The Packhorse Inn is a wonderful traditional country inn sitting at the heart of the community in the village of Moulton, just outside Newmarket, Suffolk. Taking you back to a moment in time and perhaps a scene from The Darling Buds of May with its pretty village green, you will find the quintessential village’s 15th Century Packhorse Bridge.
There are not many pubs in the area that can boast their Michelin Plate awarded 2011 and 2022 dining experience, offered at reasonable prices. Upon entry, you are welcomed by not just friendly staff, but their wonderful packhorse that has been ingeniously handcrafted from willow by Helen Colletta, taking pride of place at the entrance of the inn.
Hotel
There are plenty of scenic country walks where guests can explore. The Three Churches walk that takes you through Moulton, Dalham and Gazeley, passing by each of the village churches along part of Icknield Way which is thought to be one of the oldest roads in Britain. The walk takes you through fields, woodland, country roads and by the River Kennett.
The Packhorse Inn welcomes furry companions and offers several dog-friendly rooms and dog-friendly ‘Muddy Paws’ packages. In addition, the Packhorse attracts horse lovers and racegoers alike from where you can easily reach the famous Newmarket Racecourses and the National Horse Racing Museum within a six-mile drive.
Room
We checked into the Primrose room which is one of eight rooms at the Inn. It was light and calming and decorated with French shabby chic furniture. This is one of the largest rooms available and probably one of the most luxurious, which made our stay very comfortable indeed. It was lovely to relax on the king-sized bed overlooking a view of the village green. Within the room there’s a large free standing double bath opposite the bed by the window, also a walk-in rain shower and private toilet.
Food
The Packhorse Inn is proud of its excellent reputation for food and in 2022 it was awarded a Michelin Plate. The head chef, Steve Angier is passionate about locally sourced produce from the region that includes local cheeses, Dingley Dell pork, tomatoes from Norfolk and herbs from the pub’s kitchen garden, in addition to famous Maldon Oysters from Essex.
One highlight of the year for Steve is game season, creating dishes that champion the sport and seasonal ingredients that can be foraged locally like brambles and plums. Steve’s fun and cheeky nature shines through in his desserts where he enjoys making old favourites or English classics and creating something fresh and new.
We tried the Dingley Dell ham hock terrine, Suffolk Gold tart and curried cauliflower soup, served with an onion bhaji which were all nicely presented and tasted delicious.
The main courses are varied and suit most tastes and include roast Suffolk chicken, crispy East coast seabream, rare breed steak, Old Spot pork belly, barbecue Heritage carrots and celery risotto with herbs from the garden.
You won’t leave the Packhorse Inn feeling hungry, and the breakfast menu is incredible. Enjoy Powters sausages from Newmarket and Dingley Dell bacon on the full-on English breakfast which is accompanied with two eggs cooked to your liking, bubble and squeak, black pudding and fried bread.
The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday and also has a special dog menu. Book in advance for the popular Great British Sharing Roast, served every Sunday.
Things to do
The Packhorse Inn is perfectly located to explore the area that includes Newmarket, Ely, Cambridge and of course, Thetford Forest. It’s a short trot to the National Horse Racing Museum and to Newmarket Racecourses
Bedford Lodge Spa is a luxury retreat to relax and spend the day being pampered. It has a range of exceptional treatments from aromatherapy massages, body treatments and reflexology to wonderful facials using ESPA products. Enjoy the spacious hydrotherapy pool and all the jets to ease your tension, as well as the steam and sauna.
There is an outdoor rooftop hot tub and sunbathing area as well as the mezzanine with relaxing beds where you can relax and enjoy quiet time and the spa area while waiting for your treatments. Take advantage of the experiential showers and ice fountain and the thermal area and a hammam table. Lunches and drinks are provided within your spa day.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from per person for £125 Bed and Breakfast.
Address: Bridge St, Moulton, Newmarket CB8 8SP
Phone: 01638751818
Email: info@thepackhorseinn.com
Website: thepackhorseinn.com
Read more about Kate’s travels at LoveToEatToTravel.com
