Area 33 – Sunday Lunch October 26th - The Anchor Inn, Nayland
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On the borders of Suffolk and Essex, in
the picturesque village of Nayland and nestled on the banks of the
River Stour, lies a 15th Century pub named The Anchor Inn. According to their website it is a haven for food lovers and with the kitchen lead by Carl Shillingford, formerly of The Waterside and Pierre Gagnaire in Paris, both 3 * Michelin restaurants; our appetites were wetted already! |
| Despite overcast skies and light rain,
Larry, Tony & Sian, Terry & Veronica, Barry & Jackie, Keith &
Pam and Eric & Linda managed to find there way to this hostelry
just off the A134. We were greeted by the publican into a
lightly furnished bar cum restaurant area with a modern, clean,
almost minimalist décor suggesting a friendly but efficient
venue. Well read morning newspapers placed on the bar for visitors and a few locals already sampling liquid lunches reminded me of many typical European bars. With pre-lunch drinks ordered we set to discussing all non important issues, mostly related to Linda’s frozen Icelandic Bank accounts and Barry’s six hour trauma at the American Embassy to collect Visa’s. Having ordered we were escorted to our table on the upper floor which again was smartly functional but somehow cosy at the same time; other diners were in adjacent open plan rooms similar to ours. Pam & I were very pleased with our Anchor smoked platter of fish, meats and cheese whilst others enjoyed the homemade Artichoke soup, Dodine of Duck or Salmon Ravioli; good starters! Our mains were equally nourishing with Breast of Pigeon or Roasts of Beef, Lamb and Pork; all accompanied by a vegetable selection within the same price, good news for a change. Puds for those hungry enough just had to be Spotted Dick or Bread & Butter Pudding or for the faint at heart, Brulee or Rice Pudding; all very delicious I was assured. Cappuccinos and filter coffees followed as we discussed Barry & Jackie’s impending departure to Florida to soak in the sun as the rest of us contemplated soaking in the rain. It was concluded that The Anchor is very nice experience, combining modern warm accommodation, very good food and reasonable prices. I’m sure it will feature in next years Sunday Lunch agenda again.
Eric Hoile |
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