Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1308" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/retreat-east.jpg" alt="the great barn" class="wp-image-29676" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/retreat-east.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/retreat-east-800x698.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/retreat-east-1000x872.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/retreat-east-400x349.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/retreat-east-602x525.jpg 602w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You could easily drive past <a href="https://retreateast.co.uk">Retreat East</a> and have no idea it&#8217;s there. This discreet countryside retreat down a small county lane outside the village of Hemingstone is all about five-star style without being showy (making it a real hit with celebs looking for an under-the-radar staycation). A former dairy, it has been lovingly transformed, with no expense spared, into a series of idyllic farmhouse and barn boltholes with spa facilities and a showstopper of a restaurant at its heart. If you close your eyes and imagine a dream country house escape this will be as close as it gets. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1031" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/adam-spicer.jpg" alt="Adam Spicer" class="wp-image-29355" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/adam-spicer.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/adam-spicer-800x550.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/adam-spicer-1000x687.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/adam-spicer-400x275.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/adam-spicer-764x525.jpg 764w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>In summer 2022 local talent Adam Spicer took over the role of head chef at The Great Barn Restaurant (<a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/interview-adam-spicer-retreat-east/">find out more in our interview here</a>). He&#8217;s already doing very exciting and inventive things with sustainable food sourced from East Anglia&#8217;s best local producers as well as from Retreat East&#8217;s own kitchen garden. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="600" height="418" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/retreat-east-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29692" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/retreat-east-copy.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/retreat-east-copy-400x279.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>



<p>The interior of the Great Barn is breathtaking &#8211; one huge, vaulted room with gorgeous beams, a slate floor and a huge open fireplace at one end with sofas around it. The walls are covered in fun animal artwork, the wooden tables are mismatched and lots of lamps and floral arrangements make it feel homely. There&#8217;s a small spa at the other end of the barn as well as plush toilets and opposite the entrance are large windows and doors looking out onto a tranquil courtyard with a bridge that takes you over to the brand new lodge accommodation. Around the corner there&#8217;s a bar and games room with a lower ceiling giving it a moodier, evening vibe. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/courtyard.jpg" alt="outside at retreat east" class="wp-image-29688" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/courtyard.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/courtyard-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/courtyard-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/courtyard-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/courtyard-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/courtyard-394x525.jpg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We visited for a midweek lunch in October and it was fairly quiet but in a sophisticated and calm way. There was a mixture of couples, ladies who lunch and yummy mummies (with very well-behaved kids) as well as the odd Labrador sprawled out by the fire. They&#8217;ve done well to get the acoustics right &#8211; although it&#8217;s a large lofty space, conversation doesn&#8217;t echo and it feels warm and inviting. It’s hard to fault. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1486" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/food-at-retreat-east.jpg" alt="starters" class="wp-image-29681" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/food-at-retreat-east.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/food-at-retreat-east-800x793.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/food-at-retreat-east-1000x991.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/food-at-retreat-east-400x396.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/food-at-retreat-east-530x525.jpg 530w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s all about showcasing the best of seasonal and local ingredients at The Great House. Adam and his team are passionate about sustainability and it&#8217;s a delight to know you&#8217;re eating food that has been picked from the kitchen garden just metres away or that has come from best local producers. Sticking so strongly to these principles doesn&#8217;t mean the food suffers though. Everything we ate was absolutely superb and the fact that so much thought has gone in to making it a no-waste menu made it all the more enjoyable. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="923" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/skewers-1000x923.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29682" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/skewers-1000x923.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/skewers-800x738.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/skewers-400x369.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/skewers-569x525.jpg 569w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/skewers.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>So what did we eat? Chef Adam treated us to a selection of the &#8220;snacks&#8221; that included: kohralbi tacos; mushroom tarts with mushroom ketchup and truffle; Maldon oysters with Café de Paris butter, black treacle rye sourdough with black garlic butter; pork belly and octopus skewers; and parmesan gougeres with whipped cod&#8217;s roe. Quite the feast! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/pysters.jpg" alt="oysters" class="wp-image-29684" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/pysters.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/pysters-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/pysters-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/pysters-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/pysters-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/pysters-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/pysters-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Every dish was fantastic, but we particularly loved the kohlrabi tacos, which were so fresh and moreish, the bread and butter was on another level and my dad assures me that the oysters (I&#8217;m a tad squeamish when it comes to shell food!) with a sauce that &#8220;contains pretty much all your store cupboard ingredients&#8221; were exquisite. The pork belly skewers were delicious although we found the stronger flavours of the pork and tangy, sticky hoisin sauce masked the octopus.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1425" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/bread.jpg" alt="bread and butter" class="wp-image-29685" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/bread.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/bread-800x760.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/bread-1000x950.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/bread-400x380.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/bread-553x525.jpg 553w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For our mains we chose garden beetroot and butterfly mackerel. The beetroot was fresh from the kitchen garden and looked like a piece of art. I defy even the most avid beetroot hater to not enjoy this dish. The textures of the hazelnuts  and sunflower seed ricotta with the silky beetroot were absolutely beautiful and the nuttiness worked perfectly with the earthy taste of the beetroot. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2302" height="2560" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/retreat-east-food-scaled.jpg" alt="retreat east" class="wp-image-29371" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/retreat-east-food-scaled.jpg 2302w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/retreat-east-food-719x800.jpg 719w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/retreat-east-food-899x1000.jpg 899w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/retreat-east-food-360x400.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/retreat-east-food-1381x1536.jpg 1381w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/retreat-east-food-1842x2048.jpg 1842w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/retreat-east-food-472x525.jpg 472w" sizes="(max-width: 2302px) 100vw, 2302px" /></figure>



<p>My dad, who&#8217;s a real fish dish-lover, was delighted with his choice of mackerel paired with a zingy apple, cucumber, peas and baby gem. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="953" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/mackerel-953x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29686" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/mackerel-953x1000.jpg 953w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/mackerel-762x800.jpg 762w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/mackerel-381x400.jpg 381w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/mackerel-1464x1536.jpg 1464w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/mackerel-500x525.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/mackerel.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 953px) 100vw, 953px" /></figure>



<p>We were rather replete by this point, but when someone offers you a brown butter tart accompanied by sorbet made using the whey byproduct of the homemade butter and macarons made using leftover sourdough bread, filled with carrot jam from carrots that otherwise would&#8217;ve ended up in the bin, you can&#8217;t refuse. We were amazed by this dessert and at how Adam had managed to create something so delicious and elegant from such unique sources. The sorbet was out of this world and, as bizarre as it sounds, carrot jam is just as tasty as its fruity equivalent. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1615" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/dessert-1.jpg" alt="dessert" class="wp-image-29687" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/dessert-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/dessert-1-743x800.jpg 743w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/dessert-1-929x1000.jpg 929w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/dessert-1-372x400.jpg 372w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/dessert-1-1427x1536.jpg 1427w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/dessert-1-488x525.jpg 488w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Drinks wise we regrettably stuck to softies (one of us driving, the other heading back to work afterwards), but there&#8217;s an excellent wine list with world wines as well as local ones, such as a white from Essex&#8217;s New Hall Wine Estate and a sparkling wine from Blackbook Winery. There&#8217;s also a tempting cocktail list with such delights as the Suffolk 75, made using Suffolk gin and English sparkling wine. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DOG-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Yes! Although you&#8217;ll want your pooch to be very well-behaved in such a smart setting. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1280" height="720" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/maxresdefault-2.jpg" alt="retreat east" class="wp-image-29690" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/maxresdefault-2.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/maxresdefault-2-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/maxresdefault-2-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/maxresdefault-2-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/maxresdefault-2-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<p>Retreat East is rather remote, so unless it&#8217;s countryside walks after a decadent meal in the Great Barn you&#8217;re after, then there&#8217;s not a huge amount on your doorstep. That is really the point though &#8211; it&#8217;s a retreat to get away from it all. If you&#8217;re staying here you can hire bikes, take part in yoga classes, sign up for some clay pigeon shooting, axe throwing or archery, join a Nordic walking group, have a personal training session. Or you could just relax in your stunning room, book in for a spa treatment or head to the hot tub, steam room and sauna. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1476" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/barn.jpg" alt="retreat east" class="wp-image-29677" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/barn.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/barn-800x787.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/barn-1000x984.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/barn-400x394.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/11/barn-534x525.jpg 534w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Foodies looking for somewhere new, exciting and refined that isn&#8217;t showy. Anyone with a passion for eating sustainably and celebrating the best of our region will be in their element here. Everyone from couples and families, to business partners and celebrities (including royalty we&#8217;ve heard!) would fit in perfectly here. </p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>While children are welcome and there were babies and youngsters there when we dined, I wouldn&#8217;t say it&#8217;s ideal for kids. The menu might challenge their little palates and my two would be tempted to run around the huge space letting off steam, but it&#8217;s much too refined for that sort of behaviour! </p>



<p><strong>THE DAMAGE:</strong> Snacks start at £5, starters range from £10 &#8211; £12, mains from £15 &#8211; £17 and desserts are £9. All extremely reasonably priced I&#8217;d say given the skill of the cooking, the top quality ingredients used and the presentation. </p>



<p><strong>The Great Barn opening hours:</strong></p>



<p>Lunch: Monday to Saturday 12noon &#8211; 2:30pm. Dinner Monday &#8211; Saturday 5.30pm- 8.30pm. Sunday Lunch / Dinner 12noon &#8211; 7:30pm</p>



<p><em><a href="https://retreateast.co.uk">Retreat East</a>, Brick Kiln Farm , Sandy Lane , Hemingstone, Suffolk, United Kingdom, IP6 9QE</em>, <em>Tel:</em> <em>01449 760480</em></p>


Review: The Great Barn at Retreat East in Hemingstone, Suffolk

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