There aren't many pubs as stunning as The Weeping Willow in Barrow, near Bury St Edmunds. This 16th-century pub has been carefully restored, now featuring a chic and modern space that still bears its heritage with pride. This fabulous setting boasts panoramic views of the local countryside, elegant interiors and a refined modern British menu, with children and pets welcome too. Local Suffolk produce is a real focus here and makes appearances in all aspects of the menu, while the bar offers everything from ale to Champagne.
As all good menus should, this one starts with some grazing options. For snacking on while perusing the three-course options, enjoy Pakenham Mill sourdough with whipped butter or a mezze board of olives, sun blush tomatoes, Pakenham Mill sourdough, hummus, rapeseed oil and balsamic vinegar. From there, you can amp things up with some Suffolk charcuterie, including prosciutto, salami, chorizo, sourdough, pickles and olives. Elsewhere, more classic options like a terrine or seared mackerel are available, as are deep-fried treats like arancini, scotch eggs or smoked haddock and cod bonbons.
When it comes to the main courses here, the kitchen really flexes its cooking muscles. As such, there's a Costessey lamb rump with charred courgette, rosti and cauliflower puree, miso carbonara and a lavish paella mixta, featuring chorizo, pancetta, chicken, mussels, king and tiger prawns, baby squid, scallops, samphire, sun blushed tomato and chilli. The grill, meanwhile, turns out burgers and steaks with plenty of fries. To finish, there are decadent delights galore, including a cinnamon sugar doughnut with dark chocolate cremeux, custard and vanilla ice cream. Alternatively, go for the showstopping sharer pudding which includes a smoked date sticky toffee pudding, dark chocolate cremeux, banoffee brulee, vanilla ice cream, chocolate tuille, blackberries, raspberries, marshmallow and blood orange sorbet. If you have room, there is a short selection of dessert wine and port too.