Lavenham Great House Restaurant with Rooms

Opposite the 16th-century timber-framed Guildhall, owned by the National Trust, The Great House is itself pretty ancient behind its Georgian façade, though its dining room has been given a thoroughly modern look. It's a calm and soothing room, done out in soft tones, with a darkwood floor and comfortable upholstered chairs at white-clothed tables set with flowers and sparkling glasses. The cooking has its roots in the great French repertoire, so foie gras and tongue terrine with a veal jus, ratte potatoes and apple jelly may be followed by best end rack of lamb, served pink, accompanied by rosemary sauce, vegetable jardinière and a potato, onion and thyme pie. That's not to say there aren't some more global influences at play though: lobster gets the Thai treatment and comes with red curry sauce, while steamed fillet of sea bass is given a pancetta emulsion and accompanied by a marmalade of red cabbage and juniper berries. Finish off with rich chocolate terrine with raspberry jelly and crème anglaise. There's a new patio for warmer days.