This is another ‘out-of-area’ dining experience that we can definately recommend.

The George Hotel in Stamford is just an hours (fast) drive from Bury St Edmunds. Sitting in THE historic market town of Stamford, access from the A1 couldn’t be easier.

There are 2 principal restaurants in The George, The Garden Room and the Oak Panelled Restaurant. The garden Room is pretty informal and booking usually isn’t required, although if you do have a short wait for a table, there are plenty of comfortable lounges to relax in. The Oak Panelled Restaurant is a much more formal (and expensive) option although the food really is of the highest standard. When we get a nice summer there is also the option of eating in the open air courtyard with a covered section if the weather does turn out to be rather inclement!

Having eaten in both restaurants, we can honestly say that the quality is good in both, with just that little bit extra in the Oak Panelled room.

Our most recent visit was to The Garden room, where 2 glasses of champagne, a bottle of white wine and 2 very good main courses came out to £65. This still makes for good value though and the restaurant manages to be lively and relaxing at the same time.

Private functions can also be catered for with weddings a speciality and there are further menus in the York Bar, with Afternoon Tea available in the lounge or courtyard.

Having returned to The George Hotel time and time again we can thoroughly recommend it and have no doubt that the majority of customers will always hold it as one of their favourite locations. If you are anywhere near Stamford or Peterborough, or even just passing through on the A1, you really should pay them a visit!

More information and menus can be found here: The George Hotel of Stamford

OK, so it’s not in Suffolk, and strictly speaking it’s not somewhere to buy a decent meal.

How about a picnic in Thetford forest on a sunny weekend afternoon?

A couple of picnic chairs, a cool bag, a bottle of chilled champagne and a couple of pick and mix salads from your favourite supermarket. I know it’s not haute cuisine, but it really is a very pleasant way of spending a lunch time, and the best part of the afternoon if you have a blanket and a decent newspaper!

There are a couple of decent large forestry commission car park on the A134 to the north of Thetford, and no doubt several other secluded places elsewhere.

Don’t forget to bring a designated driver!

We thought we’d try the Marlborough Head Inn for a late lunch as we were driving around the countryside on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Having been to the inn many years ago it was interesting to see how it had changed. I did have to wait a considerable time to be served drinks in the lounge bar – having said that I had failed to notice a bell to summon bar staff. I guess 3pm on Grand National day probably isn’t the best time to draw the bar staff away from the TV in the bar!

Having ordered some food, which arrived in reasonably time, I’m afraid to say we were a little diappointed with the quality. The prawns in my wife’s prawn sandwich were quite ‘rubbery’ and my cod in beer batter and chips was really nothing special.

Having said that the bill was fairly reasonable at just over £15

I think we will try the Marlborough Head Inn again sometimes, when there isn’t a major sporting event on, just to give them another chance. The Inn has an AA 3 star rating although one must assume that is for the quality of the rooms rather than the fine cuisine.

The Marlborough Head Inn

Mill Lane, Dedham, CO7 6DH

01206 323250

OK, so it’s a little out of Suffolk, but if you happen to be in the area and need a bite to eat, then The Warrener on the outskirts of Thetford is worth a visit.

Serving food all day, this pub is attached to a Premier Inn but unlike most Premier Inns, this isn’t on the side of an extremely busy motorway!

The food was exactly what we expected from a pub of this type, the atmosphere was OK and the bill was relatively cheap. They also have a special offer during weekdays of 2 meals for £10, which would be well worth taking advantage of!

If you’re visiting Thetford Forest and need somewhere to eat on the way home, the The Warrener is worth a call.

T: 0870 850 6320
F: 0870 850 6321