Lunch In Suffolk?

[Maydup]

There are four of us. One in Braintree, one in Chelmsford, one in Colchester and one in Norwich. We'd like to meet for lunch or a bar meal and are all happy to drive roughly equidistance.

Any suggestions of places to aim for with parking and plenty of room to linger a while? (We once met at The Highwayman Needham Market and could do so again but wonder if we might fancy a change)

[Barmaid]

The Crown at Bildeston
The Great House at Lavenham
The Swan at Lavenham
Maison Bleue at Bury St Edmunds
Theobalds at Ixworth

but my particular favourite has to be the Leaping Hare at Wyken Vineyards.

[Maydup]

Thanks Barmaid, a few to look at there.

[Buenchico]

If you meet at the Highwayman again I could walk there to join you!

The George at Hintlesham is very popular
http://www.thegeorgehintlesham.co.uk/
and it's easy to find. (Head for the big A14/A12(South) junction on the edge of Ipswich. Take the turning towards central Ipswich [A1214]. Go straight on at the next roundabout, then left at the big set of traffic lights. Continue into Hintlesham village, where you'll find The George on your right).

However if you feel like really treating yourselves, Hintlesham Hall, just a little further along that road, is truly superb. (£33.50 for the All-inclusive Lunch, with apéritif, canapés, starter, main, dessert,coffee, petit fours and a glass of wine. Or 2 courses + coffee for £18.00 / 3 courses + coffee for £23.50):
http://www.hintleshamhall.co.uk/

Another pub worthy of consideration is The Four Horseshoes at Thornham Magna (off the A140 Ipswich to Norwich road):
http://www.thefourhorseshoes.net/

Towards the coast, the Westleton Crown (off the A12 Ipswich to Lowestoft road) has a fantastic reputation for the quality of its food:
http://www.westletoncrown.co.uk/

[Maydup]

Thanks Chris, i was hoping to hear your suggestions. We are looking for a light lunch or pub fayre and will have a look through these options too.