Staff at a picturesque Suffolk hotel are celebrating after being crowned the eastern winner in the Sunday Times Best Places to Stay list.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Black Lion in Long Melford has been crowned the eastern regional winner in the Sunday Times Best Places to Stay Guide Picture: ARCHANTThe Black Lion in Long Melford has been crowned the eastern regional winner in the Sunday Times Best Places to Stay Guide Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The Black Lion in Long Melford has scooped top spot for the east in the paper's comprehensive guide to the top 100 hotels in the country.

The 15th-century inn, which overlooks the village's charming green, was refurbished in 2017 after being acquired by the Chestnut Group - who have ten pubs and restaurants across Suffolk and Essex.

Describing the appeal of the Black Lion in its guide, published today, The Times said the venue was "a tricky-to-achieve blend of traditional and cool - the Benedict Cumberbatch of hotels".

Matt Coll, duty manager at the Black Lion, said: "We are thrilled to receive this award, we take pride in what we do here, we're passionate about Long Melford and Suffolk and we do everything we can to ensure our guests have a comfortable and memorable stay.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Sunday lunch sharing meat platter at The Black Lion, Long Melford Picture: ARCHANTThe Sunday lunch sharing meat platter at The Black Lion, Long Melford Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

"A lot of tourists come here, it's a popular tourist destination, especially with Lavenham nearby. It's always a pleasure to receive anyone from all over the country and we have a few returning international guests, and you'd call them regulars.

"Speaking as a member of the community, personally I'm thrilled to be involved in the institution which is the Black Lion because it's always been here.

"To have this little bow wrapped on top of it is a thrill."

MORE: Could you finish this Suffolk pub's epic sharing Sunday roast?Speaking about the Sunday Times award, head chef Steve Angier said: "It's absolutely amazing, I'm buzzing with it. We've had some good reviews lately and we've got a strong, young team in place.

East Anglian Daily Times: The 15th century inn was refurbished in 2017 Picture: THE CHESTNUT GROUPThe 15th century inn was refurbished in 2017 Picture: THE CHESTNUT GROUP (Image: Archant)

"In many ways, we've simplified but we've also made the food a lot better. We've improved our Sunday lunch offering, which has been huge for us.

"We now offer a family roast which is going through the roof with bookings, so it's good times for us at the moment."

Philip Turner, founder and managing director of the Chestnut Group, said: "The Black Lion is at the geographical heart of Chestnut's ambition to celebrate all that is great about our region.

"I am so happy for our team, many of whom have grown up within cycling distance of the property. They are so proud of the building's heritage, striving to produce a quality product that can be offered without formality to our local community and guests from further afar.

East Anglian Daily Times: Staff at the hotel said they were 'thrilled' with the award Picture: CHESTNUT GROUPStaff at the hotel said they were 'thrilled' with the award Picture: CHESTNUT GROUP (Image: Archant)

"This recognition is for them and their hard work."

East Anglian Daily Times: A room at the Black Lion, Long Melford Picture: ARCHANTA room at the Black Lion, Long Melford Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Black Lion, Long Melford Picture: ARCHANTThe Black Lion, Long Melford Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)