Since Nick Wilson joined The Swan, Lavenham, as head chef last year, dining at the 15th century hotel has become a gourmet experience. Nick focuses on modern British cuisine with French undertones.
This comes through in each of the four different areas devoted to food: the elegant Gallery Restaurant, the Garden Lounge, the historic Airmen’s Bar or the hidden gardens and Cloister Courtyard.
Keen to source fresh and local food, Nick has developed a range of dishes that change with the season.
Gallery Restaurant 5, The Swan at Lavenham
For autumn he recommends Six Churches partridge roasted with liquorice root, and served with confit duck hash and parsnip purée.
In spring, you might try sautéed lamb cutlets with sweetbread soufflé, crushed Suffolk new potatoes and summer cabbage.
Fresh fish caught daily on the local coast is on the menu all year; a favourite of Nick’s is pan-roasted sea bass with risotto of Cromer Crab and caramelised butternut squash.
Nick, 37, came to The Swan from the Michelin-listed Walnut Club restaurant group, in the Peak District. Previously, he worked with Christophe Novelli for seven years, including a spell as head chef at the Michelin starred Les Saveurs in London’s Mayfair district. He has also worked at Gleneagles in Scotland.
Gallery Restaurant
The fine dining AA two rosette Gallery Restaurant with its beautiful, vaulted beamed ceiling and Minstrels’ Gallery is open for lunch and dinner daily.
Tempting lunchtime menus start from £14.95 for two courses mid-week, and £24.95 on a Sunday for three-courses, including a choice of roasts.
A main course at The Swan, Lavenham
Additionally, you might consider a traditional Swan Tea with scones, clotted cream, preserves, finger sandwiches and freshly baked cakes. This is available from 2.30 to 5.30pm at £14.95 per person. A lighter Suffolk Cream Tea costs just £7.95.
Residents and non-residents are welcome to enjoy a full breakfast at The Swan, which is served in the Gallery Restaurant. After juices, fruit, cereals and yoghurts you have a choice of six hot dishes ranging from a Full Suffolk to a Classic Egg Benedict, grilled Lowestoft kippers or their Garden Breakfast.
The latter includes sautéed sweet potato, a grilled flat mushroom, plum tomato, chargrilled artichoke and free range egg from the local Manor Farm - fried, poached or scrambled. Breakfast is £15 per person.
The half-timbered Swan Hotel is a quintessential country retreat set in the heart of the historic Suffolk village. Prices start from £180 per double/twin room per night B&B mid week (Sunday-Thursday) for two sharing and £200 over a weekend.
To book a room or table in the Gallery Restaurant telephone 01787 247477; details can also be found here.
