A Weekend Away at The Westleton Crown

Will and I are both in agreement that we enjoy experiences more than 'things' and prefer sentimental, 'memory-creating' presents over expensive and lavish gifts, and so last December I planned a little trip for his Christmas present so that we could get away, just the two of us, and spend some quality time together in the new year.

I'd heard glowing reviews of The Westleton Crown from various family members and friends, and after reading that Prince William and Kate Middleton had chosen to spend their first wedding anniversary there - see how their trip went here - I was even more certain that it was the ideal place for us to visit. Set on the Suffolk Heritage Coast between Southwold and Aldeburgh, The Crown is a traditional coaching inn dating back to the 12th century that combines chic and contemporary decor with a cosy and rustic atmosphere.

As soon as we arrived in the village of Westleton - passing a village store, a pub and a chapel that had been converted into a bookstore and vinyl shop - we were 'aww'-ing at how idyllic, quaint and downright lovely the place was. We'd packed a picnic and so after a cheerful welcome at reception, we asked if there was anywhere we could walk to and were directed to a nearby green around the corner, which was the perfect spot to have our lunch.

The Crown itself is stunning and we couldn't have chosen a warmer, sunnier day to see the inn at its best. The Garden Room, their modern and fresh restaurant, looks out upon a well-kept terraced garden with plenty of space to sit and enjoy a drink (or four)... 

Our room was situated inside the main building and was spacious and gorgeously furnished with (to name a few) - Feather & Black furniture and Lloyd Loom chairs, a comfortable double bed with duck down duvet and pillows, a luxurious en suite kitted out with the softest, thickest towels and The White Company toiletries, cafetières plus fresh coffee and white, fluffy bathrobes in the wardrobe - that we put on immediately, of course. 

Not realising that our room would also come with a TV, it was a nice surprise to be able to watch Wimbledon whilst drinking tea and eating the homemade biscuits that were kindly put out for us on our dressing table. With our dinner reservation booked in an hour or so we started getting ready - I wore a Missguided dress and sandals as the weather was still really warm - and then headed downstairs where we were warmly greeted by a waiter, who kindly allowed us to choose where we wished to sit and continued to give the most brilliant and attentive service throughout our meal. The restaurant itself uniquely incorporates stylish features with more classic furniture, and the open plan layout worked excellently for the fantastic weather as even at 8pm, the doors leading to the terraced garden were still open and the Garden Room was well-lit with a summery, pleasant and bright atmosphere.

After hearing people rave about the food, we were excited to taste it for ourselves and weren't disappointed in the slightest. Ordering a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, Will went for the 'Parma ham wrapped Blythburgh pork neck fillet, broad bean, peas, potato, chorizo, green salsa' whilst I chose the 'pan-fried gnocchi with asparagus, tomato, mushroom, broad beans and parmesan'. Also opting for the spring vegetable fricassée and hand-cut chips to share, we had more than enough to eat and both of our meals were perfectly cooked, professionally presented, tasted wonderful and Will's green salsa? Out of this world.

We weren't planning on having dessert until we got major food-envy after seeing other tables receive theirs, and so we ordered the 'Suffolk strawberries, strawberry sorbet, lavender panna cotta and strawberry daiquiri' and the 'raspberry parfait with poached apricots and honeycomb', which brought on some Eddie Murphy impressions - "parfait's delicious, parfait may be the most delicious thing on the whole damn planet"...

We both slept like babies and woke up early in time for breakfast, which came included in the price of our room. Held in the restaurant where we'd enjoyed our meal the previous night, we chose a table near the window as even though the weather was quite grey and drizzly, the amount of windows in The Garden Room meant that it still felt light and airy. 

Ordering a pot of tea and a cafetière of coffee so that we could share, we helped ourselves to fresh juices and the selection of homemade mueslis. We were brought warm, fresh bread and our breakfast order was taken - Will chose the Suffolk cooked breakfast and I had the nicest buttermilk and vanilla pancakes with berry compote and creme fraiche. 

Sad to be leaving but certain that we'd be back again in the future, we checked out and made the drive home where Will had to get a train back to London as he was flying to South Africa the following day. We had such a memorable trip, our stay at The Crown truly surpassed our expectations and it was the best way to say goodbye for six weeks.

Visit The Westleton Crown's website here to plan your stay, view their gallery, see their offers and read reviews from other guests and the press. You can also read more about Westleton on the village's website here and on the Suffolk Tourist Guide here.

Have you ever visited Suffolk? Which English hotel would you recommend?

Meg

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