Destination country pub with good food and accommodation perfect for Winter breaks
“The Sun Inn, a rural Bedfordshire pub set to be a foodie favourite… two boutique bedrooms, seasonal menu and friendly service at this village inn in Felmersham will leave you beaming.” The Times
This thatched-roofed free house in the riverside village of Felmersham is ridiculously pretty and was revamped last year by two local couples… is one the best British pubs for a winter weekend.” Financial Times
An historic rural pub, with traditional inn, charming original features and interior-magazine worthy ensuite bedrooms, The Sun Inn is more than a stopover; it’s a destination in its own right. The 17th century thatched roof pub is in the chocolate box pretty village of Felmersham, deep in the Bedfordshire countryside and offers the warmth of traditional hospitality with great food that is home-reared and locally produced.
Less than an hour from London Kings Cross, The Sun is a quintessentially British Free House and an ideal base for long country walks, a deep and restorative soak in the freestanding copper bath and the evening spent by the fire on winter nights.
Part of Wild Berry Farm, a 350-acre farm producing native and rare-breed, grass-fed Hereford beef, pork, Boer goats and poultry including bronze turkeys and duck, the new Farmers’ Grill menu is as close to farm to fork as can be. The farmland where the livestock live year-round, boasts lush river meadows, species-rich grassland, woodlands and lakes and is a haven for birds and wildlife, while the pub menu also supports many local businesses, including other farmers and estates, sourcing produce and game such as venison, pheasant and partridge, locally.
Focusing on a seasonal, home-reared menu, the aim is to serve the best food and drink in a casual, friendly environment without pretension. In the kitchen is Head Chef and landlord, Pete Pestell, whose new Farmers’ Grill menu includes dishes such as Whipped Cod’s Roe with Duck Egg and Game Chips (£12); Curried Kid Goat Offal with Lentils and Fermented Chilli (£13); Beets and Burrata with Vinaigrette (£13) and for dessert, Sticky Toffee Pudding with Clotted Cream (£9) and Figs, Ricotta, Honey and Almonds (£9).
The new Farmers’ Grill menu launches on 27th October, with the bar open from Tuesday late afternoon until Sunday, and the dining room serves food from Thursday evening to Sunday lunch.
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For more information, images, interviews or to arrange a press visit to The Sun Inn, please contact Hannah Blake at The Dining Room on 07730 039361 or Hannah@thediningroompr.co.uk
Address: The Sun Inn, Grange Road, Felmersham, Bedfordshire, MK43 7EU
Instagram: @thesunfelmersham Website: www.thesunfelmersham.com
About The Sun Inn
The pub was purchased by JJ and Laura Ibbet in 2019 as part of a shared vision between themselves and childhood and village friends, Pete and Conny, a couple of couples sharing a passion for quality produce, warm hospitality and creating memorable experiences. Restoration work began in 2022, and once the structural work was complete, the team embarked on a full refurbishment, with a focus on using natural and sustainable materials, to provide guests with accommodation and dining fitting for the 21st century traveller, fully reopening the restaurant and rooms in April 2023.
The farm and the pub
Childhood friends JJ Ibbett and Pete Pestell grew up knowing one day they wanted to work together. Their families and careers took them in separate directions – JJ worked widely in the farming sector and on the family farm, while Pete worked in kitchens notably under Chef and Restaurateur, Rowley Leigh, who remains a mentor and friend, and as the personal chef to the Duke of Bedford. Together with their wives, Laura and Conny, the foursome has brought new energy to the pub and to the riverside community of Felmersham.
The Bedrooms
The upper floors of The Sun have undergone extensive restoration to convert the living spaces into two newly refurbished bedrooms. Honouring the pastoral beauty of the surrounding farmland the rooms have been carefully designed combining luxurious comfort while championing natural and sustainable materials, tactility and craftsmanship.
Dawn is a large suite split over two floors with a super king Hypnos bed, free-standing copper bath, separate bathroom with walk in shower, living room and dining area with Samsung Artframe TV, Nespresso machine and Hypnos double sofa bed and kitchenette with mini bar and fridge. Conveying a strong sense of the building's architectural history, traditional fittings combine with modern elegance and British eclecticism. The original stone walls exude character and history, while tongue and groove panelling, antique brass, sisal, honey toned wooden floors and cork complement the earthy palette of shell pink, soft cream and mustard from sustainable paint company, Graphenstone. Sleep soundly in the eves after a deep bath in the freestanding copper tub using Bramley products, before a restful night’s sleep, cocooned by the paired back and natural interiors.
Modest in scale but mighty in comfort, the smaller suite, Dusk showcases that magical palette of restful dusky hues enjoyed at twilight. Recline and rest in this pretty dual aspect room decorated top to toe in the most serene green for a cosy and restorative night’s sleep.
