A Night at The Bildeston Crown: From Brewery to Boutique Pub
Let’s continue our Suffolk diaries, shall we? You joined me for a tour at Mauldon’s Brewery (read about it here) and it’s time to settle in for a weekend stay. This was a PR invite and stay - thank you to Bloxham PR and Mauldon’s.
Tucked away in the rolling Suffolk countryside, The Crown Bildeston is more than just a place to stay - it’s a story, a setting, and a deeply satisfying experience. Once a 15th-century coaching inn, this beautifully preserved building has found new life as a boutique pub and restaurant with rooms. And after an afternoon tasting my way through the best of Mauldon’s Brewery - just a few miles away - The Crown made for the perfect next chapter.
Owned by the same estate as the brewery, there’s a subtle continuity between the two. From hops to hospitality, there’s a thread of care, craft, and quiet pride that ties it all together. The moment I stepped inside, it felt as though the pace shifted. Timber beams, flickering hearths, and gentle touches of modern comfort greeted me like an old friend. This is a place that wears its history with elegance, not heaviness.
The village boasts so many adorable cottages.
The Boule-In
Before settling in for the evening, I took a short stroll around Bildeston and stumbled upon something completely unexpected: The Boule-In. Tucked just off the main square, this charming boutique is a treasure trove of French antiques and decorative collectibles, curated by husband-and-wife duo Cathy and Peter Bullen. The boutique is held in their garden -- and they open their doors to welcome in antique enthusiasts. Their shared passion for French design is evident in every carefully selected piece, sourced directly from the romantic landscapes of Provence. The Boule-In offers a unique blend of timeless French elegance and contemporary British interiors, enhancing modern living with heritage style.
I had arrived towards the end of their day, but not too late to enjoy a decaf coffee from their garden café. I strolled through the theatrically curated spaces filled with authentic antiques, mid-century decor, garden plants, and much more. It was a beautiful surprise to discover such a place. Although I had no idea about it, The Boule-In is a major event where hundreds of visitors from all over the UK visit this humble abode to seek treasures and inspiration.
Sadly, after 13 years, The Boule-In has closed its doors as Cathy and Peter decided to sell their beautiful home and retire to the South of France. I felt privileged to have stumbled across their last event. Even in its final hours, I could sense how important this business had been to the area
Dinner at the Crown: Quiet Luxury on a Plate
Exhausted from the day’s excursions, I was ready to settle in for the evening with a three-course dinner that was as thoughtful as it was delicious. The starter was a delicate, fresh trout salad and was beautifully balanced and in its simplicity. A perfectly cooked steak followed, paired with golden, crisp chips. It’s a classic dish, but done with real finesse, the sort of cooking that respects the ingredients. Dessert was a personal highlight: a burnt Basque cheesecake, all silky texture and caramelised depth. Rich, but not cloying. Decadent, but restrained.
What truly elevated the night, though, was the service. George, the general manager, struck that rare balance between professional and personal - warm, attentive, and quietly meticulous. It wasn’t just that I was looked after; it was that I felt genuinely welcomed. That ethos of care runs deep at the Crown, from the kitchen to the front of the house.
Later, I slipped upstairs to my room, where thoughtful details awaited: crisp white linens, a view that opened onto the quiet village square, and that rarest of travel sensations—feeling instantly at home. In the morning, I woke to the soft hush of rural life, with birdsong drifting in through the old leaded windows and the promise of a slow Suffolk breakfast downstairs.
The Crown Bildeston isn’t flashy or overdone. It’s something better—calm, confident, and completely itself. It’s the kind of place you want to return to before you’ve even left.
Where to find the hotel:
The Crown, Bildeston is located at 104 High Street, Suffolk IP7 7EB - for bookings, please visit their website https://www.thebildestoncrown.com/
The Brewery tour:
To visit Mauldon’s Brewery and book a tour, please visit their website https://mauldons.co.uk/
Thank you to Bloxham PR for the amazing opportunity once again.
