Picture this: you arrive at the quaint country Inn nestled in the quaint village of Moulton in West Suffolk. After sampling the delicious award-winning food and sipping wine in front of the fire, you head to your room which is situated behind the Inn. You are staying in The Barn, in one of their gorgeous new luxury rooms. You gaze around at the Scandinavian interior styling and beautiful vaulted barn ceilings. You smile. You fall in love…
It’s a difficult balance for an inn to be all things to all visitors; be able to satisfy the off-to-the-country retreaters, the couples, the families, the dog walkers and the gastro pub foodies alike. However The Packhorse Inn manages this in style, especially now their newest addition: The Barn has opened – new for Autumn 2024. I visited for a midweek getaway to take a closer look at what a stay at The Packhorse has to offer.
The Barn
This is a boutique stay at its best.
The Barn is beautifully designed both outside and in. Housing eight brand new rooms that have only recently opened to the public, The Barn somehow still manages to nestle in the grounds of the Inn like it was always meant to be there.
Once you step inside, the vaulted barn ceilings draw your eye high above the huge bed and immediately impress. The Scandinavian style touches are evident throughout, from the bright, light colour scheme and natural fabric choices, to the sleek shutters that slant in sunlight from the long skylight windows that stretch across one side of the room. This results in a clean, contemporary look that still feels luxurious and cosy.
The extra-large King Bed is the focal point of the room and it is deliciously comfortable with an obviously high-quality duvet, covers and cushions galore. A large TV mounted is on the wall opposite, in addition to tea and what I like to call ‘posh’ coffee making facilities i.e. pods but with the addition of real milk in a stainless steel jug, means you have everything you need to hunker down and relax in your own little heaven of a room for as long as you wish (or until the gastro pub food starts calling your name!).
The bathroom, accessed via heavy contemporary barn-style wooden sliding doors, is wonderfully sleek with a large and ultra-modern shower and gorgeous fittings. There is a desk and chair so catching up on emails or work is easy. And as well as a small open wardrobe there is also ample storage under the bed itself.
These additional rooms mean The Packhorse now offers 16 dog-friendly rooms so there is a wide choice of accommodation on offer, and no need to leave your beloved pets behind.
Note: to book a bedroom in The Barn specifically, make sure you select a room in the ‘Large’ or ‘Extra Large’ category: https://www.thepackhorseinn.com/
The Food
The Packhorse Inn is known for its gastro delights and pub grub doesn’t get much better than this. They have made a commitment to sourcing the best ingredients the region has to offer and champion local food producers, so offer products such as Newmarket Sausages and Norfolk Black Chicken.
I tried and would highly recommended the BBQ Rump of Essex Lamb with Ratatouille, Lamb Jus, Salsa Verde, Hash Brown (priced at £25), the Hand Cut Chips (£4.50) and the Pineapple and Rum Tarte Tatin, Coconut Sorbet (£9). As you can see from the prices it’s very reasonable and the quality really is incredible. Although I would have no hesitation in recommending all of the dishes I had, the lamb really was particularly wonderful and beautifully cooked. The breakfast menu is varied and the Eggs Benedict I had was absolutely delicious and the perfect way to wake up in the country.
In addition to the main menu there is also a kids-eat-for-£5 menu, a dog-friendly menu and also gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes available.
It is worth being aware that, as their menus are inspired by the season, they do regularly change. This can only be a positive with food of this calibre and it is also a great reason for a repeat visit, surely?
There is a choice of four different dining areas in addition to the main bar, plus a private dining area for special occasions. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday.
The Chestnut Collection
The Packhorse Inn is part of the Chestnut Collection – a range of pubs with rooms and Big Houses in the East of England. Although the collection boasts 15 different inns and houses, The Packhorse Inn remains the patriarch of the family as it was the first and indeed founding inspiration for the collection. Find out more here: https://www.chestnutgroup.co.uk/
The Verdict
If you are looking for the perfect cosy Inn in which to dine, stay and explore the beautiful surrounding countryside over autumn, The Packhorse Inn is the perfect choice.
The combination of stunning accommodation and delightful dining in such a quaint and cosy inn, made this stay one that I will be raving about for a while!
To book your stay at The Packhorse Inn visit https://www.thepackhorseinn.com/
Review and images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
Feature image supplied