The newly renovated Weeping Willow, at Barrow in the heart of Suffolk, has been brought back to life by renowned florist Paula Pryke OBE and her architect husband Peter Romaniuk. Dating back to the early 16th century, the pub is one of the oldest buildings in the village and had been derelict for the last three years. What has emerged after a nine-month renovation project is a a truly unique modern country pub with stylish décor that’s sympathetic to the site’s history.
There are historic elements of the interior interspersed with modern architectural design and the dining room offers fantastic 90-degree views of the surrounding gardens, as well as a ‘Chefs Table’-style, fully open kitchen. The newly appointed Head Chef, Nick Claxton-Webb, has worked in some of the most renowned restaurants in Suffolk including The Leaping Hare and Ickworth Hotel, where he also first worked with Weeping Willow Manager, Martin Edwards. The menu will cover everything from from the humble ham, eggs and chips through to Lobster Thermidor based on the best-quality produce Suffolk has to offer.
The terrace, which spills into the garden of The Weeping Willow, offers a generous space for al-fresco dining in the warmer months, and leads onto a gorgeous wild flower garden. The garden extends into a long meadow with seating and an area for younger visitors to play and run around. Families will be happy to learn that the space is fully fenced so the kids can’t go far, and parents can watch from a distance. And dogs are welcomed just as much as their owners.
“We are trying to create a great pub and restaurant, which caters for both the locals as well as visitors to the village,” says Peter. “With six draft-ale pumps offering a host of real ale beers, as well as a range of lagers, ciders and stouts we’re also offering a cocktail bar and an extensive range of wines to suit all pockets, and with a range of non-alcoholic drinks, there’s bound to be something for everyone. Coffee and teas will be available at all times of the day and indeed we hope to create a regular morning and afternoon tea clientele. We hope to maintain the ambiance of a good quality country pub with the excitement of a kitchen and restaurant working at full stretch to create a perfect experience for all our customers no matter if they’ve just come in for a simple pint, a sandwich or a seven-course taster menu.”
View The Weeping Willow website
