The medieval wool town of Lavenham is dense with pretty half-timbered buildings and The Swan is one of the most eye-catching. Inside, its style mixes traditional and contemporary to perfection, proving that even a 15th-century coaching inn can look fresh. There are sofas in front of open fires and armchairs tucked into cosy corners. Light meals are served in the Brasserie overlooking the garden, a delightful space defined by pretty leaf-pattern curtains, attractive blue chairs, matching glassware and the original mellow brick floor. The impressive Gallery Restaurant, a faithful reconstruction of a medieval galleried hall, makes a memorable venue for dinner, complete with pianist. The comfortable bedrooms, many with timber beams, are found along an amusing maze of twisting corridors. Indeed, the real joy of staying in The Swan is that it’s all so jolly old but still thriving in very good hands, with the lovely Weavers’ House Spa in a modern annexe behind.
You can take a gentle walk from the hotel around the ancient town with its individually owned boutiques, craft shops and galleries, or visit the stunning timber framed Guildhall and splendid church of St Peter and St Paul.
Choose from a range of dining options to suit all moods and palates from simple, informal eating in the contemporary style Brasserie overlooking the courtyard garden, and light meals in the Airmen’s Bar, to sumptuous fine dining in the AA two rosette Gallery restaurant. On warmer days, enjoy lunch, afternoon tea or cocktails in the sheltered gardens and hidden courtyard.
The finest skin care and pampering lines as well as inspiring gifts in the retail boutique at Weavers’ House Spa. Beauty products include Temple Spa, which are used in the treatments at Weavers’; the Jennifer Young range of specialised skincare designed for those who have been touched by, or are living with, cancer and scented aromatherapy balms.
Nota Bene
The relaxed Airmen’s Bar is full of World War II memorabilia, including autographs written on the walls by members of the US Air Force, who were stationed nearby.
