fresh plum crushed and blended with hibiscus nectar, charged with Dom Perignon Oenotheque 1995 presented in two Baccarat champagne flutes. The cocktails are served on a silver tray either side of your chosen engagement ring.
If you’re in need of an engagement ring then you may should consider the famous jeweller that the Sanderson has teamed up with, Stephen Webster, who will create you a ring and deliver it to the venue ready for you to carry out the deed.
Posted by Jamie Nicholson on Wed 3rd February 2010 at 04:47 AM, Filed in Luxury Drinks
To celebrate its 13th Birthday, leading wine merchant Bordeaux Index is offering one of the finest dessert wines in the world at a great value – the Chateaux Pajzos Esszencia 1993.
Wine Spectator is a fan of this wine giving it 99 points. They comment –
‘Like melted honey, with lime and pineapple, this is one of those marvellous gems that makes you swoon in delight.’
Sounds good to me! Managing director of Bordeaux Index Gary Boom says –
‘We are delighted to celebrate our 13th year of successful trading, and are now one of the largest wine merchants in Europe. Our no-nonsense, unstuffy approach sets us apart from our competitors, and we are looking forward to another busy year.’
If you are looking to stock up on this delightful wine a case of 12 50cl bottles will set you back a hefty £695 – a special price which Bordeaux Index is offering when ordering three or more. Or for taster-size 10cl bottles in cases of 12 it will cost you a more satisfying £175.
For some, January is all about detox and abstinence, punishment for the joviality of Xmas merrymaking. Personally I find the concept of enforced abstinence miserable and soul destroying in one of the coldest and most depressing months of the year, so I spent last Tuesday evening trying out a far more enjoyable alternative: champagne and sushi.
You can currently experience a decadent ‘tasting menu’ courtesy of Laurent Perrier at any Hi Sushi restaurant across London right now. The idea is that the light and crisp notes of the champagne and the clean fresh flavours of the sushi create a healthy and refreshing dining experience. The concept of choosing sparkling to accompany your sashimi is fairly standard and perhaps for this reason has been overlooked in recent food trends which is a mistake- it really is a match made in heaven.
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