The Secret Garden Cafe, Wine Bar & Restaurant
Latest Reviews
Very enjoyable, Lovely meal,staff brilliant,really put them selfs out to make a grand day, Well done
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wasn't expecting this quality of food in a back street in Suffolk, so this excellent three course meal was a pleasant surprise. The building is 400 years old and the interior has been preserved in a traditional style. Getting great service was another bonus, but the star of the show is the food. Couldn't fault any of my dishes. The fish soup with grated Lincolnshire cheese was cooked to perfection. My jerk salmon main was tasty, with a particularly tangy mango salad accompaniment. To finish, I indulged myself with a chocolate mousse on a marmalade cake base, which probably made it the most up market Jaffa Cake I've ever eaten. It was delicious. We washed it all down with a nice bottle of my favourite Argentinian white, Torrontes. The whole meal for two, including a gin and tonic each beforehand came to just over £80 before service. Great value for a wonderful meal and a lovely evening.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Today I was treated to a three course lunch with coffee by a to friend for my birthday treat .Wow ,what a treat it was .I havent had such lovely food as this for along time .So tasty and plenty of it .It's great to find someone that can really cook .The ladies who waited on us were brilliant ,so attentive and helpfulll. I will certainly be telling friend and family about my experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a 400 year old building and is worth going just for the atmosphere. The service was good. The food was perfectly nice without being first rate. The waitress was charming. A rather limited menu.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My partner and I have been to the Secret Garden before so knew what to expect. Our two friends from the USA had not so we kept our fingers crossed.
They loved it.The amuse bouche suited all of us (one a non-meat eater and one lactose free). Two of us had Rabbit spring rolls as a starter. Delicious. One had Rillettes,'Delicious'. The provencal style Smoked Haddock was a great mix of flavours. My partner is a non-meat eater and said that the Mushroom and Squash Roulade was great but possibly too large a portion.
Lovely service and absolutely enchanting attention from the owner. Those French know how to charm!Really good lunchtime value.
Can't wait to return.
They loved it.The amuse bouche suited all of us (one a non-meat eater and one lactose free). Two of us had Rabbit spring rolls as a starter. Delicious. One had Rillettes,'Delicious'. The provencal style Smoked Haddock was a great mix of flavours. My partner is a non-meat eater and said that the Mushroom and Squash Roulade was great but possibly too large a portion.
Lovely service and absolutely enchanting attention from the owner. Those French know how to charm!Really good lunchtime value.
Can't wait to return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had been recommended this restaurant be some' foody friends' and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere and service were lovely with attentive but not intrusive staff. The food was just lovely.. seafood soup and pork belly for me. The wine list was interesting too. We had a lovely evening and it was VERY reasonable cost wise.
We will be back.
We will be back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had an early table for Sunday lunch, it was Mothering Sunday so expected the restaurant to be busy and was pleasently surprised to get a table
The food was excellent and although a set menu we could not fault it It is the service that needs attention, on a busy lunch they needed more than 2 waitresses one of which was training. On arrival the service was impeccable but as they go busy it deteriorated , we waited 25 mins for a cheese plate and as our wine had been decanted and was on the bar with empty glasses. At £120 for 2 We expect better
However we would return but PLEASE more staff
The food was excellent and although a set menu we could not fault it It is the service that needs attention, on a busy lunch they needed more than 2 waitresses one of which was training. On arrival the service was impeccable but as they go busy it deteriorated , we waited 25 mins for a cheese plate and as our wine had been decanted and was on the bar with empty glasses. At £120 for 2 We expect better
However we would return but PLEASE more staff
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had high hopes for our evening at The Secret Garden from the reviews we had seen on line and were so disappointed when it didn’t live up to expectations.
The main issue we all had (there were 6 of us eating) was the poor service. Having been shown to our table and supplied with water we then waited 25 minutes before we had to get someone’s attention to take our wine order. It then took them another 10 minutes to advise the red that was ordered wasn’t available (no apology).
As for the food this was a mixed result! Half of the group enjoyed their food, the other half weren’t impressed – the two that ordered scallops to start didn’t appreciate them being cold. Those that had the Camembert as a main were surprised at how little Camembert was on the plate.
A tip for the restaurant, if a party gives you nearly a week’s notice that one of them is dairy free it would be nice to be offered a dairy free spread with bread. (again no apology for not having any). Also if you know someone if dairy free let them know the options available when handing out the menu, not when you come to take the order.
The main issue we all had (there were 6 of us eating) was the poor service. Having been shown to our table and supplied with water we then waited 25 minutes before we had to get someone’s attention to take our wine order. It then took them another 10 minutes to advise the red that was ordered wasn’t available (no apology).
As for the food this was a mixed result! Half of the group enjoyed their food, the other half weren’t impressed – the two that ordered scallops to start didn’t appreciate them being cold. Those that had the Camembert as a main were surprised at how little Camembert was on the plate.
A tip for the restaurant, if a party gives you nearly a week’s notice that one of them is dairy free it would be nice to be offered a dairy free spread with bread. (again no apology for not having any). Also if you know someone if dairy free let them know the options available when handing out the menu, not when you come to take the order.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a lovely restaurant with really nice atmosphere, this was a pre-theatre dinner for us, but I wish we had spent more time over our excellent meal, Once the staff knew we were going to the theatre, they made sure our three courses came in quick succession. The food is typically French and i particularly liked the fixed price menu concept. We will definitely return to this restaurant the next time we visit Sudbury and allow more time to linger over the superb food and service
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We really enjoyed our lunch here, the atmosphere was warm and friendly as are the staff who looked after us well, the menu had a good selection of quality food which we appreciated, there's also a good choice of wine and a nicely stocked bar to choose from.
We look forward to our next visit to The Secret Garden.
We look forward to our next visit to The Secret Garden.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Happened to see a very positive review of this restaurant in a county magazine, so made the journey for a mid week lunch. Their web site gives current menu & wine offerings for the restaurant (and the next door cafe).
Warm welcome - the service was spot on throughout - and we chose to go straight through to the very pleasant dining room in this historic building.The offered, and re-offered, breads were good. We expect interesting breads in a restaurant these days. The amuse bouche, a consumme, was outstanding, great depth of flavour. We followed with a total of 6 (different) dishes between us. All were very nicely presented, flavoursome and very much enjoyed. The portion sizes were good foodie, rather than large hearty eating - absolutely correct for us. The wine list included 4 white and 4 red by the glass. Browsing the complete list showed an overall good range, not over whelming, and looked like they take the trouble to choose their wines carefully and with passion. The wine prices looked sound, and decent value for this class of dining.
We enjoyed our lunch very much, and will happily make the 45 minute each way journey again. Lucky foodie residents of Sudbury!
Warm welcome - the service was spot on throughout - and we chose to go straight through to the very pleasant dining room in this historic building.The offered, and re-offered, breads were good. We expect interesting breads in a restaurant these days. The amuse bouche, a consumme, was outstanding, great depth of flavour. We followed with a total of 6 (different) dishes between us. All were very nicely presented, flavoursome and very much enjoyed. The portion sizes were good foodie, rather than large hearty eating - absolutely correct for us. The wine list included 4 white and 4 red by the glass. Browsing the complete list showed an overall good range, not over whelming, and looked like they take the trouble to choose their wines carefully and with passion. The wine prices looked sound, and decent value for this class of dining.
We enjoyed our lunch very much, and will happily make the 45 minute each way journey again. Lucky foodie residents of Sudbury!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What more can be said, not only did we have great company, the soundings, food quality, staff and service were great, we will be returning, no great is not good enough..... EXCELENT
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Such a lovely setting for a restaurant. From aperitif to desert we received the best possible service. We thoroughly enjoyed the scallops and game ragout for starters and the crispy belly pork and risotto for main. The deserts were delicious and the wine recommendations spot on. We eat all over the world and this restaurant ranks in our top ten .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came here with my sister and nephew for our fathers birthday - we always like to try new local restaurants, and particularly this one as he'd been to a dance in the same building many moons ago. The menu was small which is a relief, and seasonal which was lovely.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
First visit here for a friends birthday. Staff were fantastic hosts. Bread brought before meal was fantastic and all enjoyed the amazing food! We were given a history of the building which was interesting and made us feel very welcome! Highly recommend!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I dined here last night whilst visiting family from London. The food was remarkably good and elevated almost to exceptional with paired wines recommended to us. The setting is relaxed. The service was extraordinarily good – attentive but not overly so. Overall I’d say on a par with some starred restaurants (and a third of the price) and definitely worth a detour whilst in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
tasty food in a lovely setting - really interesting and yummy vegetarian choices and scrummy puds as well as great wines and perfectly cooked meaty mains. The whole family found a dish to enjoy. I d recommend this restaurent wholeheartedly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My partner and I ate here some months back and apologise that I've only just got around to Tripadvisor (whilst booking a return visit!). I'd read the reviews but was a little apprehensive as the menu looked a little "posh" for my partner's taste. Equally when we stepped inside I did wonder whether it was all going to be a bit gastro pretentious but how wrong I was. From the effusive welcome to the v. late laughing goodbye, this was a truly delightful evening, the best night out we'd had in a long time. Delicious cocktails and interesting wine menu accompanied mouth watering food. Unlike me, my partner is not one for food lust but described his desert as stunning. The extensively stocked cheese trolley meant that I was in a heaven of gluttony! Set in a beautiful building enhanced by exceptional service. A huge thank you must go out to Kirsty who was attentive but not at all intrusive, by the end of the evening we were laughing like old friends and her presence made this a truly memorable and enjoyable evening. This is a real gem of a restaurant and I am so looking forward to going there for my birthday meal this weekend. Thank you!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely restaurant, great food and well presented. The menu is small and the portions but the food was excellent. Would recommend to friends and would visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came for an evening meal for my sons birthday, nice welcome, well spaced seating, attentive but not imposing staff.
Professionally run but with a relaxed atmosphere.Small but well varied menu, with nice sized courses. we were able to let the owner provide us with a different glass of wine to match each course, excellent choices.
It is often difficult to get the balance right, but it suited us perfectly.Overall a very enjoyable and special evening, well done, and thank you!!!
Professionally run but with a relaxed atmosphere.Small but well varied menu, with nice sized courses. we were able to let the owner provide us with a different glass of wine to match each course, excellent choices.
It is often difficult to get the balance right, but it suited us perfectly.Overall a very enjoyable and special evening, well done, and thank you!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Gorgeous building, intimate ambiance. Fantastic food, presentation and service, very relaxed. Recommended wine was lovely. Hidden local gem, very pleased we tried it! And have already recommended to friends!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
No need for secrecy, no complaints to submit, no delays wanted before a return visit. First visit with no great expectations due to pleasant English country-style décor. But great courtesy; wheelchair ramp in place before our arrival, swift change of table proffered to better accommodate footrests. Unexpected amuse bouche. Peaceful with friendly Parisian in attendance. Good cooking and just far better than expected. Shall return to try more good portions, delicate presentations and pleasing quality of wines
From Jeanmas
From Jeanmas
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful old building, complimented by excellent service, first-class food and at very acceptable prices. My auntie has coeliac disease and must eat gluten-free food. How lovely to have a maître d' who knew all the dish ingredients without having to ask the chef. He guided her through every dish and had the portions adjusted so that she had 'room' for 3 courses. What a lovely surprise too to find that she had considerable choice across the menu, and she was delighted that the dessert options were so much more than just ice cream or fruit salad. She chose the PARFAIT: Chestnut and Whisky parfait with Chantilly cream and crushed meringue...yummy! Will definitely be going again, superb, can't fault it. Thank you everyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to the Secret Garden Restaurant for my husbands birthday. What a superb restaurant, now one of our favourites. The service was excellent, very friendly French waiter who helped us choose the perfect wine to accompany our lovely meal. The waitress was also very friendly and helpful. Considering there was only 3 staff that we saw, they had the Restaurant and bar running like clockwork, as soon as our glasses were empty they were by our side refilling them. Our chosen starter and main meal was delicious which was followed by a selection of cheeses and port. The prices were also very reasonable. Will definitely be returning. A little gem in Sudbury.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We has dinner here a couple of weeks ago. The food was great, service very good indeed and personal. Loved the wine list & the atmosphere in the restaurant. This place deserves to do well. Sudbury is lucky to have you! Very reasonable too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
