Long Melford pubs celebrate after top billing in annual Good Pub Guide

Two pubs near Sudbury are among 21 inns in Suffolk to feature in the 2019 Good Pub Guide.

The Black Lion pub with rooms in Long Melford, and The Crown in Long Melford, which has a boutique hotel, are listed as being recommended by the guide.

The 37th annual edition of the guide contains hundreds of independent, reader reviews of pubs across the country.

The Black Lion is part of The Chestnut Group, which acquired the business in 2017 and extensively refurbished the building, including the bar area, dining room, conservatory, drawing room and 10 bedrooms.

It is one of seven establishments owned by the group, including inns in Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds.

Philip Turner, founder of The Chestnut Group, said: “We are delighted to see The Black Lion included in The Good Pub Guide this year. It’s a real honour to be recognised as one of Britain’s best pubs.”

Richard Sunderland, co-owner of The Crown, said he was pleased the business was continuing it long-held run of being recognised in the guide.

He said: “We’ve been featured in the Good Pub Guide for the past decade. We’re delighted to continue to be highlighted as one of Suffolk’s finest by Britain’s best-selling and independent guide.”