The Brudenell – Aldeburgh, Suffolk

A chic, contemporary hotel with Aldeburgh’s broad shingle beach at its feet – a breezy seaside location that’s echoed in painted tongue and groove panelling in reception and nautical touches in the lounge and bright, sunny bedrooms. The airy restaurant, Seafood & Grill, with the seascape on show, is the ideal setting
for the fresh, local food that head chef, Darran Hazelton, is so passionate about. As you’d expect, his menus are strong on fish, delivered straight to the door. The free-range meat is also local and there are vegetarian options. The relaxed atmosphere extends to the restaurant’s hours – it’s open for drinks and light bites all day. There’s a dining terrace, with patio heaters for chillier weather, and the 44 attractive bedrooms have fresh, soothing colour schemes, some with brightly-tiled bathrooms and many with sofa beds for children.

SEE

A stroll along the beach towards Thorpeness will lead past The Scallop, a tribute to composer Benjamin Britten who lived in Aldeburgh, by Suffolk sculptor Maggi Hambling. Visit his former home, the Red House, or follow the ancient Sailors’ Path inland to Snape Maltings home to a concert hall as well as galleries, eateries, workshops, a nature reserve and sculpture park.

EAT

Dine on the freshest local fish, seafood and free-range meats delivered to the door each morning, all lovingly prepared by the passionate head chef and his team. The seasonal shifts are an incredibly exciting time for the chefs, each bringing different flavours into the restaurant. Tables at the Brudenell’s Seafood & Grill have stunning, sea views through the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows. On finer days, eat even closer to the sea on the beachside terrace.

BUY

Take home a taste of Suffolk with a bottle of Fishers Gin from the Adnam’s Store in Aldeburgh’s High Street. Locally distilled using herbs and botanicals found along the coast, Fishers capture some of Suffolk’s wild and forgotten flavours.