The Weeping Willow is widely regarded as one of the best eateries in Suffolk – it’s been recommended to me time and time again and, despite living in this gorgeous corner of the country for most of my life, I’ve never stepped foot inside; until now.
In summer 2023, The Weeping Willow unveiled seven beautiful lodges in the meadow tucked behind the 16th-century pub, pretty country gardens and stunning willow tree. The pub has long attracted diners from all over East Anglia and now those who wish to extend their stay can bed down in the luxury surroundings of the charming lodges.
The inn’s owners – the esteemed Chestnut Group – revealed that the new timber huts were environmentally friendly and had been created to offer visitors a low-carbon stay.
Room
In homage to the historic tree that stands on the site, the lodges are all named after native trees. Inside the cabin, the spacious but comfortable bedroom is decorated with muted tones, splashes of green and tactile furnishings, with the palette and textures of the countryside outside reflected inside.
We had a huge, snug bed with soft sheets as well as plenty of wardrobe space to unpack all of the belongings you end up travelling with when you have a toddler! The team provided a travel cot for our 18-month-old which we set up in a cosy nook just off the main living space, where we could make it nice and dark.
Our lodge had two sets of bi-fold doors opening onto a small patio and private garden area. Light floods into the double-aspect space, creating a lovely ambience for an early morning coffee or an afternoon aperitif.
Nestled amongst colourful wild flowers and soft grasses that sway in the breeze, the silvery wood cladding makes the lodges sink comfortably into their backdrop with sweeping views across the farm fields. Some of the lodges offer family accommodation – with bunk beds or a sofa bed – while others are dog-friendly, and two have wood-fired hot tubs for an extra sprinkling of luxury. Unfortunately our hot tub was struggling to heat up when we arrived so I’d advise asking the team to check the temperature ahead of your arrival if you want to use it.
Food and drink
The Weeping Willow appears to be a normal, chocolate-box pub as you duck to step through its small doorways and into the pretty bar where oak beams jut across low ceilings, shelves are packed with dusty books, and roaring fires crackle in the winter.
But the pub has another side to it; and the unique, striking design soon catches your eye as the intimate, traditional-style inn opens dramatically into a vast, architecturally-satisfying extension. The modern design features huge glass windows, wide, open space and angular lines, opening out onto a patio with an assortment of outdoor tables and benches, fringed with mature gardens and flowerbeds. The willow stands proud over the pub garden, with delicate green leaves cascading down onto the lawn.
Inside, the chef’s kitchen opens onto the restaurant with a long pass where plates of appetising food arrive fresh from the ovens to be whisked off to tables of chattering guests. A large, high-back leather bench breaks up the space, with tables arranged either side and brightly-coloured patchwork chairs offering comfortable seating to diners, while strings of fairy lights are draped along the window to create a romantic atmosphere as the light fades outside.
The Weeping Willow has a well-stocked bar with a wide variety of ales, beers, wines, spirits and cocktails on offer. People looking for a relaxed drink and bite to eat can order a bar snack, while diners in the restaurant can choose from the a la carte menu which boasts seasonal dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients.
I chose to start with a crisp salad of sweet confit cherry tomatoes, smooth whipped burrata and fresh broad beans which was zesty, crunchy and a perfect combination of flavours. My husband opted for the Orchard Farm pork scotch egg with chorizo jam and rocket – the scotch egg was huge with a crunchy breadcrumb coating and golden orange yolk hidden inside.
For entrée, I ordered the roasted fillet of Chalkstream trout, served with buttery, salted new potatoes tossed with peas, crunchy mangetout and pickled baby onions, and braised baby gem. The fish was moist but flaky, and was complemented beautifully by the sweet, zingy onions and fresh greens. Across the table, my husband had the maple and barbecue glazed pork T-bone, with potato rosti and red cabbage slaw; the meat was cooked well with a rich, sticky sauce.
There’s a nice mini children’s menu offering the usual options – chicken goujons, fish and chips – but also presenting different dishes, and our daughter had the toasted garlic focaccia alongside the mac and cheese bites with tomato salsa; all of which were devoured with zero complaint!
The staff were professional, warm and friendly, cracking jokes and laughing with us, while being attentive and efficient – despite a slight delay with our pudding order, which meant we ate our dark chocolate delice (which was delicious; a smooth and rich ganache with a shiny glaze) and sticky toffee pudding separately.
To do
At the centre of the charming village of Barrow, The Weeping Willow is conveniently located just off the A14 and just six miles outside of the historic town of Bury St Edmunds. Wander through the ruins of the ancient Abbey, take in the impressive architecture of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, browse the independent boutiques and shops or enjoy coffee at one of the town’s bustling tearooms; there’s plenty to do in this pretty market town.
Further afield you could visit the breath-taking domed country house and sweeping parkland at National Trust Ickworth House; put on your best hat for a flutter at the races at Newmarket Racecourse; step back in history and learn all about Suffolk’s past at West Stow’s Anglo-Saxon Village; or get lost amongst the heathland and pines of Thetford Forest.
In a nutshell
These pretty lodges are the perfect place to rest your head after a busy day exploring all of the beauty and excitement on offer in the Suffolk countryside. The Weeping Willow offers excellent food, wonderful service, and friendly hospitality; everything you need for a lovely weekend away.
Factbox
The Weeping Willow Lodges sleep up to four people and are available from £130 per night and includes breakfast. Hot tub and pet-friendly lodges are available.
Address: The Weeping Willow, 39 Bury Road, Barrow Hill, Barrow IP29 5AB
Phone: 01284 771881
Website: theweepingwillow.co.uk
