Highbury Barn Restaurant & Rooms in Sudbury 

The Highbury Barn dates back to before the 18th century. In 1899 it was sold for £92, 5 shillings and 5 pence. This included the pub, brewery, one gallon of rum, three-quarters of a case of minerals and half a cake. The original 'Bill of Sale' can be seen in the lounge bar. By the early 1970's the pub was extended into what you see today. There is rumoured to have once been a secret tunnel from the cellar through to the Abbas Hall area of Cornard, once belonging to the Convent of the Blessed Virgin and used by monks to gain entrance to the pub. This area of Gt Cornard, once known as the Manor of Cornard Magna was even mentioned as in the Doomsday Book.To the rear of the property there is a large garden with a small play area for children.

There are 6 spacious bedrooms: 2 King-size with large en suite bathrooms, 2 double with en suite shower rooms and 2 large double bedrooms with shared facilities. Further beds can be put into most of rooms, to accommodate for families (please refer to individual room descriptions).

Jason, owner and chef, has recently taken over the running of the pub and has refurbished throughout. He has an excellent reputation locally for food and has worked at many prestigious venues in the area, gaining AA rosettes for a number of previous restaurants that he has worked in.The restaurant can seat approximately 65 people for a formal sit-down dinner or every day dining, and up to 150 for a carved buffet or function. There is a patio area in the garden suitable for al fresco dining. Breakfast is served Monday to Friday from 07:30-09:30 and Saturday to Sunday from 08:30-10:00.

Sudbury’s history dates back into the age of the Saxons, the town’s earliest mention is in 799 AD. The town is also mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, as a market town where the local people came to barter their goods. During the 18th century, Sudbury became famous for its local artists; John Constable painted in the area, especially the River Stour, and Thomas Gainsborough was born in Sudbury in 1727, his birthplace, now named Gainsborough House, is now a museum to his work.

Sudbury has a small train station, which runs to Marks Tey and links to most major routes. Trains run directly from Marks Tey to London Liverpool Street. Regular bus services also run in the town centre and link the town to some of the smaller historic surrounding villages.There is a car park available on site.

Warm and welcoming, the Highbury Barn is close to the historic market town of Sudbury, which is off the banks of the River Stour, where Gainsborough once sat painting the stunning countryside. Also close are the villages of Long Melford, Lavenham and larger towns such as Colchester and Bury St. Edmunds.Dating back beyond the 16th century, Highbury Barn has kept its character. It has exposed beams and a real log fire, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Relax after a busy day with a glass of wine, before dining in the fine restaurant, which offers full waitress service and a full range of freshly prepared dishes.All rooms are light with a clean and contemporary style offering tea/coffee making facilities, mineral water, hairdryer, digital TV and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included in all room rates.There is sometimes live entertainment on Fridays from local bands until 23:30.