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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Whether you're agonising over what to get your Dad or looking for a stocking filler for the work Secret Santa, our gift guide is home to an array of ideas that aren't spotted on the high street shelves. STOCKING FILLERS Created and brewed by The Eight Bells Head Chef, David, in collaboration with Barsham Brewery , Eastern Gold brings together two businesses where provenance is an essential ingredient. Our 10th anniversary brew is sold on tap in our pubs, but also ask behind
Dec 9, 2023


A FESTIVE FAMILY STAY AT THE WEEPING WILLOW
Written by Katie of @thesundayfeeling - gifted pr stay There’s nothing quite like being tucked up by a roaring fire in a cosy country pub to start the festive season. The Weeping Willow , located in the heart of the Suffolk countryside in Barrow, is the perfect spot to do just that. I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit last weekend with my husband and two children to experience the wonderful Festive Stay package. THE WEEPING WILLOW PUB It’s always a joy stepping
Dec 1, 2023


CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE GUIDE
From Christmas light shows to Father Christmas himself, gift fairs to winter workshops, there's so much to see and do in our region this season. It is easy to imagine yourself in the pub cosying up by the fireside with a mulled wine in hand after spending a day enjoying festive fun in East Anglia. Read on to discover a some of our favourite events and experiences happening in and around our pubs this Christmas. SUFFOLK Kick off the Christmas countdown in our Winter Garden Tip
Nov 13, 2023


WE'RE HERE FOR THE BOOS!
Just as the clock struck midnight, a glass fell with a smash on the bar floor and footsteps were heard running down the corridor above... Whether you're a believer or not, there's no denying that haunted pubs are a great topic of walking tours, paranormal investigations and chats, over a pint at the dead of night! And, while it's Halloween and all, we thought we'd share a few stories of our own that we were told while researching the history of some of our pubs. THE WEEPING W
Oct 20, 2023


COLD WATER SWIMMING SPOTS AND THE SURPRISE BENEFITS
Cold water swimming is not only an exhilarating and enjoyable activity but also offers a range of remarkable health advantages. You might be wondering how subjecting yourself to icy waters could be beneficial, but trust us; the benefits are numerous! Plus, we've sought out the best spots for chilly dips near our pubs. UNVEILING THE HEALTH BENEFITS Many avid swimmers have embraced cold water swimming during the colder months for its potential health perks. If you're hesitatin
Oct 18, 2023


LOCAL LEGEND: CHRIS AT THE THREE BLACKBIRDS
For over ten years Chris was Artist in Residence at The National Stud, so it doesn’t surprise me that the man walking through the bar is wearing a paisley print cravat and fleece gilet. Although I imagine that The National Stud would have been one of the most rewarding places to exhibit, the most interesting certainly sounds like the time he got back to his car after a food shop and a stranger had left a note on the windscreen asking if they could buy the painting they’d seen
Oct 18, 2023


AUTUMN DINING
Nothing says autumn quite like crispy pork crackling and roast potatoes. Or maybe settling in by the fire and sharing a molten camembert and bottle of red. Or, a juicy steak straight off the coals or a burger stacked nice and high. Not forgetting the most popular dish of the colder season, the sticky toffee pudding! Our autumn menus are in full swing and ready to be taste-tested by you... SHARING ROAST Think fluffy roast potatoes, giant Yorkies, lashings of gravy and plentifu
Oct 18, 2023


LOCAL LEGEND: KEV AT THE FEATHERS
Introducing our latest project showcasing the role of our pubs in the local community with stories told by ‘local legends’. It may be that they hold interesting anecdotes about the pubs past, or are a character rooted in the community, or they may hold knowledge about the history of the town or village. This month we introduce our first, rock ‘n’ roller, ‘local legend’ Kevin. Or Kev for short. “I like rock and roll, man, I don’t like much else” Sitting opposite me in dark sha
Sep 26, 2023


MEET THE BREWER: BARSHAM BREWERY
Wanting to create your own beer is all well and good, but little can be done if you don't have a brewery to make the magic happen. This is where Barsham Brewery come in to our 10th Anniversary creation; In an area renowned for its top-quality agricultural soil, sea air and unique micro-climate, the fourth-generation family brewery, Barsham Brewery, is producing some of the best malting barley in the world, used as the base malt for all their Norfolk beer, so they were our to
Sep 26, 2023


MEET THE CREATOR: DAVID WEBB
Amongst many talents, including fashion photography and successfully running the kitchen at The Eight Bells in Saffron Walden, David also has a passion for brewing his own beer. Over ten years ago he was invited on a vineyard tour in Carcassonne and, although grapes didn't take his fancy, he became interested in the fermentation process and creating alcohol from what could be considered as a bland crop. So, with that, he went to a local DIY shop and bought a basic brewing kit
Sep 22, 2023
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