By Shane Champion
NESTLED in the picturesque village of Lavenham, The Swan Hotel is a quintessential English country retreat set in the heart of Suffolk’s beautiful countryside.
Built in the 15th century, this charming hotel has retained its character with ancient oak beams and inglenook fireplaces, and last week my wife and I were lucky enough to find out why customers keep on coming back.
Looking for a relaxing weekend away with a taste of luxury, we weren’t disappointed. ‘Breathtaking’ is probably the best way to describe our suite, which featured a rich colour scheme, antique furnishings and an overiding feeling of abject luxury.
Immediately the hectic pace of life seemed a thing of the distant past, and we quickly came to realise that relaxation is something that The Swan Hotel offers in bundles.
After a wander around the village to take in the sights of the Crooked House Gallery and the Guildhall of Corpus Christi among other things, we decided to return to the hotel for a well-earned drink. It was here that I discovered a collection of Suffolk ales very much to my liking and not the usual foamy offerings of some lesser establishments.
Dinner in the evening was an event. Relaxing in the lounge with a pre-dinner drink and petit fours we perused the lavish menu before entering the restaurant with its stunning vaulted, beamed ceiling and Minstrel’s Gallery.
I opted for the pan seared diver caught scallops, cauliflower puree, rhubarb crisp, scallop roe and truffle dressing to start with. My wife chose the crayfish and herb risotto with mixed leaves. Both were a delight to the taste buds.
For the main course I chose the glazed breast of Telmara duck, savoyard potatoes, roasted root vegetables with a squash puree. My wife opted for the roast rump of spring lamb, dauphinoise potatoes with a pea and broad bean fricassee.
Empty plates from both courses served testament to the quality and presentation of the food. Now it’s clear why the restaurant had been awarded two AA rosette status.
Desserts duly arrived and they were a work of art. My chocolate torte with a mint sorbet was a delight whilst my wife had the rhubarb parfait with liquorice ice cream, honeycomb and biscotti. I sampled this and can very much vouch for the subtlety of flavours.
All three courses were washed down with the aid of a bottle of reasonably priced Australian Grenache. Dinner over, we then retreated back to the bar for a nightcap.
I should also mention that the level of service afforded to guests at any time of the day is, quite simply, the best I have ever come across. A simple smile or friendly hello goes a very long way indeed.
After a lavish breakfast the following morning it was time to, sadly, leave but after such an indulgent break we left vowing to return in the not too distant future.
If you decide on a weekend away in Suffolk then give The Swan at Lavenham a look. If you’re anything like me, you won’t want to leave.
For more information, visit the website www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk or call the hotel on 01787 247477. Alternatively, find The Swan Hotel on High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk.
n The Enquirer has teamed up with The Swan Hotel to offer one lucky reader and their choice of guest the chance to win a one-night B&B stay in a double/twin feature room at the hotel.
The prize includes a three-course dinner in the two AA Rosette Gallery Restaurant plus a bottle of red or white house wine with dinner, use of bathrobes and fresh fruit and chocolates in your room on arrival. The prize must be taken by Thursday 16 December 2010, excludes Bank Holiday weekends and is subject to availability.
To enter, answer the following question:
Which century does The Swan Hotel date back to?
a) 14th b) 15th c) 16th
and send your full contact details to admin@theenquirer.co.uk by 27 May.