Somerleyton Hall, Lowestoft are opening their new café in the walled garden on Thursday evenings throughout the summer season from July 19th.
Carolyn Ashton, attraction manager at Somerleyton Hall, Lowestoft, explains the name of this new venue which is called Paxtons.
"The glass house was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, the eminent Victorian architect who also designed the famous Crystal Palace in London so it is a rather special building and hence the name. What we've done is to preserve its architectural integrity and open up the interior to create a wonderful light and airy venue which is perfect for informal dining. In the evening all that reflective glass twinkles in the candlelight and creates a magical, intimate atmosphere, it would make the perfect venue for celebration dinners and we hope to hire it out for private functions."
Paxtons is run by award winning chef, Stephen Duffield and his wife Sharon who is Somerleyton Estates events and weddings manager. Having won the coveted Academie Culinaire de France's Award of Excellence, Stephen has worked for some of the best East Anglian prestige restaurants, winning them several national and international awards over the years and is now doing what he loves best.
"My passion is good food being made accessible to all. I spend a lot of my free time pursuing, researching and practising new dishes and refining those already in my repertoire. The atmosphere at the café, being much more informal, gives me the opportunity to take my cooking back to basics, using locally sourced and mainly organic ingredients so that the flavours shine through.
Sharon and I want people to enjoy the Paxtons experience whether they call in for a bottle of beer and some potted shrimps or a three course supper," said Stephen.
Thursday evening diners will also be able to enjoy a summer evening stroll through the beautiful walled garden and can choose to eat alfresco in the courtyard if the weather permits.
Booking is not essential though recommended and menus are available on the Somerleyton Estate web site. Paxtons is at Somerleyton Hall, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 5QQ, follow the signs from the B1074 and they wish you bon appetit.
Bookings 07500 775606
