This is a classic English coastal town. It has a long and wide Blue Flag shingle beach which is dotted with fishing boats and fresh-fish shacks. It’s a draw for those who want to catch some rays and go for a paddle, and also those who would love an early morning summer walk to watch those boats actually landing with the catch of the day.
Aldeburgh is an ideal base for visiting this beautiful county of Suffolk, and a must-visit is within walking distance. It’s Thorpeness, it’s just two miles from Aldeburgh and it’s unique. It was a small fishing village before it was purchased by a Scottish barrister, Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie, in 1910. He converted it to his own private holiday resort. It has plenty of interesting Edwardian buildings, a beach and green open spaces. Ideal for a picnic!
The Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh is a typical Victorian holiday hotel with a view over the beach. Some rooms have large bay windows, a sitting area for taking advantage of the vista. Ceilings are high, as one would expect from such a period property, and this makes the room seem spacious and light. Our room had an en-suite bathroom with both a walk-in shower and separate bath, all the usual smart toiletries and fluffy towels.
Duck feather pillows
The king-sized bed was made more tempting by duck feather pillows and crisp white linen. There were the expected in-room facilities such as bathrobes and slippers, flat-screen TV, free WiFi and a very welcome Hospitality tray of tea and cookies.
The informal two-rosette Seafood & Grill restaurant also has panoramic views over the beach, and one can dine alfresco on the terrace in the summer months. The menu features, unsurprisingly, local fish and seafood as well as free-range meats. The menu is eclectic and broad so there is bound to be something for everyone.
Shellfish bisque with Cognac, and finished with a swirl of cream, was my starter and this soup was as good as I have had, even in France! This was rich, decadent and well-flavoured. My guest enjoyed salmon gravlax which was prepared with pickled beetroot and dill oil. The beets give the fish an attractive red hue and a delicious sweetness.
A casual classic
Prawn pasta was my main course and it was outstanding, and must surely be a signature dish here. It was a substantial bowlful and one of the best seafood dishes I have tasted in a while. I would love to see this chef do something similar with crab, my favourite seafood. My companion ordered lobster roll with fries which very much reminded him of those he had tasted in the US. It’s a casual classic and done well here.
Pineapple cake and toffee sauce with coconut ice cream was my guest’s dessert. I enjoyed just a spoonful of this, as I was too full of that remarkable pasta to move. This finale was sweet and light and a perfect end to a meal in this restaurant, with its relaxing vibe.
Breakfast was also served here, and offered local foods. I enjoyed undyed natural Pinney’s smoked haddock with soft poached eggs. This is a traditional breakfast dish and it’s a winner when the eggs are perfectly cooked with still-runny yolks. The fish was mild and not over-smoked. The pancakes are good here, too!
Breakfast
Monday to Friday 7.00 to 9.30am
Saturday and Sunday 7.30 to 9.30am
Seafood & Grill Lunch
Monday to Friday 12.00noon to 2.30pm
Saturday and Sunday 12.00noon to 3.00pm
Seafood & Grill Dinner
Sunday to Thursday 6.00pm to 9.00pm
Friday and Saturday 6.00pm to 9.30pm
The Brudenell Hotel
The Parade
Aldeburgh
Suffolk IP15 5BU
Phone: 01728 452071
Email: info@brudenellhotel.co.uk
Visit The Brudenell Hotel here.
Hotel and restaurant review by Chrissie Walker © 2018