As the Christmas season approaches, The Crown in Hartest, a mere eight miles from Sudbury, emerges as the ideal venue for festive celebrations. Throughout December, they are offering a special festive menu at the inviting price of £33 for three courses. Inclusive of diverse dietary requirements, they provide a range of vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options upon request.

Commence your dining experience with a selection of appetising starters. The squash and sage soup is a smooth, comforting beginning, enhanced by apple croutons and served with granary bread. Alternatively, the smoked salmon fishcake, accompanied by a rich béarnaise and a crisp caper salad, offers a lighter start. For a more traditional option, the Christmas scotch egg combines pork and turkey in harmony, complemented by cranberry chutney and a celeriac purée. The Binham Brûlée, paired with spiced onion jam and fennel crackers, provides a delightful departure from the ordinary.

The main courses celebrate the season's bounty. The centrepiece is the Christmas pie, brimming with turkey, bacon, and stuffing, and served with bread sauce, duck fat potatoes, and homemade gravy. The cod fillet presents a piquant tomato and olive orzo as its accompaniment. The beef bourguignon, a classic winter warmer, is paired with creamy dauphinoise potatoes. For the vegetarian palate, the wild mushroom Wellington with truffle mash and a red wine jus is an indulgence. All mains are accompanied by a selection of festive vegetables, perfect for communal enjoyment.

Desserts are crafted to round off the meal with a touch of indulgence. The Christmas pudding tart, with its luscious brandy sauce, revisits a festive classic. For a fusion of flavours, the black forest Eton mess offers a decadent treat. The blood orange and vanilla panna cotta provides a zesty, sweet conclusion, while the Suffolk blue cheese, with ale chutney and crackers, caters to those preferring a savoury finish.

The Crown is attentive to dietary concerns and encourages guests to enquire about ingredients to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience. The festive menu is available for pre-booked groups, with a capacity to host up to 75 people. Please note that larger groups may be seated at adjacent tables to accommodate everyone comfortably. A £10 per person non-refundable deposit is required to secure reservations.

For bookings or further enquiries, please contact The Crown on 01284 830250 or via email at info@thecrownhartest.co.uk. This festive season, let The Crown in Hartest be your destination for a delightful Christmas gathering. With a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that captures the joy of the season, it's the perfect way to celebrate in Suffolk.