Detailed review by Fritzthecat
Fritzthecat(44)
Essex, United Kingdom95%
The Rushbrooke Arms is a typical country style gastro-pub. It is located a few miles to the south of Bury-St-Edmunds, directly at the A134.
The Rushbrooke Arms9
Ratings
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Accessibility
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"Must See"-Factor
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Budget Friendliness
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Ambiance
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Food
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Service
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We found this restaurant by incident when we were on our way back home from a short trip to Norfolk in August 2007. What attracted us in the first place was the outside sitting area with its large playground as we weren't only hungry but also had our two very bored daughters with us.
There are plenty of parking facilities next to the restaurant, we've been there a few times now and even when the restaurant was very busy never had a problem to find a space for our car.I don't know how accessible this restaurant is with public transport but don't think there are many possibilities to reach here without own transport.
The building in which the restaurant is located dates back to the 18th century and features a thatched roof. With lots of flowers around and the landscaped outside spaces it looks very inviting. The interior is huge an offers seating on three levels. To the right, on the level of the entrance, is a small bar area but I don't think I'd choose this place only for a drink at the bar. This is clearly a restaurant and for a drink in the evening I'd prefer somewhere a little bit smaller and more intimate.
There are some steps that lead to a sunken sitting area where you will also find the till, which is where you place your orders. On this level is a large fireplace which is very cosy during winter.
Above this level is a mezzanine with more tables. I've never been up there so can't comment on how it feels to sit up there.
The downstairs area was comfortable and although there are plenty of tables we didn't have the feeling to be enclosed or overheard. They've certainly made the best use of the space they have available. The décor is rustic, loads of wood and beams.
Outside you will find a terrace with a good number of round wooden tables, sheltered by parasols which were a welcome feature on our first two visits when it was very hot. The playground is surrounded by a fence and can be overlooked from most of the tables on the terrace. This gives you the chance to sit comfortably while the little ones burn some energy. Again the lay-out is great, there is enough space in between the tables to ensure you are not forced to overhear your neighbour's conversation.
The menu is not overly long but offers a good selection of starters and main courses and we had no problems to find something we liked. Most dishes are typical for this kind of restaurant, with grill specialties and classic main courses domineering but in the starter section you can find some more imaginative dishes. The children's menu is poor, there were only three options and our kids had to settle for the fish and chips each time we went there as the other options got a clear "yuck" from then when offered. They fish and chips were very nice, not too oily and they didn't mind.
We loved the hearty soups as starters, especially when we went there during winter, and the rustic bread served with the soups was lovely. Soups change daily, so you need to ask whats on offer. We had a variety of vegetable soups which would all have been filling enough as a small lunch of if you are not that hungry.
The menu changes regularly and so far we have tried the sirloin steak (cooked exactly as ordered and tender), the fisherman's pie (very filling) and a smothered chicken. The later came with a topping of goat's cheese and balsamic roasted vegetables and was very nice.
Weve never been disappointed with the food so far, which is the reason why we keep going back although it is nearly an hour's drive for us. The prices are average and you won't have to break the bank to be able to eat here.
I cannot comment on the deserts, we never had space to fit any but the coffee was good (not the best I ever had but better than in most pubs).
They offer a good selection of beers and wine but due to the distance from the restaurant to our home we've always settled for soft drinks.
The service is fast, the staff is friendly and helpful, and they also leave you a bit of a break in between the courses. I hate it if the main course is being served before I hardly manage to finish the starter so appreciate it that they don't rush you through the meal. Cleanliness is no issue here, the in and outside spaces are kept very tidy and clean, there are no sticky tables are yucky cutlery full of watermarks and the toilets were clean and not the least messy even on very busy days when there were lots of families with children around.
