Here are just some of the places you can eat in Suffolk at the moment - often without leaving your home or car.
The advice issued by the government recently to avoid all but essential social contact dealt a swift blow to the nation’s hospitality industry. While measures have been put in place now to secure loans, grants and funding, there’s no denying the knock-on effect Covid-19 (Coronavirus) will have on the sector. In response, many cafes, pubs and restaurants have had to think quickly on their feet, coming up with takeaway menus for collection and delivery. Some are even making collections of essential items to deliver to local people in goodwill. Let’s rally around, support our independents and keep them open. If you run a food and drink businesses and are doing things a bit differently during the Coronavirus outbreak get in touch. Email me.
The Cook’s Shed, Woodbridge
Call 01394 446019
As casual trade begins to drop off at this local favourite, co-owner Matt Driver says they will be doing everything possible to help get great food to residents. “This is going to affect the whole high street. Every shop, not just restaurants,” he says. “We’re all vulnerable, but this is a good community and I hope we can get through it. We’re currently in the process of offering takeaways. Everything off the menu can be taken away and we’ll do a special menu with meal kits – things that can be cooked fresh or frozen. And we’re going to offer short distance deliveries where we can.”
The duo are upping their production of sourdough bread, which customers can also have delivered or can pick up.
Dishes to choose from will include customer favourite, the aubergine schnitzel, harissa chickpea stew, house salads, goats’ cheese beignets, pasta dishes made with homemade pasta and more. “We really hope people who are working from home or isolated are keen to try them.”
The Bildeston Crown
Call 01449 740510
“Coronavirus could kill us, seriously,” said Chris Lee, chef patron of the award-winning Bildeston Crown ahead of the government’s announcement of rate relief. “If it goes on longer than two weeks me and Hayley can’t do this which is very worrying, but we’re going to do as much as we can to look after the village because we do have a high rate of people over 70. For me, taking my business cap off, it’s about making sure people are looked after and I can pay my bills and get through. We’re already 50% down and that doesn’t cover anything.” Chris says they are currently cutting back their menus while sticking to their ‘brand’ as much as possible. A new takeaway menu includes cheeseburger, fries and coleslaw, lobster Caesar salad, Southern fried chicken and fries, pie of the day, curries and dessert of the day
The Pantry, Newmarket
Call 01638 661181
“Aside from upping our already stringent cleaniless, what are doing at the moment,” says Vincent Woolley, “is creating an entire menu of takeaways. All our main dishes will be available to takeaway, but we will also have things like ready meals for the elderly – things that can be popped into the freezer, like lasagnes, pies and curries. Lots of healthy, freshly-prepared dishes, made from scratch.” The Pantry should have a delivery area within a 20 mile radius, keeping on front of house staff to hit the road during their shifts. “People can come and collect items too and we can prepare whole three course meals for anyone who wants to have that at home to reheat themselves. We’re hoping that will help us through this. We’re about 50% down this week and it was Cheltenham which affected us, being near Newmarket racecourse – a lot of regular customers went there. We’ve always dabbled in takeaways but this is out of necessity!”
Casa Del Mar, Bury St Edmunds
Call 01284 701313
“It’s just surreal,” says Maria Broadbent, new vice chairman of town centre management for BID in Bury St Edmunds, and owner of Casa Del Mar. “A huge amount of businesses are going to be affected by Coronavirus because of how prominent the hospitality industry is here!” Maria says that she, along with others, will be operating a takeaway and delivery service going forward and urges customers to call the restaurant directly for orders. “We joined Deliveroo just before Christmas but 30% off whatever you charge goes to them, so if you spend £10, £3 goes to Deliveroo and that’s a big chunk for us at the moment. We are doing our very best to keep our kitchen staff going and to give front of house something to do, but I’ve already lost a key member of staff and all the juniors have stood down as many of them are students. It’s the ones with kids and mortgages I worry about. As a business owner you have a great sense of responsibility for them and its really hard.” During the day Casa Del Mar will be offering a ‘meals on wheels’ type service for the vulnerable in the town for delivery between 11.30am and 1.45pm, priced at £7 for two courses, including a hot main, with the menu changing every day. Other items can be ordered for collection, and the regular menu has been adapted to steer away from the sharing plates the restaurant is known for. “Something else is that we’d like people to ring up and just buy a voucher. That will help keep us ticking over.”
The Gusto Pronto group
See online for business details
Gusto Pronto is a family-run independent Suffolk restaurant and pub group, with properties including the One Bull and The Cadogan Arms.
New takeaway menus are available for each site online, with a drive-through beer service coming for the Brewshed and plans for a ‘community shop’ in Hartest.
Speaking at the beginning of the week, director Roxane Marjoram said: “We understand that this is an emergency situation but the unexpected government announcement discouraging customers from visiting pubs and restaurants was devastating. With five pubs and a brewery, we have over 100 staff as well as numerous suppliers locally who rely on us and the rug has essentially been pulled out from under our feet with immediate effect. Last week’s budget introduced some relief and we had already anticipated significant downturn in trade in coming weeks but not this. Our pubs are all currently open and we are reviewing various options which we hope will enable us to continue to support our team and steer the business through this crisis.”
The Forge Kitchen, Ipswich
Call 01473 232009
This restaurant, just off the Waterfront, currently uses Just Eat but also has some quirky plans on the go. “We are uniquely set up,” says owner Grant Owen, “for drive-throughs. The kitchen is at the back of our car park so customers can drive in through the tunnel there to some bays. The idea is we they can order and pay via the phone or on Just Eat and instead of waiting for a delivery driver, can drive their car in. They don’t even have to get out – we can pass the food through the window without any contact, they can take the bag and drive off.”
At the moment the menu will include burgers, ribs, salads, tapas, fries, flatbread pizzas and more, with the team looking at exactly what more it can offer. “We’re pretty much happy to do anything off our current menu. I’m hoping people will be bored stiff of pasta and Dolmio sauce and decide they want a nice burger.”
The Chestnut Group
See online for contacts
Properties within the group (including The Black Lion in Long Melford and The Ship at Dunwich) are imminently going to offer takeaways. Spokesperson for Chestnut, Ashley Norton says: “Where we are able to we will be launching these menus based on what we currently offer, subject to us being able to get the ingredients. All containers for takeaways have arrived and are being distributed to properties. Ultimately the thinking behind it is we’re already to an extent seeing a drop-off in the number of reservations we have as less people are less comfortable with dining out. At the same time there are those having to self-isolate. It’s about trying to give access to those individuals, to some freshly cooked, quality meals. At the moment it will be a collection service but we are trying to address the element of delivery.”
Menus and prices for each property will be on their websites and will be available during current opening hours, with last orders at 8.30pm.
They include:
The Northgate: Bury St Edmunds – Salad boxes for £9, heat at home braised beef ragu, slow-cooked venison stew (£11), chocolate mousse with espresso caramel and crispy wafers (£5)
The Packhorse Inn, Moulton – Breaded scampi tales, crushed peas, tartare sauce, fries and lemon (£16), heritage baby beetroot, violet mustard, crumbled goats’ cheese and hazelnut (£7)
The Westleton Crown – Soup or pasta salad (£5.50), beef stew, fish and chips or vegan chilli and rice (£12), puds (£5.50)
The Ship Inn at Dunwich – Smoked haddock and cod fish cake (£8), homemade pie of the day (£12.50)
The Three Blackbirds at Woodditton – Roasted beetroot Wellington with sweet potato and olive oil mash (£12.50), braised lamb sholder shepherd’s pie with mash and chargrilled hispi cabbage (£16)
The Weeping Willow, Barton – Grilled chicken, bacon and avocado salad (£13.50), Ghost Ship battered cod, triple hand cut chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce (£14.50)
The Crown Inn, Stoke By Nayland – Steak pie and mashed potato (£14), Roasted romanesco steak with slow baked tomatoes, mushrooms and fries (£11.50)
Weavers tea room, Peasonhall
Call 01728 660548
Weeks ago Sara Benstead, who runs this community hub, made the decision to shut at the beginning of this week for a spring clean in preparation for Mother’s Day. Little did she know what would happen. “We can’t just sit around and do nothing,” she says. “We have an elderly population here and generally get very good support from the villages – we’ve got to keep going, this is a business, not a hobby.” Sara is hoping to start a delivery and collection service for Sibton and Peasonhall. “We will make specials and try to get them out to the people down the road.” There should be a hot dish of the day, as well as coffees, rolls, sandwiches and cakes. We’re open from 8.30am to 4pm and if people need deliveries it would be nice for them to call early in the day. We’re also thinking about delivering things like scones and whole cakes. It’s a tricky time and this week changed the mood. We’ve had people saying ‘we’ve been through a war, we’ll be fine’ but now they’re more frightened. We need to stick together.”
Cobblers Café and Bar, Hadleigh
Call 01473 805590
This newly opened café and bar is delivering healthy, freshly made food within a three mile area. Delivery is free in this area with a small charge outside of the space. A range of teas, coffees, juices, smoothies and hot chocolates is available. Cakes and sweet treats have 10% off, from Tiptree traybakes to cheese scones with onion relish and passionfruit and orange slice. Other dishes include sandwiches, hummus with crudies and pitta bread, salads, pasta dishes, and sharing charcuterie, seafood, mezze and cheese boxes.
Tea by the Sea, Pakefield
Call 01502 585573
Has there ever been a better time for tea and cake? This café will deliver afternoon tea to your door within a three mile radius. It’s priced at £11 per person including sandwiches, savouries, cakes, scones and jam. Sunday roasts can also be delivered to your door. Chicken, beef, pork or lamb are priced at £8.50 with trimmings or £11 with a homemade dessert.
The Grill at Twenty5, Ipswich
Call 01473 287625
The family-run eatery has launched a £10 takeaway and delivery menu from 5pm to 9pm Wednesday to Saturday. Call for collection and they will bring the dishes to your car, or they will deliver within 10 miles of the restaurant. All dishes come with hand cut chunky chips, red slaw, salad and an onion ring. They include beef burger, cheese burger, bacon and cheese burger, lamb burger in pitta with mint yoghurt, various chicken burgers and veggie and vegan burgers. The restaurant will serve grilled cod with creamy parsley sauce, and linguine dishes as well.
The Greyhound, Pettistree
Call 01728 746451
The pub will be serving takeaway dishes at 20% off dine-in prices. Dishes include cullen skink and smoked mackerel pate – served with Louise’s famous bread, as well as wild mushroom gnocchi with red pepper romesco sauce, wild mushrooms, Mull cheddar and mixed leaves, venison burger with trimmings and chocolate pots with Oreo cookie crumb and salted caramel.
The Queen’s Head, Bramfield
Call 01986 784214
A number of initiatives have been set up, with takeaway and delivery available from 4pm to 9pm Monday to Saturday and from 1pm to 6pm on Sunday with the full menu on their website.
Delivery areas include Bramfield, Thorington, Halesworth, Holton, Blyford, Yoxford, Westleton, Blythburgh, Sibton, Walpole, Wenhaston, Darsham, Chediston, Wissett and Bulcamp. These will include a groceries service with essentials for those unable to leave their homes.
Food options include roasts on a Sunday, from £12 for adults and £6 for children, and an extensive main menu for the rest of the week with everything from smoked mackerel Scotch egg to chicken and oyster mushroom katsu curry. Delivery is free in Bramfield with a £10 minimum order and £2.50 outside of that with free delivery on spends over £50.
Bistro on the Quay, Ipswich
Call 01473 286677
The restaurant is offering a delivery or collection service in Ipswich. The range includes £6 starters such as bang bang chicken, £12 main courses including beef brisket with mash, crispy onions, purple sprouting brocolli and watercress with red wine and bone marrow dressing, and £5 desserts.
Folk Café, Fornham St Martin
Call 01284 705099
A takeaway menu is being launched soon, filled with soups, quiches, and meals to freeze, as well as Woosters bread. Keep an eye on their social media for further details.
The Arbor House, Ipswich
Call 01473 219660
The pub is now offering takeaways on its menus, from small plates and sandwiches to burgers and including several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes include marinated pork belly and curry mayo sandwich, The Arborhouse Stack burger and pork stuffing burger with redcurrant jelly.
ICE Café, Rougham
Call 01359 270102
Sarah Stamp says: “We’ve taken the decision to keep open, but it is very very quiet, so we’re offering a small shop for people to buy provisions, and we’re extending our takeaway service quite drastically. We are just now working on the IT for a click and collect service so there’s minimal contact for customers. They can order online, pay online then rock up and we’ll bring the food to your car.” The service is available from 9am to 9pm weekdays and Saturday and from 10am to 4pm Sunday. Options range from the classic ICE burger to Thai green curry, and three types of pizza (including a Nutella and M&M one) as well as baguettes and sausages rolls, and vegan and veggie options. Meal prices will be around the £10 mark.
Flint Vineyard, Earsham near Bungay
Ben and Hannah have launched a drive-through for wine – how innovative! On Saturday March 21 (and possibly ongoing, keep an eye on social media) they will be open from 10am to midday for customers to drive to the tasting room window and collect bags of Baron Bigod, Marsh Pig salami and local sourdough. It’s £25 including a bottle of Bacchus or £30 with a bottle of sparkling Charmat Rose.
The Jolly Sailors, Pakefield
Call 01502 531418
The pub has launched a drive through, innovatively called Moss & Go (after the group name Moss & Co). Current opening times apply, and dishes include Southern fried chicken with fries and slaw, burger and fries and halloumi burger. There are ready meals too – from homemade pies to vegan curry and basmati rice.
Harriet’s Café and Tearoom, Bury St Edmunds
Call 01284 756256
The tearoom is offering a luxury afternoon tea for delivery in the town at £7.50 per person. Delivery is free for three or more boxes or £2 for one or two. It includes four finger sandwiches, two scones with cream and jam and two homemade patisseries.
The Secret Garden, Sudbury
Call 01787 372030
The café is offering food for collection or local delivery. The menu includes their fabulous in-house-made pastries (including delectable almond croissants and brownies), as well as salads, their smoked mackerel toastie, tartiflette and more. Cider, wine and lager are available to order too.
Wright’s Café, Bury St Edmunds
Call 01284 489325
The cheese toastie specialists already do takeaways but will be offering free delivery of their gourmet goodies from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays in the town. On orders over £10.
Kingfishers at Cretingham Country Park
Call 01728 685275
The family-friendly eatery will be serving loads of dishes from the wood-fired oven, including pizza and burgers. The service is available from 12noon to 9pm Friday and Saturday and 12noon to 5pm Sunday. Delivery is available in Brandeston and Cretingham, and they can also bring essential shopping items. Burgers are around £12, pizzas £10 and ready meals, from mac and cheese to cottage pie are available to order as well.
The Coach and Horses, Melton
Call 01394 384851
The pub is offering a takeaway service for breakfast, lunch and dinner between 9am and 9pm. It includes sandwiches, soups, Southern fried chicken, prawn cocktail, daily specials, kids meals and desserts.
The Unruly Pig, Bromeswell
Call 01394 460310
The award-winning restaurant has a takeaway menu of hot dishes and a heat-at-home menu priced at only £13 for three courses! Hot dishes range from the Unruly cheese melt to vegan pasta with black olive, chilli and garlic, while the current heat-at-home options include white onion soup, venison ragu and a white chocolate panna cotta with poached rhubarb. Delivery is available within 10 miles with orders taken from 9am to 12noon. Pay over the phone.
The Whistle Stop Café, Woodbridge
Call 01394 384831
The café is offering takeaways on full English breakfasts, brunches, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, cakes and coffee.
The Anchor, Woodbridge
Call 01394 382649
An extensive takeaway menu is available from this popular pub. It includes soup of the day with Cake Shop bread, veggie Scotch egg, lamb kofta with cauliflower cous cous, sandwiches, Dingley Dell sausage with mash and onion gravy, chargrilled minute steak with smoked garlic and beef fat butter, fries and salad, and lemon and raspberry posset.
The Lindsey Rose, Lindsey
Call 01449 741424
Takeaways are available at lunch and dinner time, from sandwiches to Red Poll burger and fries.
Rambling Rose Coffee House and Bistro, Ixworth
Call 01359 230028
This place was just about to launch evening meals when the virus struck. Instead takeaways and local deliveries are now available with free delivery in a three mile radius.
Order homemade soups, sausage rolls and cake, jacket potatoes, curries, chilli, hot and cold drinks and more.
The Brewers, Rattlesden
Call 01449 736377
A ‘hidden’ gem in mid-Suffolk. Go try out their collection service from 3pm to 8pm Wednesday to Saturday and try everything from crab cakes, to mushroom risotto and beef curry with egg fried rice. They are making heat-at-home meals as well – fish pie, Suffolk lamb hot pot with mash, and mushroom risotto included.
The Hadleigh Ram
Call 01473 822880
Make your own ‘tapas’ style platter for the family at home. Order up everything from chicken skewers with spicy mayonnaise, to lamb meatballs, duck, celeriac and watercress, and feta and olive Greek-style salad.
The Cherry Tree, Woodbridge
Call 01394 384627
Enjoy free delivery of homemade chargrilled steak burgers, beer battered fish, chilli, sausage and chips, sweet potato and butternut curry and more within a five mile radius. Or collect.
Earsham Street Café, Bungay
Call 01986 893103
The popular café is launching a delivery service alongside its regular takeaway service as of the week commencing March 23. Their tasting nights (most recently Indian) will be transformed into takeaways too. Keep an eye on social media for their latest offering.
The King’s Arms, Haughley
Call 01449 257120
Grant and the kitchen team have been working hard on their takeaway menu. Call and order or use the online booking system, selecting a time for collection. The menu includes Shetland mussels with Dingley Dell chorizo and leek chowder, crispy squid with fennel and chilli and lemon mayo, and lasagne with wild garlic bechamel. Homemade sourdough’s been flying out the door too.
The Dog, Grundisburgh
Call 01473 735267
The award-winning pub is offering takeaways between 5.30pm and 9pm. These range from sausage and mash with vegetables, to cottage pie, vegan, veggie and beef burgers, and pizzas. All main dishes can be collected cold to reheat apart from burgers.
Gastrono-me, Bury St Edmunds
Call 01284 277980
The restaurant has flavour covered with its inventive global menu. Takeaways include ‘wow baos’, buffalo chicken wings, burgers, nasi goreng, mac and cheese and Korean brisket sandwiches.
Alba Chiara, Felixstowe
Call 01394 547180
It only opened a few weeks ago but already this Italian restaurant has a challenge on its hands. They will be selling their pizza, pasta and salad dishes for home delivery in the town or for collection.
Jet Lounge, Hadleigh
Call 01473 828592
The owners are working with Hadleigh Food Bank to offer a Meals on Wheels type service to the isolated and vulnerable. Order the day before or before 10.30am on the day, with two set times for delivery with the food bank team. There’s 10% off the main menu for any orders and 20% off three items or more. Gary is also in talks with local fresh fruit and vegetable providers and the butcher to offer hampers for delivery.
Barbrook Stores, Reydon near Southwold
Call 01502 722152
The stores are working with Café 51 in Southwold to offer free delivery of ready meals in the area. It’s £1 drop-off for anything in a 10 mile radius. All meals are £5 per person and £3.50 for sides, including moussaka, vegan shepherd’s pie, fish pie and apple crumble.
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