Looking out onto Aldeburgh beach you will find The Brudenell, ready to us welcome us all back to its open terrace, after what feels like the longest and most difficult lockdown yet.
With panoramic views out to sea, there couldn’t be a better place to be to listen to the waves and take in that fresh Suffolk sea air.
WHEN CAN YOU VISIT?
The terrace opens at 9am for brunch and a beverages, while bar service begins at 11am. Head Chef, Darren Hazelton has created a tasty new lunch menu available from midday until 5pm, plus ‘Bru in a Bucket’ dishes from around the world to take away every evening and over weekends.
Lighter meals and snacks include tapas, wraps, sandwiches, fries with a sauce and a vegetarian soup. For something a little more substantial from £11 per person tuck into the catch of the day, a Salter & King hamburger or Adnams dry hopped battered fish with chunky chips. The dessert menu includes tempting favourites such as sticky toffee pudding and a rich chocolate brownie.
OUR FIRST THOUGHTS…
I visited on a sunny, but rather brisk, Sunday afternoon with my husband Sam and 18 month old Leo.
This was my first dining experience out for months so to say I was looking forward to it was an understatement.
Being 20 weeks pregnant safety is at the forefront of everything I do at the moment, when I entered the terrace I was reassured to see lots of space between tables and noticed the staff were particularly hot on keeping everything clean and sanitised. I also have to commend them for not only being so welcoming but being there working outside in all conditions at the moment.
THE FOOD…
After ordering our drinks we were spoilt for choice for food selections, but we couldn’t visit the coast without sampling a fish dish, so to start we ordered from the tapas menu and shared a couple of dishes between us.
Sam ended up eating most of the crab arancini, whilst Leo and I tucked into the breaded Halloumi sticks. I don’t know if its just me but I get so much satisfaction out of seeing my son enjoy his food, even if that does mean sharing!
For the main event I couldn’t resist the sound of the Spring Vegetable Risotto, it was the purest green colour with crunchy fresh spring greens with a dusting of parmesan, I was very happy with my choice, plus a cheeky side of chunky chips.
Sam went with the classic fish and chips dish, the portion size was great value and the homemade tartare sauce with mushy pea puree really stepped the dish up a notch or two.
As for our little Leo, the cheesy pasta kids dish was right up his street. He can almost use a fork but it was enjoyable watching him get really stuck in with his hands.
I have to say we were really comfortable after those two courses, so we didn’t feel the need for dessert.
Sam finished with a double espresso to gear himself up for lots of beach play to come.
THE VERDICT…
With the beach being literally a stones throw away it was lovely to finish lunch and walk straight out.
So whether like us you have little ones to entertain, a four legged friend (who are also welcome on the terrace) to wear out or simply wish to have a nice relaxing stroll, make eating at The Brudenell a family affair.
We absolutely loved our lunch and despite it being a little bit windy on this day, the quality of service, food and location was enough to overcome a bit of a breeze.
For details call the Brudenell on 01728 452071, www.brudenellhotel.co.uk
