The Suffolk x Parker’s Tavern, Friday 22nd March, dinner and on Saturday 23rd March, lunch and dinner. Reservations can be made here.
This March, Parker’s Tavern is delighted to unveil a new two-night residency collaboration series with cult Aldeburgh restaurant, The Suffolk. Having garnered wide acclaim for its coastal-inspired dishes, Suffolk born and raised, Head Chef, Tom Payne will take to the stoves of Parker’s Tavern, with his team for two nights. Payne and his team work closely with local suppliers to guarantee the freshest fish and seafood possible and have collaborated with the Parker’s Tavern team to celebrate the bountiful produce of the pristine East Coast of England. The residency is the first in a series of collaborations, inviting like-minded culinary institutions from across East Anglia and Cambridgeshire to showcase their exceptional ingredients and signature dishes. The new menu will spotlight Payne’s creations, including starters of Dressed Crab with Pickled Cucumber and Avocado; Shellfish Bisque and Smoked Beetroot Tartar with Dill Sauce. Main courses stay true to The Suffolk’s ethos, featuring standouts such as Halibut ‘En Croute’; Veal Chop with Crayfish Sauce and the pièce de résistance – a Whole Brill cooked over coals, served with chips, salad and tartar, designed for two to share. The seafood offerings culminate with the renowned Native Lobster, served with garlic butter and chips available whole or halved. To conclude, guests can indulge in the signature Crème Brûlée or Sea Buckthorn & Pump Street Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae, adding a coastal twist to the quintessential Parker’s Tavern dessert. To accompany, the Parker’s Tavern team have created a specially curated wine list of seafood-friendly wines, which will be available alongside a small selection of cocktails.
THE SUFFOLK opened its doors in late 2022 after a dramatic yet respectful renovation of its historic premises. Nestled in Aldeburgh’s hub, it boasts a 60-seat eatery named Sur-Mer, a rooftop terrace with ocean vistas, and a wine bar. The establishment also includes six tastefully furnished bedrooms. Suffolk born and raised Head Chef, Tom Payne, cooks a menu celebrating the abundant produce from the surrounding unspoilt East Coast while shining a spotlight on its world class producers.
DESIGN
Suffolk based architect Charles Curry-Hyde, whose 30 years’ expertise lies in designing changes to precious and listed buildings, has led on the restoration of this former inn, which dates back to the 17th century. Interior designer Kate Fulford, also from Suffolk, has created a sophisticated but relaxed setting and has been influenced by the building’s historic details. Original features discovered during the renovation, such as the terracotta floor tiles, have been restored and retained. The six bedrooms, all with super king beds topped with Lansdowne Cashmere mattresses, take inspiration from the surrounding area with names including ‘Orford Ness’; ‘Iken’; ‘The Butley’; and ‘Abraham’s Bosom’. Each room pays homage to the Suffolk landscape from a green and purple palette inspired by the colours of the Elephant Hawksmoor Moth found nearby, to the Schumacher’s Tree River pattern design which mimics the Bonsai-like trees, also seen in the county. Bedroom furniture has been sourced directly from local antique dealers and all come equipped with Roberts Radios. Guests will find a shared pantry on the first floor stocked with pre-mixed cocktails and nibbles (included within the room rate).
GEORGE PELL
The front of house is headed up by owner George Pell, who has spent the last 15 years working in some of London’s most renowned members’ clubs and restaurants including
Soho’s iconic L’Escargot.
Parker’s Tavern is a destination restaurant in Cambridge overlooking the iconic Parker’s Piece. Conceived by designer Martin Brudnizki, it reflects the communal dining halls of the Cambridge Colleges. This typically English tavern serves locally sourced, seasonal food, with every dish a whimsical re-imagining of a British classic, sourced from field, fen and England’s seas. The restaurant features Cambridge Blue wall panelling, traditional solid-wood parquet flooring and original stained-glass windows with crest detailing, reminiscent of the traditional architecture of Cambridge University Colleges. The restaurant is part of University Arms, a landmark hotel located in the historic heart of Cambridge. Initially established in 1834 as a coaching inn, the hotel, alongside Parker’s Tavern, reopened in August 2018 after an extensive two-year renovation.
