New Inn, Peasenhall

Reviews:

Provided by Roz and Dave Morris:

The building is split into three, and all the properties have access to a large central hall (the room with benches shown in the handbook), so it's ideal if you have a large group who might want to have their own space from time to time (such as separate families), but get together for the big things. Many people have gone there and held banquets in the large hall, splitting the cooking between the various kitchens. But be warned, the hall is unheated - if you go in cold weather, check out your local hire shop for those industrial-style heaters, otherwise you'll be huddling in blankets. But several people in the log book had hired heaters and made it quite comfortable.

Without a car:

Peasenhall has all the provisions you need. We arrived at 5pm on a Monday night and found the local bakery and butcher were closed, so we trudged disconsolately towards what we took to be a rather drab local supermarket. It turned out to be Emmet's - a deli that makes the very best home-cured bacon we have ever tried (and we've tried a lot). They also have good fresh vegetables, fresh local bread, cheeses, sausages and a good selection of wines. However, Peasenhall no longer has a pub. There is one in a neighbouring village, but the walk there is rather hazardous in the dark and not receommended in the depths of winter. Plan to eat in instead. Transport is very difficult, There is about one bus every few days, and although it goes away it may not come back until a few days later. However, there is a local taxi company, and they don't seem too expensive. At the time of writing their number is 01728 660473. If you do go by train, the LT recommend you get out at Darsham station. However, talking to the taxi company revealed that Darsham is in the middle of nowhere and people often get stranded there for hours waiting for a cab. We were advised to go to Saxmundham instead, which also has a Somerfield for general shopping beforehand, and some more of the delicious butchers that Suffolk is generally blessed with. But nowhere we went, butcher or deli, had bacon anywhere near as good as that produced by Peasenhall's own Emmet's.

Pictures: