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SUMMER GUIDE 2024
The school holidays are fast approaching, so we've compiled your ultimate guide of things for all the family to do in our region.
Jul 12, 2024


IT'S ABOUT TIME FOR SOME SUMMER FOOD & DRINK
OFFERS AND PROMOTIONS EXCLUSIVE TO ABOUT TIME LOYALTY MEMBERS Time is precious and we love that you choose to spend some of it with us. The mor e time you give us, the more we will give you back. That means more vouchers, more money off great food and drink, more time to explore our pubs, and more time to spend with the people who make you happy. So, this summer, pull up a chair on the terrace, order a chilled drink and tuck into one of our many offers available thr
Jun 21, 2024


BANK HOLIDAY ACTIVITY GUIDE
SUFFOLK Bury St Edmunds Spring Fayre 26th & 27th May From the ever-popular 'Urban Beach' to virtual reality games for all ages, Bury's Spring Fayre consists of over 70 stalls around the town centre and has been a highlight in the town's calendar for many years. Suffolk Walking Festival 11th May until 26th May With over 100 wonderful walks to explore, it's no surprise that The Suffolk Walking Festival has been going for over ten years. Whether you're looking for a sandy s
Apr 22, 2024


THE PACKHORSE INN - BEFORE & AFTER
Our newly refurbished and extended pub, bar and kitchen is open and we've been gathering photographs throughout the building process to share these exclusive before & afters with you. One of the most noticeable changes to our dining room is the flint and timer-framed barn. Built up from the flint wall on the front-right of our pub, it is sympathetic to the original building, but has modern accessories to add colour and texture. Kitchen extension progress Before
Apr 16, 2024


THE PACKHORSE INN RENOVATION SO FAR
On Friday 5th April we open our doors again after an exciting refurbishment of our bar, dining space, and kitchen, as well as an extension project. We can't wait to throw open the original front door to the pub, and invite you in for a pint. The Kitchen As part of the refurbishment we have extended our kitchen into an area of unused garden, knocking down an internal wall, and adding some much needed space. This will create a great working environment for our kitchen team. Not
Mar 25, 2024


SPRING GUIDE
As the days get brighter and the nights get shorter there's plenty to see and do in our region. Whether you're outdoorsy or more indoorsy , a lone traveller or come with the family and four-legged friend, there's an adventure waiting for you in easy reach of one of our pubs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE ESSEX NORFOLK SUFFOLK CAMBRIDGESHIRE The Rupert Brooke , Grantchester and The Carpenters Arms , Great Wilbraham Art and Culture The ideal place to find cover when the heaven'
Mar 22, 2024


EASTER FAMILY ACTIVITIES GUIDE
Hop into Easter celebrations with us this spring. Whether you're popping by to try one of our new menus or looking to book a spring stay with plenty of adventures, there's an activity for all the family near one of our coastal or country pubs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE The Rupert Brooke , Grantchester and The Carpenters Arms , Great Wilbraham Traditional Punting Co Easter Punt and Hunt Make your punt tour along the college backs more exciting for the littl'ens and add on their Easter t
Mar 4, 2024


MASTERS OF THE AIR: MILITARY HISTORY IN EAST ANGLIA
A BRIEF HISTORY East Anglia was involved on a larger scale than most people know in World War Two. So much so that in 1940, after the Dunkirk evacuation, Germany was setting their invasion sights on Great Britain for Operation 'Sealion'. Britain had established some of its most formidable defences all over the East Anglian coastline: barbed wire, land/sea mines, steel traps (steel implements in the sand) and hundreds of pillboxes that you often still see near coastal roads to
Jan 31, 2024


WINTER WALKS THAT END AT THE PUB
Is there anything better? A long old stroll over crisp fields and through woodland, letting your four-legged pal off the lead to explore, all before bundling into a cosy pub with roaring fire and winter warmers on the menu. We can't think of much better... Here's a round up of some of our favourite circular walks for winter days in East Anglia. FIELD VIEW The Cricketers, Clavering In one of the few areas of East Anglia with rolling hills, this scenic walk has field views for
Jan 12, 2024


TRY JANUARY
Who says you have to give things up in January? Rather than cutting things out, why not try something new to kick-start 2024; Whether that's discovering a new Chestnut pub or lacing up your boots and exploring a footpath, there's plenty out there to beat the January blues. WINTER WALKING ROUTES We've teamed up with Everleaf this month to offer you a heap of mood-boosting walking routes in East Anglia that all end at the pub. Explore the terrains of the region, from heath and
Jan 9, 2024


ART AT THE PARK
From 1st February to 4th February, Braxted Park in Essex will be hosting a unique contemporary art show , featuring over fifty local and national artists, including many established and sought after names, alongside new and emerging talent. Not only will attendees have the opportunity to view and purchase original art, sculpture, prints, glass, and ceramics, all proceeds will go directly to Home-Start Essex , a family support charity. THE LOCATION Set in 500 acres of parklan
Jan 3, 2024


WINTER GUIDE 2023
Explore the charm of East Anglia in winter with our complete guide for the colder months of 2024. Discover the finest gardens of Essex to explore on a crisp morning, immerse yourself in history on the Norfolk coast or at Norwich Castle, connect with nature by seeking out wildlife in Suffolk, and experience hidden spots of Cambridge. All of these activities are within reach of one of our cosy pubs. E S S E X C A M B R I D G E N O R F O L K S U F F O L K E S S E
Dec 21, 2023


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


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


CYCLE SAFARI 2023: RAISING MONEY FOR EACH
16 pubs • 3 hospices • 550km • 5 days To continue our important fundraising efforts for The Giving Tree some of our team are embarking on an epic pub-to-pub bike ride across East Anglia this September in aid of EACH . In partnership with East Anglia's Children's Hospices, the money raised will help provide care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridge, Essex, Norfolk & Suffolk and support their families. This can be at home, in hospital
Sep 19, 2023


COUPLE'S STAY AT THE WEEPING WILLOW
Guest blog post by Riannah @riannaheve Nestled amongst the serene setting of the Suffolk countryside, The Weeping Willow offers a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lodges promise a haven where guests can rejuvenate and reconnect with nature. ARRIVAL Upon arrival, we were greeted by a very friendly team who brought an immediate sense of comfort. The Weeping Willow recently built 7 beautiful lodges behind the restaurant and bar area, which
Sep 13, 2023


AUTUMN GUIDE 2023
Throw on a second layer, lace up your boots and set off on an East Anglian adventure; We're introducing our top picks of bits and bobs to get up to as the leaves turn golden and the days get colder. So, get ready for some family-fun in celebration of Halloween or, just for adults, our personal favourite, Oktoberfest! They’ll certainly be giggles, but maybe a few scares too this Autumn. SUFFOLK Whether you're stopping off at the coast or exploring some of the historic market t
Sep 8, 2023


BIRTHDAY BEER: A QUICK INTRODUCTION
Toast a decade of Chestnut with Eastern Gold, a beer brewed with Barsham Brewery . This golden ale boasts a rich hue, long-lasting flavour and balanced notes of British hops with subtle citrus. A true tribute to our region! As a collection of pubs in an area renowned for its agricultural heritage and fields of award-winning malt, marking our anniversary with a limited-edition beer was an exciting prospect. Alas, we didn’t have any brewing equipment and only elementary knowled
Aug 31, 2023
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