June was full on, two weddings, holiday lets in the Priory and Farmhouse – all went swimmingly, delightful guests to stay and some not so delightful. Our May bridal shoot went well the Priory looked fabulous. The photographs speak for themselves. Thank you the Suffolk team of wedding suppliers and Aaron from Avisuals for the drone video of Butley Abbey Farmhouse, complete with birds singing. 

Where to eat around Butley

We are spoilt for choice around Butley Priory and Butley Abbey Farmhouse for eating out (or in). We have some fantastic pubs, restaurants and takeaways, many using our local farm to fork produce.  Here are some of our favourites in a roughly ten-mile radius.

BUTLEY - The Oyster Inn. Your local pub, just one mile away.. Ancient pub with bare wood floors, sunny garden and fine honest pub grub. Bumper burgers, BLTS and Piri Piri Chicken and take out.

WOODBRIDGE - Maria Elia at the Merchant’s Table, 10 Church Street, Woodbridge Wonderful Greek chef, the menu changes weekly. Order on Wednesday collect Friday lunchtime. Might be Middle Eastern kebabs and spicy mushroom Shawarma or ouzo and lemon cured salmon or paper wrapped slow roasted lamb marinated in garlic, oregano and lemon with fennel seed tzatziki, spice roast carrots with tahini and coriander – sounds good? mariaelia@me.com; 079705043423; themerchantstable.co.uk

 SHOTTISHAM – Sorrel Horse  (01394 411617). 15th century picture post card village pub (log fires when its chilly), live music and a new pizza oven producing delicious pizza’s. Innovative menu, try the spider crab gratin, wild garlic cod Kiev, or a reliable Suffolk Ploughman’s.  Small garden, dog and child friendly.

MELTON - The Unruly Pig (01394 460310).  This popular Gastro pub, with a garden has a string of awards. Not the most scenic spot on the main road but the food is tasty and the staff caring. We like the smoked eel and lardon toastie, juicy burgers, monk fish with clams and jersey royals – good children’s menu.

SNAPE - Plough & Sail (01728 688413).  Downside, on a busy road…. however, a good solid pub run by brothers Alex and Ollie Burnside, serving reliable pub staples (local produce), with a twist.  Slap next to Snape Maltings concert hall and glorious shopping emporium – an experience not to be missed especially on a rainy day.

 BLAXHALL – The Ship (01728 688316). Proper local rustic pub with a curious history. You might have caught glimpses Ralph Fiennes, Toby Jones or McKenzie Crook under the radar when filming The Dig or the Detectorists.  Homemade Pizza, ham egg and chips and scampi type of thing. There’s also a friendly poltergeist, with a sense of humour, who chucks sugar lumps about.

ORFORD  - The King’s Head (01394 450271) Susanne and Ian Ballantine, run this terrific and popular pub - the locals (fishermen, cricket team) favourite spot. Pub garden, car park and dog friendly. Tasty burgers, local bangers, fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding. Pub quizzes and live music.

ORFORD - Jolly Sailor (01394 450243). Four hundred years old, this quaint and pretty pub is near the quayside (public cap park opposite), good-sized  garden out the back, dog and child friendly.

ORFORD - Butley-Orford Oysterage  (01394 450277). The restaurant is almost 60 years old, owned and run by the Pinney family. Booking is essential for this much loved and unfussy restaurant. We love the angels on horseback (oysters and bacon) and the fish pie.  There’s a private room upstairs for parties.

ORFORD - Crown & Castle  (01394 450205). Posh restaurant with a nice atmosphere, using local produce in the kitchen: line caught fish and succulent Suffolk beef. Vegetarians will like the Primavera risotto.

ORFORD -  Fish & Chips – Moving Plaice (07493 359369) - outside Orford School, on Wednesdays (5pm -7.30pm). Delicious  - ask for lashings of salt and vinegar.  

ALDEBURGH -  The Lighthouse (01728 453377).  25 years old and going strong, Sam runs this busy atmospheric Aldeburgh institution. Local suppliers only, fresh fish, lamb and beef, all look pretty on the plate. Next to the cinema it’s the place to go pre-movie.

ALDEBURGH -  l’Escargot sur Mer( www.lescargotsurmer.com).  Book on line, a new Aldeburgh sensation, sister of the fabled Soho L’Escargot. Light and breezy, signature snails and seafood pasta. Delightful waiters, George runs it with charm… one could almost be in St Tropez. 

ALDEBURGH -  Sea Spices, at the White Lion Hotel (01728 451800). Indian restaurant (and take-away) with excellent food served but unexciting interior, saved by the view of the beach and sea if you get a table upstairs.  Sound menu… we like the Butter Chicken, Sea food Curry, Achari Baigan (aubergine, masala) excellent cheese naan and East Suffolk Muntjac Vindaloo for the more adventurous.  We liked the quick service.

ALDEBURGH  - The Brudenell (01728 452071). Snazzy hotel and restaurant smack on the sea front, with sunny terrace over looking the pebbly beach. Plenty of local fare, including Cod and bouillabaisse sauce, grilled lobster, Wild halibut and Cromer crab. Next door is FISHER GIN DISTILLERY, where you can have a private tour and tasting.

KELSALE - PINCH, Maple Farm Kitchen www.eatpiinch.com/@pinch.suffolk. A little further a field but worth the hike for a ready-made meal kit by chef Alice Norman - beautiful little boxes packed with stuff, try Pappardelle & Wild Boar with rough asparagus and sea herb butter and blackcurrant shrub. Maple Farm is also the dream organic farm shop.