St Peters Hall, Bungay

As described by numerous scribes ,this is the most idyllic spot to enjoy a beer. On our visit on a calm Octber midweek luchtime,it was warm enough to sit in the garden overlooking the moat to admire the rolling open countryside. A late medieval stonebuilt farmhouse, with Great Hall, Screens' Passage and a number of smaller rooms. The bar, where we sat is in one of the se smaller rooms, with a french door opening into the garden. The servery opens into this space, together with a curious lobby like room, off the Screens' Passage. On the bar were keg fonts dispensing some of the beers produced at the adjacent St Peter's Brewery. The new management of the Hall have a real ale of the day policy, whereby a pin is racked up on a stillage in the little lobby. On our visit, St Peter's Best was available; a traditional, in the best sense,Bitter, in good condition, and pleasantly cool, being in a naturally cool building. I would have liked to have seen a slightly wider range of St Peter's beers , but perhaps busier times would be the time to find 'em. The lady behind the bar said that her friend had recently taken on the management of the Hall, after a period of closure: as we spoke, she was preparing the Great Hall for a wedding later that day. Upstairs are further dining rooms decorated in a period style This pub has a wonderfully calming atmosphere:outside, cattle grazed the marshes,the brewery went about its business, and sugar beet was harvested, and we had the day off.

Official site of St Peters Brewery - www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk

St Peters Brewery next door, so no lack of choice or quality. I recommend the Traditional Porter. We ate in the restaurant - WOW what a superb meal, served in the Great Hall. It was a shame that there was only one other couple eating. This meant the place lacked atmosphere, but it was a Tuesday evening. Called in again for a lunch, and sat in the bar. Much better atmosphere, same very good beer and food. We will return.