Leaping Hare Vineyard Restaurant

This elegantly converted 16th-century barn on Sir Kenneth & Lady Carla Carlisle’s estate is an off-the-beaten track gem, set among gorgeous gardens, ancient woodlands & seven acres of vineyards noted for producing highly respectable wines. The barn is divided into a cafe & restaurant, the latter noted for an impeccably sourced, seasonally inspired menu –seared scallops with rocket salad & citrus dressing, & grilled sea bass with fresh pea & asparagus risotto - though finishing touches can lack finesse. The Cafe is open all day for simple things like salmon fishcakes, steak sandwich, linguine with pesto & rocket, (or plain with tomato sauce for children), & cakes like the ‘almost world famous’ Wycken carrot cake. Service sits on the fence – a cross between laid back & slow – but is equally welcoming to families with young children (who will love the sheep & llamas, the peacocks & guinea fowl running around) as do the fiercely loyal Suffolk country set. The cafe is open at 9am on Saturdays, when a farmer’s market is held.