The Lion…it is nigh impossible to know where to start. With the warmest of welcomes? The unique, quite fabulous rooms? The gorgeous bar made of the most divine elm wood from a tree blown down just around the corner in the 1987 storm? I'm sure you can feel my dilemma.
From our first email exchange, I could feel owner Jonathan Peachey's passion and enthusiasm over the internet waves, and it's the same when we meet. It never ceases to amaze me how attitude affects action and Jonathan epitomises this. There follows a heartfelt story.
Having seen that The Lion was for sale 10 years ago – the pub he had lived next door to – Jonathan seized an opportunity. Trying to decide whether to take on a struggling establishment, Jonathan says he flipped the situation on its head, asking himself, 'If I don't buy it, what will happen?'
He confesses he knew nothing about hospitality; what he did know was what he liked and enjoyed. Using his gut feeling as a guiding principle, alongside the knowledge that people like a ‘good inn’, Jonathan put his trust in those he chose to help him bring The Lion to life.
'When you trust people, great things can happen.' he says. He's right; The Lion is operating smoothly, and a great deal of credit for this must go to the fabulous team behind the scenes – although, in fact, they are very much part of the scene.
Without doubt, it's the people in a place who make all the difference to one wanting to stay, to hang around, to return. The team at The Lion make us want to do all three. Jonathan operates from the heart, and he elicits the same in those around him. He wants the service they provide to be emotionally intelligent and sensitive because then, as he says, this can create 'something amazing'.
'If we become too business orientated, we lose the passion,' he says. With a dining room bursting at the seams for Sunday brunch, then lunch, his formula is proving effective.
The Lion is a gorgeous, 1760s timber framed inn, in the heart of East Bergholt. It is to die for – I'll explain why. Let’s start with aesthetics, because they are just stunning. Every decorative piece has been carefully chosen, but what is truly brilliant is that, although each feature makes a statement, there is something understated about what is on show.
Style permeates throughout; stunning beds, incredible mirrors, intriguing doors that lead somewhere and, sometimes, nowhere – a delight to explore. For me, the miniature doorways are enthralling (something to do with being 5ft 2in tall, no doubt); it's impossible not to try the latch and see what's beyond.
One such delightful door leads from a divine bedroom into the most incredible bathroom expanse. Honestly, seeing is believing. Each room is unique and special, and an utter delight. Immense care and thought has been given to every decision to make each living space not only comfortable but tasteful.
They say location is everything and, if that is the case, The Lion is winning the metaphorical race. We are in Constable country, old fashioned and mysteriously beautiful on the edge of cheeky Essex. Such a combination makes for a bubbly yet wholesome atmosphere. Sarah, operations manager, is the embodiment of this. Her generous warmth is infectious and we are soon caught up in conversation about her life at The Lion and before.
Jonathan is effusive about his staff, giving them full credit for The Lion being the place that it is. He speaks highly about each individual and the unique qualities they bring. He is rightly proud of them; the service they provide is impeccable, making it tough to leave. We are given a slice of weekend heaven, which not only revives us but inspires us.
Our chef, Ashley, more than tenders to us, not only creating the most incredible meal, but entertaining us by explaining where the ingredients are sourced and why he chooses to create these dishes.
We enjoy fish from Mersea Island, meat from Boxted, choose wine from an extensive, tasteful list sourced locally at Thorington Street. The wine cellar is another delight, not just because of its contents, but also the glass and oak corner room that houses the beautiful bottles, creating another artistic delight to savour. It is such creativity that makes the surroundings sing.
The adjacent former antiques shop now accommodates another stunning ensuite bedroom, which is accessed from the garden and is just a little different. It is these little differences that make a place a destination rather than somewhere you happen to stay. The garden is extensive, a sun trap with a delightful terrace and a beautiful marquee in the summer, used for relaxed weddings. Weddings reiterate the fact that The Lion is so much about family and relationships; every type of occasion can be celebrated here, a factor that no doubt contributed to The Lion being named Pub of the Year in the 2022/23 East of England Tourism Awards.
Will we go back? Absolutely. And we will take the children. Ours are no longer little ones looking for puddles to splash in but young adults, who enjoy great food, controversial conversations as well as the opportunity to walk a muddy path before returning to sit by a fire.
However, The Lion will not only happily accommodate our young adults but also couples escaping their chatty toddlers (or even bringing them with them) as well as extended families or old friends seeking time in a beautiful setting. All of them, and more, will be allowed time to catch up without interruption at The Lion. Enjoy.
thelioneastbergholt.co.uk
