The Angel Hotel

The staff were helpful and friendly, from parking the car and handling our luggage to the reception and bar. They were warm without being overbearing. The room was well equipped, comfortable and warm. Even with lots of people in the hotel on Saturday night, it had a really good atmosphere. We also had cocktails one weekend night in quiet, pleasant surroundings, with the same friendly service.

The residents’ lounge felt cosy, though I found the bar’s grey decor made it feel rather cold. I hadn’t visited The Angel since the refurbishment and was pleasantly surprised by the changes. Dinner on Sunday was a letdown. The menu was very limited, and the roast beef I ordered didn’t have much taste. It wasn’t up to the standard of earlier dinners at The Angel.

Everyone we spoke to at the Angel was fantastic, and that really made the difference. The town is lovely, and the hotel is well placed. We had a comfortable room overlooking the abbey gardens, and both dinner and breakfast were delicious. A fine hotel that feels a cut above.

The service and atmosphere at The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds were lovely, and the food made for a great meal. We’ll definitely be back soon. The staff deserve a big thank you. The mains were both excellent. My wife’s local venison with celeriac gratin, blackberries and beetroot was beautifully presented and full of flavour, her favourite. I had the Surrey Farm beef sirloin rare, just how I like it, with flat mushroom, tomatoes, onion ring and peppercorn sauce. The truffle oil and Parmesan on the posh chips made them unreal. We shared char-grilled tenderstem broccoli with salsa verde, which was very good, and sautéed Jerusalem artichokes with kale pesto. That wasn’t my first choice, but my wife enjoyed it. For starters, she loved the pan-seared scallops with artichoke purée, hazelnuts and crispy pancetta. I had the venison ragu pappardelle with Parmesan, the special of the day. It was so tasty, and a very generous portion. We began with tempura gherkins, duck spring rolls with satay sauce, and a homemade roll with truffle and honey butter. That butter was a real standout, and all the nibbles were fantastic. I don’t usually go for panna cotta, but tried it anyway and was pleasantly surprised. My ratings: nibbles 4.5/5, starters 5/5, mains 5/5, dessert 4.5/5.