- A feature from the August 2016 issue of Suffolk Norfolk Life magazine
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- Food, Reviews
A Restaurant with Rooms, by Charlie Roadley-Battin
Ideally situated between Norwich and Ipswich, you will find The Auberge just off the A140 near Yaxley. A fine period 15th Century building, which was once just a rural public house, but for the past twenty-one years has been in the safe hands of husband and wife, John and Dee Stenhouse, and their son, Jon. In recent years they have made tasteful improvements to create a sophisticated and stylish restaurant, and since 2009 boast eleven charming bedrooms too!
We knew we were in for a treat when we approached on a Monday evening and the car park was full! We were warmly greeted by Dee and son Jon, sat down in the small but very cosy bar area and had an aperitif whilst perusing the mouthwatering menu. This consisted of a set menu, á la carte, a new summer taster menu and a very special dining experience – Fruits de mer (24 hours notice required).
We were shown to our table in the quite enchanting dining room, heavily timbered with partitioned walls and pretty inglenook fireplace, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. Before our meal, we were presented with unpretentious honest bread and unsalted butter that reminded us of many happy times in France with our French relatives – lovely. After much deliberation, my husband decided to start with the prawn bisque, which he said was probably the best he has had and was only disappointed when he saw the bottom of his bowl! I elected to go for the prosciutto and pea trio, which was fresh, amazingly tasty and just the right amount