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The Packhorse Inn

East Anglia Suffolk Newmarket

From £165 a night
8 Guest Rooms
Luxury Gastropub

A properly up-to-date country inn with excellent food and stylish rooms – well-placed for Newmarket, Suffolk and Cambridge.

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This modern country inn was rescued just under a decade ago by local city boy Philip Turner, who couldn't bear to see his ailing local go under. Thank goodness he did. Not only is The Packhorse Inn back on its feet again as a properly up-to-date country inn with food and rooms, it was the first of his Chestnut pubs venture, which has since grown to encompass a number of great pubs in the region, including the Three Blackbirds across the border in Cambridgeshire. It's also handy for those interested in the horseracing at nearby Newmarket – a place not overly well endowed with good places to stay.

The Packhorse has eight very comfortable rooms, half in the main building and half in the purpose-built ‘Coach House’ across the courtyard. Those above the pub (named after local hills) are slightly larger, with super-king-size beds and big, luxurious freestanding baths and walk-in showers, while those outside (named after local rivers) are slightly more functional with just showers, but are still very comfy and well equipped, though only two have super-king-size beds. All the rooms have tea- and coffee-making facilities, complimentary water, homemade biscuits, Freeview TVs and decent wifi. Dogs are welcome in the Courtyard rooms and are provided with their own bowl, blanket and treats.

The restaurant wraps around the central bar and is the main focus of the pub's ground floor; although people do pop by for a drink the bar is more likely to be occupied by diners waiting for a table than locals necking pints. The menus change regularly and feature 3–4 starters and half a dozen mains that are well-chosen and seasonal and always take in a choice of local meat or game, fish and at least one veggie option (think venison tartare or baked beetroot and goat’s cheese followed by pan-fried monkfish or Blythburgh pork belly), along with fish and chips , a burger and steaks. They serve roasts on Sundays, including ‘sharing roasts’ which you can order for your table a few days before, while breakfast is mainly a menu-based affair and includes a good Full English that you can enjoy with a selection of newspapers, including of course the Racing Post.

The pub’s location, overlooking the village green and next to the medieval flint bridge that features in its logo, is about as English as you can get – and undeniably pretty and peaceful. You're just just 3 miles outside Newmarket and 15 minutes or so from the attractive county town of Bury St Edmunds, so perfectly placed for some of the highlights of Suffolk, and even Cambridge is less than half an hour away.

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Details

Facilities

The first and founding inspiration for the Chestnut Collection, The Packhorse Inn remains the patriarch of the family - after all it's where it all began.

Award winning food, inspired by season and soil, is served from breakfast through to dinner by our cheerfully, thoughtful team members. Always on hand to recommend the perfect pairing of menu and cellar offerings, seven days a week.

Suitable For

For those who have time to stay a while, our eight individually designed bedrooms deliver a restful nights sleep, even for four legged friends who are most welcome to stay.

Nearby

The Packhorse Inn takes pride of place at the heart of Moulton next to the village green. Moulton is home to a vibrant local community who stage Christmas pantomimes at the village hall every year, a bustling village shop and our namesake, the 15th century medieval Packhorse Bridge.

For guests wanting to immerse themselves in the stunning Suffolk countryside we highly recommend The Three Churches walk. The walk takes you through Moulton, Dalham and Gazeley, passing by each of the village churches along part of Icknield Way, thought to be one of the oldest roads in Britain. This walk leads you through fields, woodland, country roads and by the River Kennett.

Food & Drink

Michellin 2021

At The Packhorse Inn, we cater for all tastes, from leisurely lunches, through to the evening à la carte, which delivers smart, contemporary dishes full of vibrant flavours.

The menu is best described as Modern British and is prepared with passion, integrity and originality by our talented team of award-winning Chefs.

Open

Open all year.

Pricing

Rooms from around £165 a night, including breakfast.

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The Owner Says

A village green, a thriving local shop, a meandering river and an award wining local - Moulton really is the quintessential rural idyll. Nestled in the folds of the West Suffolk hills the Packhorse Inn sits at the heart of its community. A stroll away from the medieval bridge that inspired its name and a short trot from all that Newmarket has to offer.

Location

Contact Website 01638 751 818 The Packhorse Inn, Bridge St, Moulton, Near Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8SP

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Getting There

Leave the A14 at junction 39, then merge onto the B1506. After approximately 1 1/2 miles, turn left at crossroads onto Moulton Road (B1085). Continue for another mile to enter the village of Moulton.

At crossroads turn left onto Bridge Street and The Packhorse Inn is on the left, opposite the Green and just before The Packhorse Bridge. Parking is to the rear of the building.

BY TRAIN

The nearest railway station is Kennett, just 2 miles away.

BY BUS

The village of Moulton is served by the no 16 and 312 bus services.

Features

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Reviews

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Rated ★★★★★ over 5 reviews

★★★★★

Lovely stay in a absolutely stunning location

Absolutely stunning location. Room was a good size with large en suite. Quality bedding, refreshments and toiletries. Large, white, soft towels. Lovely bed and blanket supplied for our dog along with some quality treats. Excellent food served in the pub. Nothing to dislike.

Oct 24, 2023 by Estelle

★★★★★

Great few nights away in a lovely pub with room and excellent service

From the moment we arrived and had a drink in the bar while room was prepared (we were early for check-in), sorting the table for dinner, and the breakfast, the staff could not do enough. Lovely room FOLLEY with bath overlooking the garden. Great bar and restaurant. Perfect location opposite village green for long walks.

Aug 31, 2023 by Cottaa

★★★★★

Do not pass Newmarket without stopping here!

What a find! Every course we had was delicious, faultless, and so tasty…but it was the excellent attentive service that made the place. All the staff were so professional and hard-working. Well done, we’ll be back!

Aug 6, 2023 by Nozzille

★★★★★

Simply outstanding

Beautiful location overlooking the huge green, gorgeous quiet village. Accommodation was excellent, warm, & the bathroom had underfloor heating, & fantastic shower, also very good shampoo, & other bits all very good quality. Staff are very attentive & food is outstanding to say the least. Would we return?…….without hesitation, already looking.

Jun 27, 2023 by Alan

★★★★★

Simply excellent - Thanks!

An outstanding lunch for a table of twelve. I am lucky enough to dine at some excellent restaurants, but rarely come away so totally satisfied with a meal; especially given the value. The chef and kitchen team deserve a massive thumbs up. It took significant self-control not to order another chocolate brownie & popcorn dessert… The service and setting was friendly, welcoming and comfortable. What a great place. It’s a long time since I left a review, but felt this deserved a few minutes of my time by way of a thank you.

Jun 22, 2023 by Sicarrie