Food and drink

Eat and drink through the Heart and Suffolk 

Vineyards, chocolatiers, bakers, fruit juice producers, and butchers. Jam and chutney makers, micro-breweries and gin distilleries – the list goes on! Heart of Suffolk is home to a multitude of culinary talents. We invite you to explore and enjoy every part of it. Take your pick from weekly markets to wine tasting experiences, if it’s food and drink related we have you covered. 

Markets 

Suffolk has a wealth of agricultural history as well as some incredible food and drink producers. The Heart of Suffolk is home to traditional weekly markets and farmers’ markets. These bring you fresh, local goods direct from the growers and producers. The markets are all different, with each week seeing different producers and different food, depending on the season. You’ll find the classic fruit and veg stalls alongside meat and fish vendors and freshly baked goods. There are makers of jams and chutneys, wine from local vineyards, and often craftspeople too. 

We have 5 main market towns Hadleigh, Stowmarket, Sudbury, Lavenham and Needham Market where you can find all the information you need on what days they are on and what produce you can find. 

Award winning restaurants 

Home to the UK’s Food Museum, it’s fitting that the area boasts a diverse and delicious array of foodie destinations. You don’t have to go into the city to find incredible food. The Heart of Suffolk brings flavour and fun with award winning restaurants, gastro pubs, vineyards, distilleries, afternoon tea, and more.

If you are looking for something a little more upmarket for a lavish dining experience, you’re in luck. The Heart of Suffolk doesn’t fall short on award winning restaurants and gastro pubs. The Brewers in Rattlesden was awarded a Michelin plate and won the award as best newcomer in the Food and Drink awards in 2020. It was also named amongst the prettiest pub gardens in the UK by the Good Food Guide in 2023! We also have the luxurious  Marquis Hotel and Restaurant serving seasonal and contemporary cuisine for a fine dining experience.  

Vineyards 

Did you know Suffolk is the sunniest spot in England (albeit not always the warmest!)? We offer the perfect conditions for vineyards and distilleries to produce some of the finest wines, spirits, ales and ciders. Most of the vineyards and distilleries offer tasting sessions. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the countryside surroundings while you taste amazing drinks.  

For those who love wine tasting there is Shotley Vineyard who host wine tasting events and seasonal grape picking. Family owned Giffords Hall Vineyard is situated along the River Stour, offering wine tours and delicious local Suffolk wines.

With just over 20,000 vines in the ground, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir take centre stage. Ark wines have been producing powerful and voluptuous wines since 2019 in the heart of the East Anglian Stour Valley. 

Set in the upper Stour Valley Burnt House Vineyard offers gorgeous wines. They also provide entertaining tours and cater for parties in their welcoming vineyard. 

Juices 

James Whitle has grown into one of the UK’s major fruit and vegetable juice pressers, packers and bottlers. Using only the finest fruit and veg, James White  produce expertly pressed and blended juices with a range of big flavours. 

Experts in all things apple, Coppella reflects the timeless value of Suffolk Countryside producing the finest juices since 1969. Hand picked and pressed here in the Heart of Suffolk, so that every bottle is made with the sweetest and tastiest apples. 

Distilleries  

Home of Betty’s Gin, the Heart of Suffolk Distillery  is a family run business producing refreshing a delicious gin. They have been distilling and distributing limited edition Gin alongside their signature gin with each batch of around 70 bottles being hand signed and numbered by master distiller Martyn.  

Suffolk Distillery has mastered the technique of blending modern distillation with traditional methods to produce a range of gin that celebrates the heritage of distillation artistry but embraces bold new flavours. From locally grown strawberries to pure Suffolk honey and rhubarb grown on the banks of the River Stour, the essence of honest Suffolk rural life is included in every bottle.

Breweries 

Champion at the CAMRA Winter Beer Festival the Nethergate Brewery & Distillery do the Heart of Suffolk proud. Located on the outskirts of Long Melford within the stunning Stour Valley. Almost 300 years on, and Aspalls are still producing unparalleled cyder at the original Aspall Cyder House.  

Pubs  

For those who love the cosy pub atmosphere the Heart of Suffolk doesn’t fall short on excellent watering holes for a nice cold pint and something to eat.