The Packhorse Inn is the bringing together of a number of strands to create both a traditional pub at the heart of the local community and a Suffolk tourism destination for a truly stunning dining and staying experience. Mediocrity is most certainly not on the menu or indeed any aspect of this eight bedroom country inn, which deliberately sets out to stretch the definition of “pub” to the limit. It is the vision of former banker, Philip Turner who established Chestnut Inns.

Philip Turner and Chestnut Inns

The drive behind the venture is Philip Turner, formerly a banker and corporate financier, who, as a Moulton resident, recognised the potential of this neglected pub and established Chestnut Inns to buy the freehold. Chestnut Inns secured additional funding under an Enterprise Investment Scheme attracting investors which include experienced operator David Minchin, husband of BBC News presenter Louise Minchin. The Packhorse is a seriously researched venture and a pilot for future Chestnut Inns' investment in further sites in the region.

Awards recognition

  • Awarded 3 AA Rosettes in 2014 making it currently the only restaurant in Suffolk with this status.
  • “Best Food Pub” for the East in The Great British Pub Awards 2014
  • Sawday's named us one of its three “Favourite Newcomers” 2014
  • One of the 70 new entrants selected, for The Michelin Eating Out In Pubs Guide 2015
  • Highlighted by The Sunday Times as one of 10 pubs or “boutique boozers” in its Ultimate 100 British hotels feature