Aboutsuffolk Late Spring 2026

about suffolk

Late Spring 2026 Issue Sixteen Look no further than aboutsuffolk, the local magazine that packs a Suffolk punch!

e up k m ake c i P dt an home! me

B

welcome to our late spring issue of aboutsuffolk

about us

Welcome to our late spring issue of aboutsuffolk in which we have been celebrating this very special time of year. Known as the season of joy, love and rebirth, inside you will find pages bursting with beautiful blooms, stories of love woven into wedding veils, and how a self-taught baker came to serve up slices of the fluffiest cakes imaginable. We also hop aboard a bus that has been reimagined as a fabulous place to stay and take a trip to Lowestoft where you can kick off your shoes and celebrate the summer solstice at a unique free music and arts festival on the beach.

In our special feature, we pull up a chair at a Suffolk table that is laden with an array of amazing food and drink destinations, shine a light on new arrivals to the food scene and give you some dates for your culinary dairy. We also bring you ideas for giving your wardrobe and home a fresh new look, some treats for your mind and body, and news of what is happening across the county. There is a chance to win a £100 voucher for The Laxfield Low House, a circular coastal walk in Aldeburgh, and a recipe for a delicious sponge cake that perfectly encapsulates the flavours of late spring.

We hope you enjoy the read.

WIN

Sarah & Kathy Editorial: Kathy Churchill Sales: Sarah Clarke

aboutmedia info@aboutmedia.co.uk 01728 666352 www.aboutmedia.co.uk

Designer: Lucy Hart Silverlace Creative

lucy@silverlacecreative.co.uk www.silverlacecreative.co.uk

Photography credits: Stay in Suffolk about interiors page 26 Simon Buck www.simonbuck.com about the land page 46 and gardening page 58

Cristina Ilao: www.cristinailao.com Emily Tyler: www.emilytylerphotography.com English Rose: Instagram /english.rose.photography Megan Duffield: www.meganduffield.co.uk

A £100 voucher to the Low Hous e Laxfield Page 10

Sam Sparks: www.samsparksweddings.co.uk about design page 52 Richard Allenby Pratt www.thesuffolkproject.co.uk about taste Husk page 71

If you would like to sign up to the weekly aboutfram e-newsletter, please subscribe at www.aboutmedia.co.uk/aboutfram

1

contents who’s about

06

36

out & about about style 34

about you about interiors 22

about town about the land

about design about gardens

about food about taste round & about

26

6 A new dawn

26 Board and lodgings

How the First Light Festival is breathing new life into the seaside town of Lowestoft.

We jump aboard the The Bus Stop, a holiday let with a story to tell.

10 Competition time

Chic ideas for restyling your home.

Your chance to a £100 food and drink voucher for Laxfield Low House.

14 Out and about A round up of local events.

18 Fashion Fix

32 Get the look 34 about town Trading places in the market town of Framlingham, an upwardly mobile vet, and networking events that are a win-win.

New styles for a new season.

36 C elebrate the Suffolk table

22 Health & beauty

A special seasonal Food & Drink feature

Book in for retreats, treats and good vibrations.

who’s about

46

out & about

72

about style about you about interiors

64

52

74

46 Tunnel vision

70 about taste

We head to Woottens of Wenhaston to meet owners Gill and Jen and brush up against their pelargoniums.

Celebrating the people, produce and passion shaping Suffolk’s kitchen.

about town about the land

52 Laced with love

72 Elderflower and strawberry cake

about design

How Hannah Cummings is weaving the story of love into exquisitely beautiful bespoke wedding veils.

A light buttery sponge infused with elderflower and strawberries – a pure slice of early summer.

about gardens

58 PG tips

74 Big skies, boats and beaches

Growing tips on how and why to grow pelargoniums in your garden.

64 Layer cake We get the taste for The Baking Jin’s incredible cloud-like chiffon cakes.

A refreshing circular walk that takes you across the marshes, out along the banks of the River Alde and back to the shingle beaches of Aldeburgh.

79 Stockists Where to buy all the lovely stuff!

about food about taste round & about

3

4

5

who’s about

6

A new dawn

who’s about

For the last few years revellers enjoying the First Light Festival have lined the beach at Lowestoft to celebrate the summer solstice and watch as the sun rises over England’s most easterly point. This free music and arts festival was co-founded in 2019 by Genevieve Christie, and we chat to her about her plans to breathe new life into this seaside town.

First Light Festival CIC is a not-for-profit organisation run by a board of directors skilled in creative arts, science, branding and finance. These include Wayne Hemmingway MBE, Clare Matterson, the Director General of the RHS, Sarah Kemp, ex-Chief Executive of Trinity College London, creative leader Lucy Holmes, and Genevieve, who was appointed CEO in 2022 having previously founded Full Circle Editions and been Director of the literary arts charity FlipSide.

It is an impressive line-up and since its initiation, the board has firmly placed a pin

on the cultural map for Lowestoft and made great strides in rejuvenating the seafront.

East Point Pavillion was one of the first projects they took on, the old Victorianastyle glass pavilion being beautifully reimagined by Hemingway Design and Hudson Architect as a vibrant new space for the arts. It opened in 2022, just in time for the festival, and their vision was brought to life as it welcomed a fantastic line-up of artists, DJs and musicians to this inspiring new space.

7

who’s about

Genevieve is in charge of programming for the festival and she is excited about the line-up for 2026. “The theme this year is the 13 Full Moons, and the opening parade will reflect this with a stunning display of costumes depicting the Harvest, Wolf, Strawberry, and even the Worm Moon that have been crafted from scratch in a series of workshops held at The Unit.” On The Sunlight Stage, schools, community groups and local choirs will all come together with one voice to officially open the festival, and they will be performing a version of REM’s Man on the Moon arranged by Francesca Warren, a Lowestoft-born musical talent and Musical Director in UK theatre. From then on, the music comes thick and fast, with a mix of folk, rock, pop, jazz and world music entertaining the crowds as they take over the golden sands of South Beach.

8

Last year, the festival attracted record numbers with over 40,000 people enjoying its visual delights across the weekend.

It is very family-friendly, and the ‘Cosmic Pirates’ programme includes the Monkey Business Circus, storytelling shows, a rocket workshop, space kitchen, party games, dance, and, of course, a traditional Punch & Judy show. New this year is the Vertical Space Zone: aimed at teenagers, it has Drop in DJ slots where you can learn to mix your fave tunes, and you can print your own sweatshirt or have a go at gaming. For those looking for a quieter pace, Wellness by the Waves offers rest and healing alongside yoga, dance and breathwork and as the sun dips below the horizon on the Saturday night you can enjoy comedy, cabaret and the latenight after party with Jamz Supernova.

who’s about

Held on summer solstice, the longest day of the year, crowds start gathering on the beach from 4am to be the first in the UK to witness the dawn of a new day. “This is such a magical moment with people coming together as one community to herald those first warming rays of sunlight. A few brave souls might take a dip and we then have a free fish feast for everyone to share and enjoy.” Sunday brings more live music, dance and conversations, as well as the Community Catwalk where a curated collection of secondhand fashion will be judged by special guest Patrick Grant from The Great British Sewing Bee! At the heart of the festival is its passion for discovering and supporting young artists.

A monthly open mic evening at East Point Pavillion attracts a wealth of local talent and those selected can be seen performing on the New Dawn Stage in front of thousands of new fans.

The enormous success of the festival has rippled outwards, and Genevieve shares that the First Light Festival CIC has recently been chosen as the operator for the planned Cultural Quarter in Lowestoft. It is being developed on the site of what was the Battery Green multi-storey car park, which, in the coming months, will be transformed into a vibrant, accessible and inclusive hub.

For the board and their team, and indeed for Lowestoft, these are exciting times and we look forward to watching the development of this dynamic space for connection, creativity and learning, and to rediscovering this seaside town which is now at the forefront of an important cultural shift.

First Light Festival: 20th-21st June www.firstlightlowestoft.com

9

Competition!

Win a £100 Food & Drink Voucher for The Low House in Laxfield

Crossing the threshold into the Low House, one of Suffolk’s most characterful and historic pubs, is like stepping back in time. Also known as the King’s Head, this beautifully preserved 16th-century watering hole serves beer straight from the cask in the traditional Tap Room, along with delicious home-cooked food, from classic pub favourites to modern dishes prepared with the best, locally sourced ingredients.

Tucked away in a lovely setting behind the church in Laxfield, the Low House combines timeless charm with a unique character, making it the perfect destination for anyone seeking an authentic taste of rural Suffolk. Slow the pace over a pint of ale or glass of wine on the cosy settle, in the Card Room, at the Tap Table or in the Dining Room, or relax in the large, sheltered garden, which hosts events such as Low Fest, Lit Fest and bands in the garden throughout the summer months. www.lowhouselaxfield.co.uk 10

£10 Drink0 Food & Vo Histo ucher ric Pu b Trad itiona Tap R oom l Great Food !

For your chance of winning a £100 Food & Drink voucher, please answer the following question correctly: Q: What other name does the Low House go by?

Send your answer to prize@ aboutfram.com quoting £100 Voucher in the subject header.

The competition closes at 23.59 hours on 23rd July 2026.

Terms and conditions Entrants must be aged 18 or over. The prize is nontransferable, cannot be used on Saturday nights, has no cash alternative and must be redeemed by 30 October 2026. By entering this competition, you give your consent for your email address to be added to our aboutmedia database. Your email address will not be shared with any other companies apart from the Low House. Please indicate in your email if you do not wish to give your consent to be contacted by either aboutmedia or the Low House and we will delete your email address from our records. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries submitted and contacted by email.

11

12

13

out & about

May:

Until 28th Jun: Art for Cure

Art For Cure is delighted to be staging an exhibition of outdoor sculpture in the glorious gardens of Wyken Hall Vineyards.

27th-28th: Suffolk Show

An iconic agricultural event that celebrates the rich heritage, culture, and industry of Suffolk. Trinity Park

24th: Take Flight

14th: Art in the Barn

25th-13th Aug: Midsummer Nights

Celebratory exhibition showcasing 45 years of exceptional art from Thompson’s Gallery.

A celebration of talented artists at Old Hall Cafe, Southwold

19th-10th July: It Comes in Waves

June:

Eastern Angles tours with a big-hearted comedy that laughs in the face of loss and explores how grief comes in waves.

6th: Sonic Wave

20th: I Love Change

Orchestra of Samples + Time Fracture & Bill Jackson; bringing together musicians and instruments from around the world. Wingfield Barns

12th-28th: The Aldeburgh Festival

A stunning aerial theatre show for 0-2 year olds and their grown ups.

New Wolsey Theatre

Enjoy Helmingham Gardens on one of its special evening openings on select Thursdays throughout the summer.

26th: Flint Fridays

Live music and street food at Flint Vineyard. Family-friendly.

Free entry from 4pm

An intimate portrait of Martin Chapman, a cherished Suffolk portrait artist. Brandeston Village Hall, 3pm.

Call 07910 979781

28th: Vintage Sale

20th-21st: First Light Festival

July:

Outstanding musicians from around the world converge at Snape Maltings.

Celebrating the summer solstice with a free, two-day multi-arts event on Lowestoft Beach.

13th June: Wakelyns Music Supper

20th-4th July: Craft and Community

An improvised platter of music and poetry from Broken Folk with supper by Silva Kitchen. Curated by Sonic Wave.

14

13th-12th July: Annual Exhibition

The Jewellery Workshop in Diss celebrates 50 years with a ‘look behind the bench’ exhibition.

The Corn Hall, Diss

Frankie’s of Grundisburgh is hosting a sale of vintage goodies.

Enjoy with great coffee and cake.

2nd-25th: Harvesting Memories

An art exhibition by Eileen Cox inspired by walks in the agricultural landscape that surrounds her Suffolk home.

Wingfield Barns

3rd-5th: Adventure Cinema

Experience the magic of outdoor cinema in the stunning setting of Helmingham Hall.

out & about

4th: FAME JR

A high-energy, inspiring musical following a diverse group of young performers chasing their dream.

Seckford Theatre

4th: Passive Fix

A10 Promotions presents a night of rising alternative talent you won’t want to miss. The Smokehouse

5th: Biscuit Brothers Unplugged Stomp and swing through a set of classic blues and swing tracks at New Street Market.

8th: King Arthur Reimagined

Uniting classical and folk, past and future, community and professional, with Purcell’s vibrant music at its heart.

Snape Maltings

11th: Gigspanner Big Band

Their high-energy, virtuosic performances make them a unique force in British folk music.

The Cut, Halesworth

12th: The Sound of Light Experience

Bringing together live voice, drone, rhythm, and original song.

Brighten the Corners

12th July: Flint Sundays

Slow things down at Flint Vineyard with acoustic music, chilled sets and local street food.

15th-18th: Come From Away

38 Planes. 7,000 Passengers. One Small Town. A Remarkable True Story.

New Wolsey Theatre

18th: Summer Market

A lovely day of local artisans with pizza and live music.

Frankie’s of Grundisburgh

30th-29th Aug: The Mini Print International

A unique annual exhibition of original prints by artists from around the world.

Wingfield Barns Aug:

1st: Vintage Makers Market

Antique handmade items, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind creations from talented local makers.

Suffolk Food Hall

18th-26th: Dance Camp East

2nd: Festival of Classic and Sports Cars

A family-friendly festival in the heart of Suffolk with workshops, music, dance and wellness. South Elmham, Bungay

Featuring over 1400 classic cars, driveway runs, live music, children’s entertainment, craft and trade stands.

Helmingham Hall

20th-29th Aug: Summer Theatre by the Sea

15th: Sister Act Jr

The summer season comes to Aldeburgh and Southwold

22nd-22nd Aug: Twelfth Night The Red Rose Chain returns to the magical setting of Sutton Hoo for Theatre in the Forest.

25th-30th Aug: Summer Contemporary

A five-week visual art exhibition that celebrates artworks in a variety of mediums and disciplines.

Snape Maltings

Only 5 days of rehearsals to get this fantastic show on the road.

Seckford Theatre

21st-23rd: Hemp Harvest Retreat Join in with a hands on harvesting experience at Wakelyns plus textile workshops and live music. Book via www.contemporaryhempery.com

15

16

17

3

about style

2 5

1

4

Fashion fix 1. Summer styles Betty Basics @ Iris & Bo Top £50 / Trousers £65

4. Seville dress Faune @ Collen and Clare £184

2. Sleepers flip flops O&C Butcher £35

5. Willow top Rails @ Anna £179

3. Shorts & stripes Moose

6. One Hundred Stars kimono Boho & Blyth £50

6 18

7

about style

11 9

7. Cotton chino blazer Pre-worn Ralph Lauren @ The Worn Works £95 8. Beautiful sea glass earrings Drift Jewellery Prices from £68

8 10

13

9. Buckle effect jacket Oui @ Darcy B £199 10. Birthstone necklaces Lovey Dovey £39 11. Funky beach bag Barts @ Fleur £46.99 12. Rio Botanic sunglasses Bird @ Joli 13. Pretty spring looks Ruby Tyger Jeans £52 / Shirt £45 / Scarf £22 / Bag £41

12 Stockists on page 79 19

20

21

Good vibrations about you

Summer treats Get summer ready at The Retreat Beauty Salon in Framlingham.

Offering a wide range of treatments that will soon have you flashing your pins and daring to reach for the opentoe sandals, here is your must-do list to book now.

Gel manicure and pedicure: Using the innovative BIAB (Build in a Bottle) range, these gels are long lasting and kinder to the nails than acrylics.

Lash lift & tint: Effortless, wideawake eyes without the daily hassle of curling your lashes or applying mascara – and no need to worry when you jump in the pool.

Waxing top to toe: No explanation needed! www.theretreatfram.co.uk

22

Vida Haus is proud to introduce ‘The Good Karma Clinic’, a free children’s Bioresonance & Homeopathy Clinic that will take place on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month.

“We believe that healing should be accessible to every family - which is why we are offering free clinic appointments for children, combining the wisdom of modern Homeopathy with the insight of cutting-edge Bioresonance technology.”

This clinic may help children experiencing: • Recurring illness • Digestive issues • Skin conditions • Low energy • Emotional overwhelm • Something that has never quite been explained This clinic is a gentle, non-invasive place to start. You may be surprised at what the body is quietly asking for.

Please book in advance at www.vida.haus

Heaven sent If you are looking for salon quality, ecofriendly hair styling products that really work, try Italian brand Davines. Their professional hair care products are sustainably crafted using natural ingredients such as extracts of lupin, apricot, red celery, clementine and melon.

The range is specially formulated to treat all hair types including restructuring masks for damaged hair, illuminating and protecting leave-in milks for colour-treated hair, multi-purpose hair oil designed to fight frizz, and replumping serums to add strength and volume.

The products are used and sold by Heavenly Hair in Saxmundham and Wickham Market, who are very happy to

Ready to Zia? Be Well Barn is hosting a special, womenonly retreat this June run by Zia, a High Performance Energetics® & Mindset

about you

offer expert advice on which range will be perfect for you. www.heavenlyhair.co.uk

Coach. Taking place on the Sunday 14th June, Zia Retreat is a small-group coaching experience designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and gain confidence on what you actually want next.

It includes two hours of guided coaching (part inside and part outside) before moving into a space to relax, connect and reflect, with time for 1-1 chats with Zia if needed. The retreat allows you to enjoy the beautiful facilities at Be Well Barn, which include a sauna, plunge pool and use of the café.

This isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about remembering who you are, and choosing what comes next from that place. Expect clarity, confidence, and a real boost in self-belief.

To book call Zia on 07776 136438, or email her at zia82@live.com Follow on Instagram /zialifecoaching 23

24

17 Church Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1DS vanil.co.uk | mandy@vanil.co.uk | vanil_ltd

25

about interiors

26

Board and lodgings

about interiors

Suffolk is not short of unusual places to stay, from windmills to shepherd’s huts and barges to watermills, but this is the first time I’ve boarded a double decker bus for the night. Parked up at Thornham Magna, The Bus Stop is a unique place to stay that certainly offers guests a memorable ticket to ride.

The bus is owned by Joe Hull and his sister Lucie, who grew up in the house next to where it now resides, neatly settled in a corner overlooking the Suffolk countryside, where the hooting of tawny owls is the backdrop to your slumber and the dawn chorus harkens a new day. It began life as a commuter bus on a busy route through the streets of Nottingham, but when it was retired from service, it ended up in Bristol, where the previous owner began the conversion. In 2025, he put it back on the market and that is when it caught Joe’s eye.

“Buying it was the easy part! We then had to

negotiate the journey home, avoiding low bridges and narrow roads, and there was always the slight worry that it wouldn’t make it up the long drive!” It took two days to complete the journey, but the bus finally arrived on a sunny May afternoon and, amazingly, was ready to rent by July.

For Joe, the project evoked memories of happy holidays spent travelling with his mum and dad in a converted single deck bus - adventures filled with freedom, laughter and the excitement of waking up somewhere new. “When it finally conked out, Dad moved 27

about interiors

the bus to the garden and together we updated it into a cool hideaway where Lucie and I used to camp out.” These practical skills stayed with Joe: he now works for a rigging production company, travelling across the UK with circuses and theatre shows such as The Greatest Showman, helping crews build temporary worlds setting up camp, creating performance spaces and then packing everything away before moving on to the next town. With the family home in Thornham now a holiday rental, the bus offered Joe an opportunity to re-create his childhood and build a quirky bolt-hole that he and his young family could enjoy whenever they needed to escape London and come in search of a blast of fresh Suffolk air.

It was an ambitious project but jumping 28

aboard, the clever use of space and attention to detail is obvious. The lower deck is surprisingly spacious, with a bespoke wooden kitchen fully equipped with gas cooker, oak worktops and a fridge freezer.

The original buggy racks have been reimagined as storage spaces and to one side a breakfast bar with two barstools allows you to enjoy your morning coffee whilst looking out across the farmland beyond. In the cooler months a wood-burning stove takes off the chill and to the rear the space has been portioned off to create a large shower room and separate toilet.

Upstairs, where rows of passengers once sat shoulder to shoulder, there is now a living room with two sofas so you can relax, play games or hunker down for movie nights. An impressive, curved bench offers additional

about interiors

seating, and Joe tells me that this is made from wood sourced from Sherwood Forest – a lovely nod to the bus’s heritage. To the rear of the upper deck is the master bedroom where a hand-crafted king-size bed fits comfortably beneath the bus’s curved wooden-clad roof.

To the front, another king-size bed has been cleverly built into the space above the driver’s seat and from here you have panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. “We often get deer crossing the fields in the early morning so it’s an amazing viewing spot.” Beneath this, Joe has created a cosy den with a futon mattress that can be rolled out to make an extra bed if required, and the whole space is warm and welcoming.

Outside, there is a fully enclosed garden complete with BBQ and dining set, as well as

a perfectly positioned hammock, lazily slung between two trees. To the front of the bus Joe has constructed a raised wooden decking with a comfy corner sofa that beckons you to pause with a book and listen to the birdsong drifting across the fields or enjoy a glass of wine as the sun slowly sets.

The bus is dog-friendly, which is an added bonus as the Thornham Walks are right on the doorstop, offering a myriad of trails as well as a café, and the local pub is within easy walking distance. The Bus Stop really is a unique hideaway, a place to hop aboard, jump in the driving seat and escape for a relaxing weekend. Tickets please!

The Bus Stop is bookable via Stay in Suffolk. www.stayinsuffolk.com /the-bus-stop-thornham-magna/ 29

30

31

about interiors

3

6

4

1

5 2

Get the look 1. 1970s Merrow dining table No1EastLane £1200 2. Rose bistro set Snape Maltings £215 3. Tasselled bunting Faro Home £36 32

4. Forget-me-not basket Thrive £62 5. French pots Attik Antiques @ Yoxford Antiques 6. Frill bowls Frankies Ceramics £38

9

about interiors 12

7 8

10 7. Hand poured candles Folk £24 8. Harlequin heat trivets Eleanor Torbati @ The Merchant’s Table £32 9. Cuckoo clocks Karlsson @ Huus £79.94

11

10. Linen cushions Catherine Colebrook @ collated £43.95 11. Inspired interiors Narwhal 12. Books & bits & bobs Ottie and the Bea 13. Vintage outdoor dining No10 Harleston

13

Stockists on page 79 33

Trading places about town

The market town of Framlingham is already home to a lovely collection of independents including several cafes, fashion boutiques, bookshops, homewares and antique shops, as well as a toy shop, a butcher, baker and fantastic deli. Now, three more creatives have joined the Framlingham fold.

First up is Folk, a beautiful little shop on the Market Hill which brings together the finest home fragrances from Kinfolk Studio and a curated homeware range by independent makers from across East Anglia. First select your favourite scent, which includes such delights as Wilde Rhubarb, Woodland Fog and English Garden, and then decide on whether you opt for a diffuser, hand-poured candle, wax melts or linen spray – or the whole collection.

Follow on Instagram /folk.framlingham Across the Hill at No.4, The Cat’s Whiskers Gallery is due to open this June. Run by artist, Hannah Garland, it will be a permanent exhibition space that showcases local artists as well as selling a range of art materials and hosting creative classes.

Follow on Instagram / thecatswhiskersgallery And finally, around the corner at 25 Fore Street, another creative space has moved in. EJaRt Creative, which used to be at Grange Farm Shop in Hasketon, has just taken over the premises and transformed it into a gallery and studio. They will also be hosting a series of Art & Craft Classes, Leisure Learning Courses and Pottery for all ages and abilities so keep an eye on the website for details. www.ejartcreative.co.uk

34

Doing the rounds A brand new independent, fully equipped mobile vet surgery is doing the rounds and has weekly visits to Framlingham, Lavenham and Manningtree. The Mobile Vet Surgery aims to offer an alternative to the traditional clinic visit, bringing comprehensive care direct to the local community. From routine wellness checks and dental care to treatments and diagnostics, it combines sophisticated medical technology with a personal and professional approach.

about about interiors town

Services include: 3D X-Ray * Ultrasound * Veterinary Medicine * Onboard Diagnostics * Surgical Procedures * Dental Treatments And X-Rays * Wellness Checks * Vaccinations * Oncology Care * Pet Travel Certificates This is veterinary care delivered differently! www.themobilevetsurgery.com

What a winner!

Tired of stuffy, pressure-filled business networking events?

Women Inspired Network (WIN) is doing things differently - and women across Suffolk are taking notice. With events running in Felixstowe, Woodbridge,

and Stowmarket, among many other locations across Suffolk & Cambridge, plus daytime and evening options online, there’s something to fit every schedule and lifestyle.

WIN is built around real connection - no public speaking, no rigid formats, just relaxed, high-vibe gatherings where brilliant women come together. The result?

Genuine friendships and collaborations that promise to move your business forward. Children are welcome too, because WIN understands that life doesn’t pause when you’re building a business.

Whether you’re new to networking or simply haven’t found your people yet, WIN creates the space to find them - without the pressure.

Find your next event at www.womeninspirednetwork.com/events

35

about food

Celebrate the Suffolk table A Special Food & Drink Feature Suffolk’s food and drink culture is now widely considered one of the best in England, thanks in large part to its commitment to local artisan produce and field-to-fork dining. Yet, it is widely acknowledged that running a food and drink business has never been for the faint-hearted.

Rising costs, staffing pressures, changing customer habits and tight margins continue to test even the most experienced operators across Suffolk’s hospitality scene.

36

Behind every successful pub, café, restaurant or food destination are long hours, indefatigable resilience and a genuine passion for serving the community. Nevertheless, since Covid, and through the difficult years that have followed, we have seen many landmark businesses fall by the wayside, invariably owing to financial and staffing pressures outside their control. That is why stories of new takeovers, fresh investment and ambitious makeovers are especially significant right now. Whether it is a muchloved village pub being given a new lease of life or a new team bringing fresh ideas to an established venue, these changes bring renewed energy, optimism - and, for us punters, the promise of another memorable experience on the plate.

Here are some of our Food & Drink “Good News” stories.

New on the scene Baked, Bungay

about food

Opened in April by dynamic trio, Yasmin, Fern & Lucy, everything at Baked on Earsham St in Bungay is made with intention, care and a whole lot of joy. From carefully crafted pastries to perfectly poured coffee, every item is made by hand, from scratch, every morning, using freerange eggs, real butter, and Belgian chocolate. www.bakedonearshamstreet.co.uk

Fen Farm Dairy Farm Shop, Darsham The Crickmore Family from Fen Farm Dairy are set to open their third farm shop in June, next door to the Two Magpies Bakery on the A12 at Darsham.

Their third-generation farm in Bungay is well known for their brie-style Baron Bigod cheese, their cultured Bungay Butter and their fresh raw milk. “When the opportunity arose to buy an old agricultural building just off the A12, we couldn’t resist,” explains Jonny. “We are huge fans of the coastline and regularly head this way to unwind after a long week at the farm. It’s always been a dream of ours to share our products with the local community and holidaymakers here.”

You’ll find all the produce made at Fen Farm Dairy plus a selection of other East Anglian produce made by friends of Jonny and Dulcie, who share their passion for real food. “There will also be plenty of grab-and-go lunch and dinner options, for those on holiday wanting a quick and easy (but delicious) meal,” said Jonny. www.fenfarmdairy.co.uk

37

New on the scene

about food

Revive Pizza Kitchen @ Be Well Barn, nr Eye Be Well Barn is opening Revive, a new rooftop pizza bar, in June, to run through the summer months. Choose from the classic Margherita, Chicken and Chorizo, Prosciutto and Mushroom and Roasted Veg with Feta, all made with top drawer ingredients, with veg from local greengrocers Wards in Debenham and meats sourced locally from the Suffolk Salami Company, with Chevallier Brewing beers the perfect accompaniment! www.bewellbarn.co.uk/cafe-and-bar

The Tuck Shop, Walberswick The home of The Tuck Shop in Walberswick is a long-standing village landmark – previously owned by the COOP - that returned to independence last autumn.

Set up by local couple, Ben and Gaia Woolnough, with no corporate ties, it’s a shop built entirely around its community, where you can pick up everyday essentials alongside quality ingredients, locally sourced produce, and irresistible treats. It is a proper village store in the truest sense — personal, flexible, and proudly local! www.thetuckshopwalberswick.co.uk

Pickled at the Pavilion, Grundisburgh The village of Grundisburgh is already blessed with an excellent local, The Dog, the Suffolk Deli, and the wonderful Frankie’s, and now it has another new café.

The brainchild of Clare Cherry, who ran the 1975 Wine Bar in Woodbridge, Pickled at the Pavilion offers a fresh take on coffee, grazing boards, and picnic style choices for you to enjoy in the pavilion or on a picnic blanket in the sunshine! Menus will change depending on what produce is in season and available at the market.

Instagram @ pickled_at_the_pavilion

The Hummingbird Café, Southwold A new addition to Southwold’s café scene, The Hummingbird brings all-day breakfasts, brunch favourites, homemade cakes and classic seaside café food in a prime spot overlooking the Market Place.

We hear very good things…

38

off Salt Shore Restaurant, Southwold We’re very excited to see the kitchens opening at Salt Shore, down at the harbour in what was once a hugely popular café, and more recently a French bistro. Better still, it’s an all-day venue, serving food from 9am until 9pm, with the bar staying open a little later so you can linger on the terrace and watch the sun go down. The menu is built around fish locally landed and as fresh as it gets, with meat and vegetarian options alongside for good measure.

We love the sound of crab linguini with bisque, pickled fennel and spinach.

about food The Red Rose, Lindsey The Red Rose is to reopen on the 5th June under new management, having been taken over by the Nedging Hall Estate. Now running under the leadership of Jackie Ha, who also manages their sister venue, The Crown at Bildeston, get ready for delicious nibbles and a new menu crafted from the kitchen garden at Nedging Hall.

Kiln Farm Nursery Café White Horse, Easton Popular local publican and chef, Vernon Blackmore, has handed over the reins of the White Horse in Easton to George Pell of hugely acclaimed The Suffolk in Aldeburgh. We’re champing at the bit to try out his take on pub food which includes dishes such as Roast Fillet of Brill with Seaweed Beurre Blanc and Chicken & Ham Pie with Mash and Greens. www.eastonwhitehorse.co.uk

We’ve been watching with great interest the huge transformation taking place at Kiln Farm Nursery in Kesgrave and we’ll be hot-footing it there with magazines, eager to visit their brand-new farm shop and nursery. We’ll be ready to return later in the spring to the new café too, which will be in the original nursery shop. In the meantime, what could be better than coffee among the flowers… www.kilnfarm.com 39

40

41

Takeovers & Makeovers Nourish at Helmingham ‘Love All, Serve All’ is the motto at Nourish Café, which about relocated from food Newbourne earlier this year to take up residency at Helmingham Hall. With menus created from the best in local seasonal produce from neighbours, local farms and Helmingham Estate’s kitchen garden, featured dishes flow with the seasons. Whilst you can enjoy the café vibes without having to buy a ticket to Helmingham’s stunning gardens, combining both has all the makings of a dreamy day out!

Newbourne Kitchen, Newbourne Whilst back at the former venue, Newbourne Kitchen opened in April and is serving up “all the classics”. Its bacon bap and a coffee for £7.50 is flying out the door!

White Horse Badingham Independent free house The White Horse in Badingham has had a chequered past over the last two decades, but since new owner Sian de Waal took over in autumn 2025 it has enjoyed phenomenal local support and is once again thriving as a true village pub. Serving seasonal British cuisine and pub classics and with an extensive wine list, it is open from Wednesday to Sunday, with live music from 6pm on the last Sunday of the month. It’s super dog friendly too! www.whitehorseinnbadingham.co.uk 42

Woodbridge Deli The Woodbridge Deli on New Street, a high street fixture for over two decades and loved for its cheeses and sausage rolls, is now owned by New Street Projects.

“We’re deep into listening mode at the deli,” says co-owner Tim, “Getting to know customers new and old, and enjoying our baptism of cheese! However, we are considering our options very carefully before making any changes.” What is promised though is an updated look and feel, outside seating, and one or two new things in the ‘grab n go’ lunch category.

Slightly off the beaten track are two more truly traditional Suffolk pubs that have been taken over in recent months. The Parrot & Punchbowl in Aldringham, just inland from Thorpeness, is a 500-year-old former smugglers’ inn offering local ales, homemade savoury snacks on the bar, and a charming walled garden out the back. Tuck into locally sourced pub food, featuring a mix of British classics and fresh seafood.

Further inland in Laxfield, The Royal Oak has been taken over by Steve & Sarah, the dynamic duo behind the hugely popular Socialbar in Saxmundham. A timber-framed Tudor pub that has been part of village life for over 400 years, catch up local gossip over a pint of Victoria, made down the road in Earl Soham, at the capacious bar before tucking into a hearty pub classic in their beautiful new restaurant area.

Dates for your culinary diary!

Revive Launch at Be Well Barn - Friday 5th June 6:30pm to 10pm

Take your family and friends on a magical mystery tour through the Suffolk Countryside to the official launch of Revive, the new rooftop Pizza Bar at Be Well Barn, where your fellow passengers can tuck into four different pizza combos and sample five different Chevallier Brewing ales whilst you admire the views!

Pizza only ticket - £15 Pizza and Beer Tasting (5 half-pints) - £30 Book online at www.bewellbarn.co.uk

Fish Feast at The Station, Framlingham - 6th & 7th June

The team at The Station is once again collaborating with Mike Warner of A Passion for Seafood to bring you a mouthwatering selection of plates, fresh from the sea.

Best to book early, it sells out quickly! www.thestationframlingham.com

Wine Tasting Evening at Frankies, Grundisburgh – 11th June 7-10pm

Parade Wines is an independent Suffolk-based wine importer and curator specialising in sustainably farmed, low-intervention wines from small producers across Europe. Join owner, Ben Easey, at Frankie’s for a relaxed and informal evening of wine tasting where he will guide you through a handpicked selection of wines, sharing stories from the growers, regions and winemaking styles behind each bottle. Expect a mix of classic and lesser-known wines chosen for character, balance and drinkability, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and discover something new. To book email hello@frankies.studio

American Feast Night at Suffolk Food Hall – Friday, 26th June

Feast on traditional, flavour-packed American platters with your friends and family in what has to be one of Suffolk’s best-positioned restaurants, with sweeping views across the River Orwell.

Think Buffalo hot wings, pulled beef brisket, and Cajun shrimp with blue cheese dipping sauce and you’re on the right turnpike! www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk

Friday Night Specials BBQ nights at the Sibton White Horse – July & August

The legendary Friday BBQ evenings are back at the Sibton White Horse, a stunning village pub that has yet again about been awarded two food AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence. Kicking off in July and running through to the end of August, enjoy food off the grill and tune into some of Suffolk’s best local live music in the gorgeous pub garden.

The perfect start to the weekend.

www.sibtonwhitehorse.co.uk Green Room Café, 18 St Margaret’s Green, Ipswich

Bring your friends and meet new ones as you join owner JeanMarie and his team on the first Friday of every month, from 6pm onwards, for an evening savouring continental wines, and a selection of British craft ales, ciders, cheese and charcuterie, the latter supplied Dingley Dell, home of the happy pig!

Next event is June 5th.

Book early by popping in or emailing team@thegreenroom.coffee www.thegreenroom.coffee

Flint Vineyard, Camphill Farm, Earsham

Flint Fridays are officially back at Flint Vineyard for the summer season! Running once a month to September, these popular, family-friendly party nights transform this wonderfully scenic vineyard into a vibrant evening hub. Pitch up from 4:00 pm to enjoy free entry and live music, a stellar selection of local street food vendors, and plenty of exceptional Flint wine and local craft beer! www.flintvineyard.com 43

44

45

about the land

Tunnel vision

46

about the land

Woottens of Wenhaston has a long-standing reputation as a nursery that supplies highly quality specialist plants and is particularly wellknown for its National Collection of Pelargoniums, amazing selection of auriculas and the stunning iris fields. I meet up with the owners, wife and wife team, Gill and Jen, to find out what they are doing that is driving the gardening enthusiasts so potty!

On the day I visit, Gill and Jen are busy getting ready for their annual May Fair and the polytunnels are a sea of colour: pinks, whites, purples and crimson all jostle for space, their delicate petals lit up by the spring sunshine, and the air is filled with a heady mix of fragrance, predominantly from the scented-leaf pelargoniums that release their perfume as we brush past them. As they busy themselves amongst the blooms, snipping off dead leaves, pinching out shoots and arranging the plants into their different families, I learn more of the nursery’s history and the garden paths they

journeyed down to become the owners of this little slice of Eden.

Woottens was founded in 1991 by Michael Loftus, and very quickly established itself as one of the UK’s most respected specialist nurseries. “Michael had a real passion for plants and an unwavering commitment to quality. The nursery earned a reputation for producing exceptional specimens, especially among the pelargoniums, which were his mother’s favourites - we still grow a variety today which was named after her: Souvenir de 47

about the land

Prue.” Gill, a true Dubliner with a quick wit and wicked sense of humour, started working at the nursery in 2005, having just completed a course in Horticulture and Garden Design at Otley College. In 2007 she met and married Jen, who was working at a girls’ boarding school at the time but, having studied agriculture in her home country of South Africa, was more than happy to roll up her sleeves and join Gill at Woottens. “We worked mainly behind-the-scenes, digging, potting, propagating and preparing plants for customers’ online orders. We learnt so much and accumulated an extensive knowledge of all the different plants we looked after.”

In 2011, Michael decided to expand the nursery, cultivating an extra 11 acres of land and erecting a new polytunnel to house his collections but sadly, just a year later he passed away, leaving the nursery to his wife 48

Lizzy. Three years later, she decided she no longer wanted to run the business so offered it for sale to Luci, the manager at the time, and Gill – Jen by this time was working elsewhere.

“It was a huge decision but Jen was fully behind it and Luci and I worked well together.

We shut the nursery for a week and transported everything from the gardens by the house up to the 11 acre site – all the plants, pots, benches, polytunnels, etc. were walked up the lane to create the new nursery. It was quite a sight!” Determined to preserve Woottens heritage while also guiding it into a new era, Gill and Luci changed to online orders only, only opening for the May Fair and occasional open days. Their shared dedication ensured that the nursery continued to flourish, maintaining its reputation for quality while introducing new ideas and expanding its collections.

about the land

Now, more than ten years later, another chapter has begun. Luci has since moved on, and Gill and Jen are back working side-by-side behind the potting benches and the nursery is once again open to the public. Over the last decade, they have carefully expanded the pelargonium collection and it has now achieved National Collection status, an honour that reflects both the importance and quality of the plants they maintain. “We are constantly looking for new species and are members of the International Geraniaceae Group so have access to their annual seed exchange. The scented-leaf varieties are proving very popular and so we are concentrating on raising awareness of these and growing more varieties.” Today, the benches are stacked with 7cm pots ready for the upcoming fair and I can’t resist going down the line, rubbing the leaves of the different plants to release their

unique perfume of rose, lemon, peppermint, chocolate, orange, and even the sweet scent of cola bottles.

As well as the pelargoniums, Gill and Jen also single-handedly manage the iris fields, which are all dug by hand, care for a collection of over 1000 auriculas, and grow a selection of herbaceous border plants that are popular with gardeners. For just the two of them it is hard work, but they have a real passion for preserving these rare species and their hope is that by raising awareness they will inspire more enthusiasts. And, as I leave clutching my pot of lemon-scented Mabel Grey, I think they can safely add me to the list.

Woottens is open Weds to Sat, 10am-4pm until the end of October. www.woottensplants.com 49

50

51

about design

Laced with love 52

about design

Hannah Cummings creates the most beautiful bespoke wedding veils; timeless heirlooms woven with meaning and love. Through the delicate art of embroidery, she transforms soft layers of tulle into deeply personal storybooks, capturing the moments, words and specific memories that define a couple’s journey and the life they are building together.

We meet at Frankie’s Café in Grundisburgh, which is where Hannah now lives with her husband Tommy, and I learn her own story; of how they left London in 2020 just as covid hit, and how her plans for a new business were immediately crushed as the wedding industry came to a standstill.

Hannah studied Textile Design at Leeds University, and it was during her year in industry, whilst working as an intern for renowned bridal couturier Phillipa Lepley, that she fell in love with embroidery. “It was such a joy to work with soon-to-be-brides on their designs, translating sketches into

reality and bringing their vision to life.”

Many of the designs were created using intricate lacework and Hannah was tasked with mastering the Bernina 1008, a state-ofthe-art mechanical sewing machine. “It was like learning to paint with a sewing machine. It was all freehand and everything was done by eye but working on it every day I soon mastered the skill and realised how much I loved it.”

After graduation Hannah was reemployed

by Phillipa Lepley, and over the next seven years worked her way up to become Head 53

about design

of Embellishment. “One day, a friend asked me if I could embroider her wedding veil, incorporating delicate designs of flowers from all the countries she visited. She posted it on Instagram and from that I started to get quite a few enquiries. In 2020 I made the decision to set up by myself, which also fitted in with our plan to return to Suffolk.” Although circumstances meant the business was slow to get going, it gave Hannah time to grow it gradually and for Tommy to help build her a studio at home.

“Embroidery is a form of art that has a fascinating history. When Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned it is believed that she passed political secrets through coded symbols stitched into her embroidery and I love incorporating subtle motifs and symbols into my veils that hold hidden meanings known only to the couple.”

54

Before the embroidery begins, Hannah spends time getting to know each couple.

She listens carefully to their stories - how they met, the adventures they have shared and sometimes the challenges they have overcome. Some share handwritten notes, meaningful dates, favourite places, song lyrics or phrases, as well as family traditions, memories of loved ones, and requests for family pets such as dogs, cats and horses are very popular. “Every story is different and that is what I love most. For my own veil I created a garden scene full of flowers and birds, such as long-tailed tits and bluetits. I also wove sweet peas from my dad’s garden and snowdrops and butterflies from my grandparents’ – and I couldn’t resist adding in a few of our cat’s paw prints.”

about design

From these conversations with her couples, Hannah gathers the threads of their story and gently translates them into embroidered details that become part of the veil itself. To begin with, she hand draws each element of the story which are then scanned so she can digitally position them onto her design. Once approved, this design is printed onto paper and then traced onto a special plant-based film. This is placed on top of the tulle to hold it in place ready for stitching and, cleverly, once the veil is complete, this film can then be washed away. As well as using her own Bernina 1008, Hannah also took a year to fully master a free-motion satin stitching machine that allows her to tackle very complex designs. Every stitch is intentionally placed, weaving a narrative that turns the tulle into a canvas of emotion

and remembrance. Delicate words drift across the veil like whispered promises, the exquisite details carrying the stories that will surround the couple with special memories as they take their first steps down the aisle.

What makes Hannah’s work especially meaningful is its lasting legacy. After the wedding day, the veil can be professionally framed and preserved as a piece of art - a transparent tapestry of memories to be treasured and passed from one generation to the next. Her veils are embroidered with meaning, and through patience, craftsmanship, and heartfelt storytelling, Hannah gives couples the opportunity to wear their love story in the most beautiful and romantic way imaginable. www.hannahcummingsembroidery.com 55

56

57

about gardens

58

PG Tips

about gardens

Pelargoniums are often mistaken for geraniums and although they both belong to the Geraniaceae family, they are quite different.

True geraniums are hardy perennials that grow low to the ground and they can be identified by their symmetrical five petal pattern.

Pelargoniums on the other hand are only halfhardy, usually growing on upright stems with an asymmetrical petal pattern, the top two petals sitting together above the other three.

Providing an abundance of summer interest, pelargoniums are perfect for pots – and this also means they can easily be brought inside over the winter as they need to be kept frost-free.

Make sure they are kept in a well-ventilated, dry environment with plenty of light. Come late spring, they benefit hugely from being moved back to the garden, and if you need to re-pot use a good quality peat-free compost with some perlite to aid drainage. During the growing season, feed regularly with a liquid potassium fertilizer such as Tomorite, and water only if required as they prefer it dry. To encourage extended flowering make sure you keep

deadheading throughout the summer and take out any withered or yellowed foliage as this will help with circulation.

Once established, they are lovely lowmaintenance plants that come in a kaleidoscope of colours, including the coral orange of Betty Catchpole, the rich velvety dark red of Lord Bute, and the delicate white of Creamy Nutmeg. The ivy-leafed pelargoniums have a trailing habit, making them ideal for window boxes or hanging displays – the Fairlee is a lovely example, with large clusters of soft lilac pink flowers that will delight all summer long – and the scented leaf varieties release a gorgeous fragrance when brushed, scenting the air with citrussy sweet notes of rose, lemon, fresh apple and mint.

With a little care, these happy little plants will provide your garden with a vibrant, flourishing display for years to come. For more advice visit Woottens of Wenhaston – as featured on page 46 – as they are a specialist nursery which holds a Plant Heritage National Collection of pelargoniums.

59

about gardens

Spring into action With such a cold, dry start to May, it has been a tricky spring for gardeners and never has hardening off tender seedlings been more important. There are many jobs to tick off: mow the lawn on high to encourage new growth, thin out hardy perennials, prune penstemons, cutting back to where you can see new growth at the base, and tie in rambling roses and sweet peas to support stems. In the vegetable garden, continue earthing up rows of potatoes, straw your strawberries and thin out any direct sow carrot, spinach and lettuce seedlings for healthy plants come the summer.

June is a joyous month. Annuals and perennials are in full flower and borders will be bursting with gorgeous colour as delphiniums, foxgloves, sweet William, roses and peonies all vie for attention. Keep on top of the weeding, pulling up the forget-me-nots before they seed, and make sure you water well, ideally in the evenings. It is also time to

60

Tales from the potting shed

May Lift and divide daffodils Do the ‘Chelsea Chop’ Plant out dahlia tubers

prune spring-flowering shrubs such as forsythia, philadelphus and weigela - any gaps are easily filled with the amazing displays of summer bedding taking over the garden centres. Towards the end of the month, be brave and cut back hardy geraniums, catmint and salvias for a second flush of early autumn blooms.

With temperatures rising, the garden does slow down a little come July and now it the time to enjoy it at its best. Keep everything watered and pots will thank you for a feed with liquid fertiliser once a fortnight. If needed, stake top heavy dahlias and lilies, and keep a pair of secateurs handy as deadheading is a constant task. Those with vegetable beds will begin to reap the rewards of their labour, with beetroot, courgettes, runner beans and tomatoes ready to harvest. Cut-and-come again salad crops make the perfect accompaniment to a summer BBQ, and what could be nicer than a bowl of homegrown new potatoes, topped with a slather of butter and a sprinkling of freshly picked herbs.

June Pinch out fuchsias Clip privet, box and yew Thin hardy annuals

July Cut back faded perennials Top up bird baths Prune lavender bushes

orders

61

Songs from the heart of Suffolk

BRAND NEW ALBUM

OUT NOW

THORINGTON THEATRE SATURDAY 20TH JUNE 2026 ORIGINAL SUFFOLK STORYTELLING AT ITS MUSICAL FINEST IN A MAGICAL WOODLAND SETTING MUSIC FROM 7:30PM • TICKETS FROM £25 • HONEYANDTHEBEAR.CO.UK/GIGS/

62

63

about food

64

Layer cake

about food

Slowly but surely, one tier at a time, Jin Chung, known as The Baking Jin, is introducing the flavours of Southeast Asia to East Anglia. Tall and fluffy, his cloud-like chiffon cakes are as light as air and turn any occasion into an event worth celebrating.

Born and raised in Malaysia, Jin grew up surrounded by the warm aromas and vibrant flavours of Southeast Asian cooking. As a child, he remembers his mother affectionately known as Mamajin - preparing traditional treats for family gatherings and celebration cakes for festive occasions. “She used to run baking classes at home and I would sometimes have to help. I loved it when she baked my favourite, a pandan chiffon cake - it has a wonderful airy texture and a subtle pandan sweetness.” However, at the age of 19, Jin left this all behind when he came to the UK to study electrical engineering at the University of Sussex. This

was followed by a PhD at Southampton and eventually to a successful career that led him to Cambridge. This cosmopolitan city may have offered opportunity, innovation and intellectual excitement, but over time Jin began to miss the familiar tastes of home.

So, when Jin finally bought his own flat, he decided to try and recreate the memories of his childhood. “I finally had a well equipped kitchen with an oven and could properly bake something. When Mamajin came to visit from Malaysia, she brought me a special chiffon cake tin. She shared the techniques she had perfected over the years, and 65

about food

together we baked my very first pandan chiffon cake. It was airy, fluffy and fragrant and tasted exactly like home.” Lighter than a sponge, chiffon cakes are made with vegetable oil rather than butter, and the eggs are separated, the whites whisked to give the cake its characteristic lightness.

The tins are not greased so that the mixture sticks to the sides and as soon as they come out of the oven, the cakes must be cooled upside down to prevent them collapsing.

Driven by his desire to bake, Jin treated himself to an expensive Kitchen Aid, and at the start of 2014 made a New Year resolution to use it every week. Looking up recipes of Asian specialties, soon his kitchen was transformed into a hub of creativity and experimentation. Chiffon cakes cooled beside trays of Hokkaido cupcakes, colourful kuih filled the counters, and delicate 66

Japanese Swiss rolls emerged from the oven.

Friends and colleagues eagerly volunteered as taste testers and encouraged by this success, in 2015 Jin entered the Cambridge Bake Off. In the final, his three-tier showstopper reflected both technical skill and personal storytelling, each layer revealing a different flavour combination: rich chocolate, roasted hazelnut and indulgent salted caramel expertly balanced by a vibrant lemon and raspberry sponge.

Yet it was the final tier that truly distinguished the cake from the rest. Topped with Jin’s signature pandan chiffon cake, it introduced the judges to a flavour they had never encountered before and saw him crowned winner.

Winning the Bake Off opened doors Jin had never imagined. Over the next five years, he balanced two demanding worlds. During the

about food

day, he continued working professionally, maintaining the career he had built through years of study and research, but evenings and weekends became entirely devoted to baking. “I set up The Baking Jin with business partner Aidan and hosted a few supper clubs and special events, and in 2020 finally made the decision to resign from my job and focus fully on baking - three weeks later COVID forced everyone into lockdown!”

Luckily, Jin was kept busy supplying dessert boxes to stranded Asian students longing for a taste of home, and with regular orders from cafes and restaurants stacking up, he realised he needed to expand and find a new premises. “Prices in Cambridge were just too high so when Aidan, who lives in Dennington, offered to convert the garage into a professional kitchen, I didn’t think twice.”

Now, three years later, Jin is busy preparing weekly orders of his celebration cakes and planning a series of summer supper clubs. “I love introducing people to the dishes I grew up with - to see them experience these new flavours and learn more about their heritage is just wonderful.” On the last Sunday of the summer months it is well worth taking a trip to Dennington as the garage shutters are rolled up and the space transformed into a welcoming café. Aidan serves cups of perfectly roasted coffee and you can try a slice of Jin’s cloud-like chiffon cake - light, airy, and unlike anything you have ever tried before, it is well worth the trip.

To order a celebration cake or discuss possible collaborations, please visit www.thebakingjin.com

67

68

69

The Ice-Cream of the Crop about taste

A Kitchen on the rise For over 30 years, Lisa Luxmoore has been delighting family, friends, and neighbours with her culinary creations and earlier this year, she decided to turn up the heat with her new business, Lisa’s Farmhouse Kitchen, based near Debenham.

Lisa’s intimate cookery lessons are designed to empower you in the kitchen, whether you’re looking to master the art of sourdough, or delve into the vibrant world of Indian spices. Her regular workshops provide practical, hands-on experience with personal guidance, with tried and tested recipes. Join her on a delicious journey of discovery and turn your kitchen into a haven of homemade goodness.

To find out more or book onto one of Lisa’s courses, visit www.lisasfarmhousekitchen.co.uk 70

After a busy few months constructing new polytunnels and creating a bespoke growing system, some 1000 strawberry plants – five carefully selected varieties altogether - are now coming into fruit, ready for the Lickety Ice kitchens! As well as enjoying harvesting this new crop, the team have been working hard all year, increasing the growing capacity for raspberries, gooseberries, rhubarb, mint and summer berries as well as planting a new orchard with varieties of peach, plum, pear, apple and cherry trees.

As seasoned lovers of all varieties of Lickety Ice lollies, we really didn’t think that they could improve on the taste, but this may be the year we’re proven wrong!

High 5(0) to Friday Street Farm Shop!

Credit: Richard Allenby Pratt

A third generational family business, Friday Street Farm Shop is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, which ties in nicely with the completion of the roundabout on the A12 at Farnham, just a stone’s throw away, and the launch of a new drive-through café, which opened in December 2025. Open daily from 6.30 – 2pm, it’s already proving very popular and loyalty card holders can now enjoy a free drink with every £10 spent!

Not a loyalty card holder? Pick up a postcard onsite, scan the QR code, or visit www.fridaystfarm.co.uk to sign up and enjoy exclusive offers across the store and café.

about taste

Cooking the books Husk’s award-winning supper club in Thorington returns this month and is back with an added twist! Owners Joey & Katy, who we featured in our first ever issue of the aboutsuffolk magazine, are writing their first cookbook and invite you to come along for the ride.

Due to be published in 2027, Suppers from a Suffolk Farm will chronicle the dishes from each month’s supper club - a snack, a starter, main course, pudding and birthday cake with recipes and menus to enjoy throughout the year.

Past supper clubs have included such culinary delights as Garden Gazpacho with Pinney’s Smoked Trout, and Suffolk Lyonnaise. Whilst this year’s seasonal menus are still being developed, according to what’s looking good in their market garden and on their list of local suppliers, you can be assured that every plate coming out of Husk’s kitchen will be thoughtful and finely balanced.

Book your place at www.huskthorington.co.uk

71

about taste

Serves: 8–10 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 50–60 minutes Ingredients For the cake • 225g unsalted butter, softened • 225g caster sugar • 4 medium eggs • 225g self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • Finely grated zest of 1 lemon • 3 tbsp elderflower cordial • 150g strawberries, hulled and diced For the drizzle • 3 tbsp elderflower cordial • Juice of ½ lemon • 75g icing sugar To finish • A few small strawberries, halved • Edible flowers or mint leaves 72

Strawberry & Elderflower Drizzle Cake This light, buttery sponge scented with elderflower topped with sweet Suffolk strawberries provides the perfect sweet note for late spring and summer gatherings.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 170°C fan (190°C conventional) and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment.

2. I n a large bowl, beat together the butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the mixture begins to curdle, add a spoonful of the flour.

4. Fold in the flour, baking powder and lemon zest, followed by the elderflower cordial. Gently stir through the diced strawberries.

5. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level the top.

6. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

7. While the cake is still warm, mix together the elderflower cordial, lemon juice and icing sugar to make a light drizzle.

8. Prick the top of the cake several times with a skewer and slowly spoon over the drizzle, allowing it to soak in.

9. Leave to cool completely before decorating with fresh strawberries and edible flowers or mint.

Serving suggestion Serve in thick slices with a pot of tea, or with softly whipped cream for an easy summer dessert.

73

round & about

Blue skies, boats and beaches This refreshing 6km walk starts and ends in the chic coastal town of Aldeburgh so you have the added incentive of looking forward to a bag of fish and chips on the sea wall at the end. I am joined this issue by the ‘Derbyshire Dollies’, who have forgone hills for a much flatter marsh walk that takes in the magnificent Suffolk skies.

There is plenty of parking in Aldeburgh but Fort Green carpark on Slaughden Road is the most convenient as from here you walk back towards the high street and then turn left up Park Road. This is a private road, lined with an architectural mix of beautiful properties, from Victorian mansions to contemporary glass and cedar builds, and towering above 74

them is a converted water tower that must command the most amazing views. At the Bowls Club, turn left down a path along the side of the tennis courts and then go through a metal gate that leads you through the allotments. Always a joy to see, they are a hive of activity, with well-tended vegetable beds already overflowing with rows of potatoes, broad beans, lettuces and onions.

Greenhouses are being prepared for the glut of summer and we spot the odd wellpositioned bench where we imagine seedlings and stories are swapped over a cuppa.

A small wooden bridge leads us out into the open marshes where the cattle have just

round & about

returned to see out the summer. Ahead, the wide open skies fill the landscape, the meadows just a thin slither of green with the rolling clouds above. We all take a moment to breathe it in. Another footbridge takes us over a drainage channel and we watch as a little egret stalks the bank, its keen eye trained on the water in search of minnows.

Slightly to the right, a gate leads through a patch of gorse - in full flower, the air is scented with sweet, sun-warmed coconut and vanilla, and as the brisk easterly wind ruffles our jackets, it is hard not to hanker for the warmer days ahead. Sedge and reed warblers are in full song and the dry rattling trill of the lesser whitethroat soon joins in.

Steps lead up to a ridge and suddenly the River Alde sweeps before us. Wide and slow,

it is nearly at its destination and we can already smell the salt in the air. Turning left, we follow the river, the clank of the moored yachts keeping time with our steps. On the meadows to the left we spot a family of graylag geese, the parents honking crossly as their goslings waddle off in all directions, and behind them a few lapwings lift and rise. It is a blustery day and we only pass a handful of dog walkers, and wave at a single boat that has braved the wind and is tacking upstream, its sails blowing and flapping with the breeze. Across the river, the Martello Tower studs the horizon. Built in the early 1800s to defend the shores against a threatened Napoleonic invasion, it is now owned by The Landmark Trust which sympathetically restored and converted it into an impressive holiday let.

75

round & about

The footpath leads us up alongside the Yacht Club, where the river curls to the right and flows south toward Orford Ness before reaching the sea at Shingle Street. We climb up to the sea wall and take in the views across the North Sea. The village of Slaughden once stood here, a prosperous shipbuilding and fishing hamlet, but the last remnants were washed away in the early 20th century, and it is hard to imagine that ships bound for the Spanish Armada would once have been launched from here. Turning left, we wander back along the seafront towards the town centre, pausing to admire Fort Green Mill, a four-story tower mill built around 1824. It was used to mill corn and back in the day, four large sails would have harnessed the power of the coastal winds, much like the offshore windfarms, just visible 76

far out to sea, that are now creating energy for the town.

Having ‘walked’ up an appetite, we are spoilt for choice as whether you are looking for coffee and cake, a glass of wine and a gourmet meal, or a bag of hot, salty chips, Aldeburgh has it all. As it’s the weekend we decide on at least three of the above and then take our time to slowly wander along the high street, with the odd side-step into an art gallery and a little retail therapy. Just before the cinema we heave ourselves up the town steps for the iconic view out across the rooftops, before strolling back along Park Road and deciding on which of the amazing houses we would each buy when we win the lottery!

77

Directory Services

Gunsmiths and country retailers

Renewable energy

Flooring

Cleaning services

Gardening

Building supplies

Heating and plumbing services

78

Stockists about you

Fashion emporium

Heavenly Hair 46 High Street Saxmundham IP17 1AB 73 High Street Wickham Market IP13 ORA www.heavenlyhair.co.uk

Anna 32 Church Street Woodbridge IP12 1DH www.shopatanna.com

Iris & Bo 4 Earsham Street Bungay NR35 1AG @irisandboboutique

The Retreat Beauty Salon 12-14 Well Close Square Framlingham IP13 9DU www.theretreatfram.com

Boho & Blyth 7a Market Hill Framlingham IP13 9AN 58 Thoroughfare Halesworth IP19 8AR www.bohoandblyth.com

Joli 158 High St Aldeburgh IP15 5AQ www.jolisuffolk.com

Vida Haus Studio The Three Tuns Pettistree IP13 0HW www.vida.haus

collen & clare 25 Market Place Southwold IP18 6ED www.collenandclare.com

Zia Retreat T: 07776 136438 @zialifecoaching

Darcy B 26a Market Hill Woodbridge IP12 4LU www.darcy-b.co.uk Drift Studio visits by appt.

E: fiona@driftjewellery.com www.driftjewellery.com Fleur 166 High Street Aldeburgh IP15 5AQ www.fleuraldeburgh.co.uk

Lovey Dovey 114 High Street Aldeburgh IP15 5AB www.loveydoveyjewellery.com Moose Market Hill Woodbridge IP12 4LU @mooseonthehill O&C Butcher 129-131 High Street Aldeburgh IP15 5AS www.ocbutcher.co.uk Ruby Tyger No 1 The Mews Market Hill Framlingham IP13 9AN www.rubytyger.com @rubytyger.framlingham The Worn Works www.thewornworks.com @thewornworks

79

Stockists Interiors emporium collated Guildhall, Market Hill Framlingham IP13 9BD www.collatedonline.com

No10 Harleston 10 Market Place Harleston IP20 9AD @10harleston

Faro 152 High Street Aldeburgh IP15 5AQ www.farohome.com @farohomeuk

Ottie and the Bea 10A Market Hill Framlingham IP13 9AN www.ottieandthebea.com

Folk 21 Market Hill Framlingham IP13 9BB www.folk-framlingham.co.uk @folk.framlingham Frankie’s Studio The Green Grundisburgh IP13 6TA www.frankies.studio @frankies.studio Huus 47 Thoroughfare Halesworth IP19 8AR Market Place Southwold IP18 6EA www.huus.co.uk Narwhal Interiors 23 Market Hill Framlingham IP13 9AN @narwhal_interiors No1EastLane Swan Antiques 21 High St Debenham IP14 6QL www.no1eastlane.co.uk

80

Snape Maltings Snape Bridge Snape IP17 1SP www.brittenpearsarts.org The Merchant’s Table 10 Church St Woodbridge IP12 1DH www.themerchantstable.co.uk Thrive Helmingham Hall Gardens Helmingham IP14 6EF & 34 Orwell Road Felixstowe IP11 7DB www.thrivelifestylestore.co.uk Yoxford Antiques Askers Hill Yoxford IP17 3JW www.yoxfordantiques.com

81