Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and perhaps that’s why more and more people are choosing to venture out in the mornings to get their food fix. We’ve put together a list of our favourite breakfast spots to hit, which are in easy driving distance from the farm (except for one wild-card which is a little further.. but totally worth it!) so if you’re a soon-to-be or current guest of ours, or are a local looking for some new inspiration – this is for you!
The Cookhouse – Suffolk Food Hall
Where: Suffolk Food Hall Ltd, Wherstead, Ipswich, IP9 2AB
Distance: 20 minutes
The Cookhouse Restaurant located at the Suffolk Food Hall has released a brand-new breakfast menu as of January 2019, that is just waiting to be enjoyed. You’ll find the traditional breakfast treats; Eggs Benedict, Royale and Florentine on the menu and there’s also choice for those with specific dietary preferences – the ‘Vegan Hash’ with “spiced with paprika and cayenne pepper” sounds especially delicious. If you’re planning on going all-out why not try the ‘Steak and Eggs’, made with the Food Hall’s own Red Poll herd, reared in Wherstead and Freston and prepared by the on-site Butchers. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the Café located inside the Food Hall offers bacon & sausage sandwiches or a selection of pastries for quick, but no less tasty options. The Food Hall is a wonderful place to explore and find the very best Suffolk produce – delight in the fresh bread from the Bakery, be spoilt for choice at the Butchers counter, and you’ll be in antipasti heaven at the Delicatessen.
Honey + Harvey
Where: (Woodbridge) 56 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AL
(Melton) Riduna Park, Until 1, Melton, IP12 1QT
Distance: Both 25 minutes
Honey + Harvey takes delicious to the next level – both cafes have a very artisan feel to them and with simple yet high-quality, organic ingredients used, they have a breakfast menu that will set you up for the day, in the right way. I find when I’m in the mood for something on the healthier side, I’ll head here.. that’s not to say they don’t have indulgent goodies on the menu! But there’s something really lovely about sitting at the table in the Melton cafe and watching your breakfast being prepared from scratch, with nothing but the necessities added and presented beautifully. A personal favourite is the ‘Button Mushrooms + Garlic + Spring Onion Butter on Sourdough Toast”. If you’re feeling a little naughty why not try the “Brioche Eggy Bread + Maple Syrup + Fried Banana + Bacon”.. wow, how delicious does that sound?! Gluten free options are available and there is always a selection of delicious fresh pastries at the counter. As a great bonus, you’ll get free coffee refills when you purchase breakfast.
Farm Cafe + Shop, Marlesford
Where: Main Road, Marlesford, Woodbridge, IP13 0AG
Distance: 25 minutes
As described by The Observer, “a roadside café that takes its food very seriously’ – the Marlesford Cafe is always a personal go-to when in the need of a good, filling breakfast. You’ll find a relatively traditional menu here with the ‘Suffolk Free Range Breakfast’ and various toppings for your toast but there are more unique options for when you fancy something a little different like the ‘Locally Smoked Kippers’ from Pinney’s of Orford and the ‘Free Range Ham & Eggs’. Make sure you keep a look-out for the specials board too as there will be a couple of great options to choose from on there also. The farm shop is located just next door to the cafe so pop in before you leave for a browse – it’s full of local produce and ingredients that are also used in the cafe so you if you enjoyed some tasty sausages for your breakfast you can pick up a pack to take home and enjoy too!
Urban Jungle Plant Nursery & Cafe
Where: London Road, Beccles, NR34 8TT
Distance: 55 minutes
Now, I know what you’re thinking – a 55 minute drive for breakfast.. you must be mad?! But, the Urban Jungle takes a very well deserved spot on our list. This is a relatively new find for us but we were certainly not disappointed when we arrived. This is not your standard run-of-the-mill garden centre & cafe. As soon as you arrive you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a tropical land far away. Hunt among the jungle leaves, exotics, houseplants, cacti and succulents for your perfect dining spot and sit back and take it all in. It’s such a wonderful experience to enjoy food in a space that makes you feel inspired and refreshed. The cafe’s ethos is “to serve beautiful food, in taste and appearance that fully and imaginatively utilises home-grown produce from the Edible Jungle. Dishes are made with quality, gluten-free ingredients from suppliers who are passionate about animal welfare and the environment’. Well, if you’re still not convinced, perhaps the ‘Fluffy Jersey Milk Pancakes, Smoked Salmon & Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Toastie or Jungle Breakfast’ may seal the deal? That’s just an example of some of the delights that may be on the menu. Heading here is also a really great starting point if you’re planning a day exploring The Broads.
Laurel Farm Cafe
Where: Laurel Farm Garden Centre, Henley, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 6TE
Distance: 4 minutes
For when you really can’t face heading out too far, we have a little gem just for you; Laurel Farm Cafe is a mere 4 minutes (if that!) from Damerons Farm and this quaint little cafe has just about everything you could need for a delicious breakfast to kick start your day. Delicate pastries, delicious pancakes and a hearty full English are some of things you will find on the menu. Why not take a browse around the garden centre, farm shop and Clara Bowe Vintage whilst you’re there.. who knows, you might even stay long enough for lunch too!
The Last Anchor
Where: Haven Marina, New Cut East, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 0EA
Distance: 15 minutes
The Last Anchor is a great location to grab breakfast one morning, and you’ll be spoilt with the impressive waterfront views whilst you eat – it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a starting point to explore the town and learn more about the historic waterfront of Ipswich. Fresh, local ingredients are used and you’ll find a nice selection of traditional, hearty breakfast options here like a Full English, some yummy egg choices including Eggs Benedict and scrambled eggs & salmon on toast, and if you’re in the mood for something lighter, there is also a continental selection to choose from too.
