Tucked away in the picturesque Suffolk countryside, The Peacock Inn in Chelsworth offers a refined yet wonderfully relaxed escape for those looking to indulge in fine dining while immersing themselves in the home comforts of a lovely English pub. Recently awarded a Bib Gourmand and listed in the 2024 Michelin Guide, this elegant country inn is the perfect setting for a weekend retreat, or a mid-week getaway with a gourmet twist.
For those seeking a luxurious yet cosy stay, it’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy a Michelin-recognised meal, alongside a well-curated wine offering, and without the stress of a late-night journey home. The menu is rooted in seasonality, with locally sourced ingredients transformed into beautifully crafted dishes.
Always keen to follow the good food, and a fan of a mini-break, when the chance to visit The Peacock Inn comes up, I’m at Liverpool Street Station with an overnight bag before you can say ‘Bib Gourmand’. Only an hour away on the train, and then a short cab drive, the beautiful 14th Century half-timber grade II listed hostelry is situated in Chelsworth, a tiny village in Suffolk. The cosiest of pubs, open fire roaring, I feel immediately at home. There are bedrooms upstairs that are ideal for a family or group of friends, but we are staying in the garden suites, newly renovated, there are three stylish and comfortable en-suite rooms, flooded with natural light.
No time to dilly-dally though as we have lunch booked by the open fire. With a delicious looking set menu featuring seasonal, local ingredients such as chalk-stream trout and guinea fowl, this is no ‘scampi in a basket’ kind of a pub menu. The desserts are equally indulgent, such as blood orange drizzle cake offering the perfect sweet finale. After a big lunch there is a real danger of nodding off in front of the fire, and tempting as that might be, we are very keen to explore the local area, and luckily the Peacock Inn is ideally located for exploring the Suffolk countryside.
Harry Potter fans will be delighted to know that Lavenham, one of the best-preserved medieval villages in the UK and the filming location for ‘Godric’s Hollow’ in the Potter films, is just a ten-minute drive away. Strolling through its timber-framed streets feels like stepping into a storybook, and on a quiet day mid-week, there are no other tourists to get in the way of our photographs.
Back at the pub we try a Singapore Sling, maybe seeming an unusual choice for a country pub, but as we’re fast discovering, this is no ordinary pub, so why wouldn’t all manner of exotic cocktails be available? A tasting menu dinner is next, as yes, the human body is incredible, and we are ready for food once more. With dishes that are elegant yet unpretentious, such as wild mushroom croquettes and saffron cured red mullet, the wine pairings too are unusual and spot on, and we eat and drink happily into the night. The staff, in particular the GM (and sommelier) Jack Butler, and Chef Sam Clover who comes out to say hello, are more than talented, they are warm and welcoming too, and somehow manage to make us feel like locals. It’s clear to see why the Peacock Inn is one of only three pubs awarded a Bib Gourmand, as the elevated dishes and service, combined with homely environment make for a really special experience.
After a comfortable and cosy night in the garden suite, we are sorry to leave the next day, but after breakfast and lots of cuddles with Jack’s gorgeous spaniel, we need to head back to London, vowing to return soon to check out the pub garden. With its Michelin-level dining, warm hospitality, and a perfect blend of luxury and countryside charm, The Peacock Inn is an excellent choice for a relaxing escape. Whether for a special occasion or a spontaneous weekend away, this Suffolk gem is well worth the visit.
