Tucked away in the Suffolk countryside is one of my favourite places. Tuddenham Mill is less than half an hour away from Cambridge, so perfect for Sunday lunch or a break.
A peaceful setting around the Mill
The magical setting of their ancient watermill building and its twelve acres of Suffolk countryside includes the peaceful garden around the Mill and their kitchen gardens. Farm to fork, or as Tuddenham Mill offers, field to fork, are my favourite places to stay or dine. I know it will be not only about the food’s provenance but also the seasonality.
Romantic escapes
My escape to Tuddenham Mill for a belated Valentine’s celebration was two years ago in 2018. The luxurious and characterful accommodation is spacious and stunning. We spoiled ourselves and stayed in one of the stunning Mill Rooms. They offer a choice of five different types of rooms, including their latest addition, the Meadow Nooks. These Scandinavian-style cabins are set in the peaceful meadow which surrounds the Mill and are perfect for a romantic break for two. They even have their own outside wood-fired hot tub! A summer break couldn’t be better!
Dining at Tuddenham Mill
It is good to see my favourite locals opening again. Tuddenham Mill was my last meal out on 15 March. By then, I had decided to postpone my food tours to later in the year, but restaurants, cafes and pubs were still open. The government had advised they could stay open, but schools and universities had already closed. Not a surprise that guests stayed away. In normal times it would have been challenging to get a booking at Tuddenham Mill at short notice, but business had slowed down here, too, so we managed to get a table.
As ever, the food was delicious, and it was the last time would be able to see the family for a long time. My sister in law and her husband had been told that week that they had to go into lockdown. So we made sure we enjoyed every minute. The future was bleak and uncertain.
Support local
Now four months onwards, we are going back to some normality. It will be difficult for many businesses in the hospitality industry as they will not be able to operate at their usual and well-needed capacity. I have always supported the local food scene, and I will keep doing this, but differently. Please support your local shops, restaurants, cafes, and pubs and don’t forget the local markets. They need you now more than ever.
Must do dining experience
If you are looking for something special, check out the secret garden at Tuddenham Mill. Alfresco dining in the meadows! Now, if that doesn’t sound awesome. It does to me!
Gerla
p.s. If you can’t or don’t want to dine out, you don’t have to miss out on their delicious food. Check out their menu for food at home.