The Fleece Hotel in Babergh

We have lived in the area for nearly 4 years, and on our first visit to Boxford we noticed that the place had unfortunately closed. Then along came covid!. Finally we got to visit, early evening on Saturday and amazed to find a full bar, and friendly relaxed atmosphere. An old fashioned pub at its very best. We only had a drink, however food was available. Super dog friendly too, and will be returning regularly.

We went for a birthday treat and were delighted with our meal, our roast dinners were delicious and very generous. We will come again

Just had two fillet steaks on steak night and opted for medium rare one with peppercorn and the other garlic butter. We eat out a fair amount and have to say that’s the best steak I’ve ever had in 42 years. Will definitely recommend this establishment to other people. Food excellent, service excellent... will always come back to this pub

Another fantastic dinner at this wonderful old pub. The whisky soaked salmon was amazing! All of our party had a very good and tasty meal with such good wines to choose from. It has a great atmosphere with such friendly staff and patrons alike, and so busy at the weekend that you really need to book!

Rarely do you walk into a pub and feel it could be your local within minutes. We were staying in Boxford and booked the Fleece for an early supper after a day of sightseeing. Sitting in the public bar we were made to feel completely at home by Aaron and the locals who extended a very warm welcome to us. The home-cooked food was excellent and the wine recommendation spot on. We will certain make a point of re-visiting if we are back in the area and may even make a special journey if the Supper Club mentioned in other posts happens again! We wish Aaron and Bex all the best with their new venture and it is clear that their talents and personalities will ensure that any establishment they run will quickly become the heart and soul of the village.

We ate here by accident. Friends recommended, thinking that we were booking the restaurant across the road, which appears to now be closed. They ate there in the summer. However, not disappointed. Read reviews and seem good. The pub area has retained a very traditional feel and it was busy, presumably with locals. The food came in a nice amount of time and the barman was very approachable and friendly and had good banter. The food portions were very decent and it was a reasonable price. Nice rose wine (not sure what it was now, but it was nice). I would definitely come back.

I stayed in Boxford for one week and ate at the Fleece pub three times. The service from Jules and Aron was wonderful. The ambiance was very nice and the food was out of this world, and very reasonable. They’re dog friendly which is great because it’s so difficult to get a good meal in a decent place sometimes when you have a dog in tow. If you’re anywhere in the vicinity, looking for a meal, i highly recommend you pop into the Fleece.

Had lunch today. Made to feel very welcome. Varied menue food good and a lovely atmosphere in Dining Room with real log fire! Will definitely return.....

Alternate menu every day with specials changing. Stay tuned for Xmas events and parties. The village have really put the fleece on the map. Thanks to all.

Six of us booked lunch here today, great welcome from friendly bar staff and we were soon settled with drinks . Food all cooked to order so a short wait but well worth it. Beef cheek casserole just melted as you ate it, Venison was delicious and steak and kidney pudding voted very good and well filled. If you have any room left after the main course and like sticky toffee pudding with lashings of sauce then this is for you. Eton mess and crème brulee went down well too. A brilliant find for delicious traditional home cooked food, will certainly be back.

We rented a cottage in the village and ate here several times. Amazing food with large portions great atmosphere a very warm welcome from Aaron the manager very good wine supplied by the local wine shop Boxford wines and our 3 border Collies were made very welcome. Overall great pub and very friendly village we are back next April

Very impressive pub with very good service. Great put together glasses of gin. Food was very impressive as very tasty and great service. Everyone who lives in the town are all very positive about the management team and a well respected pub. 🍻🥂👍

We've been to the Fleece a few times since it re-opened earlier this year, and really enjoyed our time spent at the bar, but last Sunday was the first time I have eaten there since. WHY have I waited so long???? The Sunday lunch was just superb, the beef was perfectly cooked, everything was fresh and hot, and the gravy and cauliflower cheese were just gorgeous. Also managed to squeeze in a dessert, which was equally as yum. All the food that was leaving the kitchen looked great and I can't wait to go back and try some more! However what makes this a great place, is not just the beautiful food on offer, but the atmosphere as a whole. The new landlord, Aran, breathes life into the place. He is so welcoming and personable - he remembers you when you call again and is always on hand to give recommendations if you fancy trying a something new or different to drink (the drinks presentation is also of the highest quality - order a G&T if you want to see what I mean!). Overall, I think you're definitely missing out on a local highlight if you haven't been to the Fleece yet. Well done to all involved in the new look/feel Fleece, it's a joy to visit!!

Went to Aaron and Bex’s first dinner club last night - fantastic food and a cracking event - exactly what this village has been waiting for. Well done guys, can’t wait for the Gin and canapés 👍

Visited the Fleece one Unday by chance. Since then have been back at least six times as the meals are always good. Thoroughly recommend and Aaron is most welcoming and makes everyone feel very elcime.

Wednesday is Steak night, the fillet steak with all the trimmings were cooked to perfection. Lovely venue, great atmosphere, very welcoming landlord. Will be back for Sunday lunch sometime soon. Highly recommend.

This was our first visit. We went on ‘steak night’. There were a good variety of steaks on offer, as well as a broad menu including some ‘pub classics’.

This is my 10th visit to the fleece and it just keeps getting better and better. Every time I walk in I feel welcom. The staff are very friendly and professional. This evening I had the steak and ale pie and was delicious....the menu caters for all needs and the steak night deal on a Wednesday is also fantastic, as are the “pub classics”. Would recommend to all friends and family for a local pub with great drinks and lovely food! Can’t wait to go back next week, thank you!

The food was amazing really lovely .went as a family the roast dinner looked lush. I had a veg dish which was yummy .would deffo go again

We have just had another lovely dinner at this wonderful old fashioned but quirky pub. The steak and ale pie was so tasty and filling! It's a lovely atmosphere with such a friendly landlord working the bar even on his birthday!

We was staying locally, so was recommended to come here for food, they was right. The fish and chips were lovely couldn’t fault at all highly recommended. The landlord was new and was fully welcoming and went through his list of gins with me!! Really good food, nice pub could do with a bit of a paint but certainly ok and sure will be done in time. Good luck with your new business your food and hospitality is great.

On the spur of the moment we visited this pub for Sunday lunch. Landlord very welcoming and large menu choices.

Had a couple of lovely visits here with friends in the past. Tonight, Aug 19, will be the first under new owners. Looking forward to it.

Lovely place with a warm welcome as you enter, service is friendly and helpful children and dogs welcome!! The food is exepcinal and the price is surprisingly cheap for the quality of the meal!! Pop in for drinks or food as no regrets will be held and guarantee you'll go back!!

We really enjoyed our fish supper on offer for £10.00 including a drink. It's very good that the Fleece is back in action.

Called today with son for a quick bite to eat. We both went for the open fishfinger sandwich. It was exceptional, the batter on the fish fingers really made the meal. Placed on top of homemade bread, perfect! Will be definitely going back.

We were staying in Boxford for a couple of days so decided to eat at the Fleece. The reception was warm and friendly and you could tell that they have a passion for good food and service. The food was amazing! All home cooked, fresh and tasted exceptional. The presentation top notch. This will be our ‘go to’ place on returning to the lovely little village of Boxford ❤️

My husband and I had another really lovely meal at this quaint and unspoiled village pub...good food, pleasant atmosphere, fish and chips and a drink for £10! It doesn't get much better than this! Is so nice to have this village pub back open again

The pub has always been a bit hit and miss, but finally these guys have turned it into a fantastic and friendly pub for both drinkers and diners. The lambs liver was to die for and the vegetarian wellington was superb. Already looking forward to coming back next week. Keep it up!!!

Great to call in to a village pub and receive such a warm welcome. The landlords are clearly experts at maintaining high levels of customer service. The food was fabulous! The Sunday roasts went down a treat. Portions are large, so go with a good appetite...you must try the calamari to start though - melt in the mouth! Sign of a customer-focused establishment - they don’t grimace when you personalise the menu! The Fleece will do well with this team in place.

Fantastic to have the Fleece Public House open again under new management

Looking forward to the reopening of The Fleece under new management. Quality food at a reasonable price. See you all there.

Var hos vänner i Boxford och vi gick till detta ställets pub! Verkligen trevligt o genuint, precis som den lokala puben skall varaTrevlig personal o god öl inte minst, rintigt bra

We were going to The Fleece but were put off by the dirty nature of the outside. Fag ends , pigeon droppings and other detritus that hasn't been swept for ages. Running a pub is hard work but little things like this need attention. We hope to return so we can write a good review about the food !

Phoned the Fleece around 1915 asked for table a bit early and of cuff,of course was reply. Arrived 10 mins later made welcome and felt comfortable good natural atmosphere.(this is not a first visit).Glass of house wine white good.

Popped along to The Fleece this Tuesday lunchtime but it was closed: sign outside stating opening hours were 12-3: it was 12:35 and no signs of life.

Once again an amazing meal. Great friendly low key service in an relaxed cosy pub. Called in advance and the Chef cooked us Lobster Thermidor, even though it was not on the menu. Never had a bad meal here - highly recommend.

We had lunch there late Sunday afternoon, I had the roast Pork with probably the best crackling I've ever had! My partner had the veggie option which they tailored to her needs. A very friendly pub where all the staff muck in to make it enjoyable!

I booked a table for 3 people for Sunday lunch. Got there on time 12.30, The place was cold with only one fire alight. We asked the lady behind the counter if she could put the heating on, she said it was on but yet all the radiators were cold. When asked what the menu was we were told the only food being served was the choice of 3 mains. No starters or deserts ?. We sat there waiting and then saw how dirty the place was. When the food arrived we still had our coats on and to our but no surprise to the girl serving the food was stone cold. I will add we were the only 3 people in for food, This place should be shut down.

We have been to this pub, which is local to us, on several occasions for Sunday lunch recently. I rarely post reviews but the Sunday lunch is so exceptional I think the chef should get more recognition for the quality of the food hence this review. There is usually a choice of two or three meats for Sunday lunch. I have tried the roast beef, pork and Turkey. All were great but my favourite was the pork. I have never had such nice cracking before. Roasts come with a plethera of freshly cooked veg, which varies but usually includes a lovely cauliflower cheese. Portions are big but not at the expense of quality and prices are very reasonable. What I particularly like is that it is all done fresh. So often when you go out for Sundaly lunch the yorkshire puds and roast potatoes are pre-cooked and warmed up, but you can tell that everything is done to order so it is like a proper home cooked lunch. We haven't tried eating there on other nights but are going to soon.

We visited for dinner on a Friday night whilst staying in the village. We booked a table, but didn't really need to as it was pretty quiet. The food was of a good standard for a local pub. We had the steak and chips and steak and ale pie, perfect pub comfort food! They also had a nice selection of wine to have with dinner. We would definitely return if staying in the area again.

Sorry to say that our meals were at best average. Microwaved pastry on the pie, limp french fries and not well presented. Service was fine but it does seem that it matters who is doing the cooking on a particular day. Don't like being critical but the food at the pub has become a little variable of late.

We visited on a midweek lunchtime and received a warm welcome, however we were the only people in the pub (there was a bridge game going on in another room) We were seated in the bar area which had rustic charm. We shared a camembert starter; very nice though there could have been more bread. We then had ham, egg and chips and liver and bacon, both were lush. We enjoyed our first two courses so much that we succumbed to a dessert. The final bill was a really reasonable price and we were happy to spend it. The only reason I haven't given this pub an excellent rating is because of the lack of atmosphere but I hope to return on a Wednesday night when I believe they have live music.

Este hotel es muy acogedor y atractivo. El personal es muy servicial y complaciente. El ambiente de la posada" se siente como en casa". El hotel tiene un ambiente muy rústico y cálido, lo que hace que quieras quedarte una noche extra.

Por un día giraba la semana pasada. . . Tenía una pinta rápido con un bistec y queso baguette. . . Ambos eran muy buenos. . . Baguette era cálido y crujiente, grande y llena con un buen corte de carne, que en realidad algo (más sándwiches de carne acabe tirando la carne cocidas en un bocado). . Sándwich muy bien ubicado, un poco demasiado grande si se conoce la verdad. . Amargo era muy apetecible. . Precioso pub en un pueblo encantador. .

Invité a un cliente a una pinta en el vellón, donde mejor para discutir una nueva idea! Nos sentados en el bar, con el wifi, fue muy agradable! El personal era muy servicial y amable. La junta tenía una fuente especial de chips 'vuelvo pronto!

Tuvimos una comida realmente precioso - una excelente - pero no demasiado exigente menú con agradable, servicio atento.

Found out this was open on Christmas day and booked a table of four. Was a little nervous as was told that this was the first time they had done this. However, I need not have worried. We were warmly greeted by a member of staff with a glass or prosecco and shown to our table. The food was great starters for us was Smoke Salmon and one of our party had the pate which was very good, the only thing missing was some brown bread and butter but we were offered very good rolls. The main event Christmas lunch was juicy and hot with plenty of veg and gravy but a little mean on the cranberry. We had opted for the Brulee as a desert, unfortunately, it had not set and in typical English style, we did not complain. However, the staff did pick up on this with the other table and rectified it quickly so more fool us for not mentioning it. We finished off with cheese and biscuits and coffee. On the whole, I have to say we had a lovely time and would highly recommend this place and we will certainly being going back

Had a really good meal at the fleece staff were very friendly I had the surf and turf which was brilliant .generous portion meant i couldnt manage a desert my wife and son had the cheese board which had a really good selecton and l had to help them out one would have done between them ..definitely will call again. ...

We decided to go to the fleece for our date night, we was really not disappointed by our choice, great friendly service always polite! As for the food we was not disappointed by the quality and presentation.. Definitely a cut above your standard pub food, we will be returning for many years to come. So nice to see pub food done properly.

Had some great food, locals were really friendly drinking at the bar after, good fun night out. Highly recommend! Plenty of daily specials!

Here for dinner on a Saturday evening; bar really busy but dining room empty; we were to find out why!Started badly. Ordered bottle of red wine which was placed unopened on the table, no offer to taste the wine, as waitress retreated hastily to the kitchen.Shared starter of baked camembert, served with celery and apples; nothing added to camembert e.g. herbs, but served with a small pot of branston pickle. Chef worked hard on that one! Followed by game pie and steak and kidney pudding. Games pie had little game, but oddly filled with petit pois. Steak and kidney pudding straight out of a packet, heated and stuck on a plate with some gravy. Both supposed to be served with mash and vegetables (note the plural). Only vegetable was seriously underdone cabbage.Overall, all that is wrong with British pub food and service.

Visited with the family after searching and we was not let down. The food was amazing and reasonable prices. The staff were friendly and could not complain at all.Would recommend to anyone and they hold entertainment night at the weekend and it's set in a lovely location of boxford opposite the river and not hard to find.

My partner and I (and our dog) had a great lunch at The Fleece Hotel. I had the fish of the day which was superbly fresh Plaice lightly battered and a mound of chips and peas. My partner had homemade Steak and Guinness pie, fresh veg and chips in stead of mash - just what we needed on a cold day. The pub had a really nice atmosphere and we were made to feel very welcome. We will be returning - even to try everything on the menu as it looked so great!Another bonus was that they had Adnams on tap. Oh and was great value too! I would definitely recommend themThank you ,

I was so surprised by this pub. It is a proper country pub in the hands of attentive owners. They listen to their customers. My guest is unusual,he likes his chips well done and quite brown. This is the only place I have ever found that did them as he wanted. I like extra gravy and got gravy boat. 10 out of 10. I was really impressed by the owner /manager . He looked at us discreetly no less than five times but didn't interrupt our conversation with " is everything alright ". Very refreshing. Not gourmet but a very high pub standard with terrific atmosphere.

Was just stopping by for a spot of dinner and found this gem on trip advisor.The service was exceptional with a warm welcome, great food with a good selection of ales and a friendly atmosphere.Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Visited here after reading good reviews. Sadly our meal was awful. My husband is a real steak and chips guy but said this was one of the worst steaks he had ever had. Meat was wafer thin , poorly cooked and grey in colour. We were not asked how our meal was until we paid. Very poor value for money. Will not go back or recommend. My meal was also poor, sadly.

Lovely friendly staff.However the roast beef was served with inappropriate accompaniments.Would suggest trad vegetables rather than fancy undercooked vegetables.

My friends wanted to go to the White Horse at Edwardstone - a pub I used to go to often, so we duly pitched up, only to be treated like dirt. So, we decamped to The Fleece and what a difference! Lovely, friendly staff, excellent beer choices and lovely food. So different and so refreshingly good. Nothing is too much trouble and you feel like a valued customer, not like an inconvenience. We will be back - lots!

We visit about every 3 months, and today's visit was as good as ever, the chef Ben made its very pleasant experience. If you like a good village pub with real people and real good food this is it! Highly recommended.

We were viewing a house nearby and thought we'd check out the local pub. Even on the chef's night off (Monday) the pub was still serving a good selection of food, very well cooked by the landlady. All the meat is local and there was an excellent selection of beer and decent wine. We had a very friendly welcome and were pleased we decided to stop by.

This is a old fashion pub!! No gaming machines. A good selection of real ale. Very good food. I had steak and chips, a proper portion of chips not 9 in a bucket! The steak was excellent. My wife had pork with a mustard sauce. This was also very good. Service very good & the beer Woodfords in excellent condition. They have live music on selected nights. In the summer jazz in the garden. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. All in all a traditional English pub.

Had the occassion to eat here while visiting friends in the area. We were greeted warmly by the couple who own this charming olde world inn, Bar staff were friendly and attentive. food was excellent. we had lunch from the specials board and everything was beautifully presented.The place is filled with warmth and charm and I would def eat here again, a little gem tucked away in a lovely part of our country.

Had a great day the food was fantastic I recommend it to everyone. The kids loved the outside space, great selection of beers we shall return....

Went for a mid week meal and had good expectations based on previous reviews but came away a little disappointed. The location is lovely in a pretty little Suffolk village and the actual pub was great too with a warm atmosphere complete with a roaring log burner. Staff were friendly but when the food arrived we were all a little disappointed especially with the "Thai fish cakes" which should ideally come in a nice bread crumb coating and pan fried, these were over crunchy and incredibly greasy which was no surprise as they had been deep fried! The starter of Cajun chicken wasn't fabulous either!So to sum up, great for a pint and social but not to eat (in my opinion) so would not be eating there again I'm afraid.

We had a lovely lunch on a cold day sitting beside a roaring fire. The food is excellent including a specials board, great beer and wine and very friendly staff who make you feel genuinely welcome. If you have not discovered this gem yet in the beautiful village of Boxford, then what are you waiting for!

Visited the Fleece Hotel at Boxford Suffolk, original coaching inn which had a very friendly atmosphere. Excellent varied menu and full range of real ales. Had the specials of the day, and chose steak chilli prawns, and the baked cod with tomatoes which were absolutely delicious. Would certainly recommend this for another visit.

Great night with fine food and excellent entertainment. A rally sociable evening, with Landlady and Landlord proving hardworking and congenial hosts. Looks like a must for next year. Thanks!

Fantastic evening shared by all, outstanding 4-course meal, very Traditional for the occasion. Excellent hosts, John and Judith made it a very special night. Thank you.

I was recently on holiday staying with my parents in the area. We found this pub whilst out for a drive. The landlord was extremely welcoming and found us a table in the dining room in front of the fire. The food was delicious, my mother is still talking about the homemade steak and ale pie! All the staff were very friendly and the service was excellent. I would recommend it. I have now gone back home, my dad said they went there for a Sunday roast the another week and it was spot on! Upset that i missed out. Can't wait to come back in the summer to sit out in their beautiful garden.

We visited the fleece 14th of January early evening about 6:30. We were greeted with a lovely warm fire in the bar where we sat to the table next to it. There was myself my wife and two children. The bar staff were very helpful and the Landlord bought over some pencils and colourings for our children. We ordered food I had a pork fillet special, my wife had the fish and chips our children the chicken and bacon pasta. We all throughly enjoyed our meals again and so did the other people in eating that night as we over heard them chatting. Good variety of Adnams ales. Over all a charming 15th century proper English Inn with alot of original features. We will be back as much as we can.

Went to the fleece last week with my partner and kids, what a lovely pub a warm welcome from the landlord and lady, good to see the crap beer has gone. It is a nice old suffolk pub.I ordered a burger which was jucey and succulent I highly recommend the fleece I will be back there very soon.....

This establishment has fallen from the heights of being a great place to eat and drink, to a smelly drinkers pub, catering for swearing loud mouths, serving motorway food. And as for the proprietor and staff...,

We last visited the fleece in 2013 and it was absolutely exceptional, unfortunately our visit back in December was a long was off the standard that we enjoyed last time. On arrival we were met by a man who i believe was the landlord, in any case he seemed more intent on pouring his own beer than helping the bar staff deal with the customers who were waiting. Last time we were here I enjoyed a pint of the local beer from the associated brewery, however was told in a smirking manner "we don't do it any more, its like drain cleaner". I was instead served a pint of flat, tasteless beer instead.On to the meal, and the menu I'm sorry to say was bland by comparison, however did have a good selection of pub classics. I ordered the burger and my wife had fish and chips, the burger was tough and lacked any flavour, to which the waitress apologised but did nothing about it.It is such a shame to see what was a fantastic pub go down the pan like this, and wish you the best in getting this place back up to scratch.

I visited as part of a group and we all thoroughly enjoyed the meal. The roast turkey was perfect and the salmon en croute mouth watering. This was followed by Christmas pudding and panna cotta, coffee and mince pies. The ambiance and service were excellent, all of the staff worked very hard to ensure that we had a good time. We will definitely be visiting the Fleece again.

We visited The Fleece for a Friday night treat. The staff were friendly and service was good. The food was good, proper pies and tasty curry. Unfortunately the dining room was very cold in contrast with the lovely warm bar area. The ladies loo was a horror. I counted least 6 spiders all over the ceiling and around the window and every surface was covered in dust. It looked as though it hadn't been cleaned in years. This doesn't inspire confidence in the cleanliness of the rest of the premises!

This was my second visit staying at the Fleece Hotel in Boxford and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a place to stay around the Suffolk/Essex borders. It has all the attributes of a great British Pub, good local food & beers, welcoming landlords, friendly staff and locals and the fabulous historic surroundings of a 15th Century Coaching Inn. Well worth a visit for a pub lunch or a quick pint if you can't stay for longer.

Recently stayed just outside the village, but ate & drank in the Fleece in the evenings. Great value food, with really good local ales & made to feel very welcome.

We visited a Thursday lunchtime, so not too busy. The tables for lunch are in and around the bar, which is traditional style with a welcome wood burner. the staff were very friendly and personable. There were two menus, an al a carte, and a "seniors" menu, (3 courses for under £9). We chose form the a la carte menu, starters and mains were simple but great honest tasting, I had steak and ale pie, which was obviously home-made and packed with tender meat, along with plenty of assorted veg. one of us had a steak, cooked as he liked it with crispy chips and veg. We also pushed the boat out for sweets, and had the cheesecake and the chocolate brownie, both with ice cream. Both sweets were top notch! If you can save space for the sweet!

I reviewed the Fleece 2 years ago and said it was the best Sunday lunch I had ever eaten out, we went again last year and again it was excellent. What has happened??New chef or owners I'm guessing. My husband and I both ordered the roast pork. It arrived fairly quickly on a much smaller plate than in previous years. The roast potatoes were not at all crisp, the gravy tasted like Bisto granules and no crackling. Where once there had been a dazzling array of delicious seasonal veg the carrot and parsnip were accompanied by green beans and horrors.......baby sweetcorn, the kind normally served with stir frys.The landlady and staff were pleasant and efficient enough, but I won't be returning in a hurry.

Had the best atmosphere for a proper English pub. Great hosts and great food. Had a lovely evening. Highly recommend a visit (or several!)

This old pub has bee regenerated and is now a first class eating and drinking pub. A must to do as part of the Suffolk countryside, the publicans prepare great food and serve excellent ales, I con only HIGHLY recommend.

As a regular visitor to the pub, our last visit was as good as ever. A beautiful wood burner was glowing on arrival, giving the place a lovely warm feel. They had a good selection of draught beers, which went down nicely with my steak and ale pie! My partner who's vegetarian had several choices, she had trouble choosing between the menu and specials board so we are going back next week!The fleece is a traditional village pub. Our dog was welcome in the bar area, the staff were very helpful and accommodating.We will definitely be eating there more often.

Great home cooked food and real ales in a great old traditional English hostelry. Can't wait to go back for the traditional Jazz!

We have just paid another visit to this charming old pub our first,last month, was so good that we decided to try our luck once more, only to find that if anything it was better! They remembered us, (always a good sign) and the lunch was, again superb. Where can you get a three course meal plus a drink for £20 a couple?? All this without having to save vouchers!! We had a good chat with the jolly Landlord and Landlady before leaving for the short drive home and afternoon nap.

I stayed at the Fleece Hotel for 5 nights in early September 2015 and really enjoyed my visit. The building dates from the 15th century and has loads of historic character. Although an old building the fittings in my room were modern, the shower was actually a wet room with an excellent hot water supply, the bed was comfy and the room was warm and had a decent WIFI signal. The restaurant serves tasty, good value, locally sourced food with generous portion sizes. The pub is a friendly one, (locals and staff) and has a great selection of local beers. There is also a large historic courtyard garden for guests to enjoy in sunny weather. The Landlords, John & Judith made me feel very welcome for the duration of my stay and were very helpful with any questions i had or assistance I required during my visit- they definitely made my stay all the more special. Overall, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Fleece Hotel in Boxford as a great hotel choice for anyone visiting Suffolk, or if not staying, as a lunch stop to enjoy good food and a warm welcome in the historic surroundings of a 15th Century coaching inn.Highly Recommended!

We had a lovely meal and all the food was of a high standard and very tasty. Staff very friendly and attentive. The landlord and landlady were both extremely helpful when we requested a different dessert and it was no trouble for them to make it. We enjoyed it so much that we returned in the evening for a few drinks and to watch the England rugby match. We will definitely visit again when we are in the area.

Having eaten at The Fleece on several occasions I felt due to reading the comments regarding the miserable landlords it was about time I finally made a comment about the restaurant. Since moving to the village with my children several months ago we began visiting The Fleece. The food has always been fantastic and they will always bend over backwards to suit your needs. Our children are always made to feel welcome which is also very important when wanting to enjoy a relaxing meal out, even the landlord has played football with my son in the garden, which my son loved ( not bad for an apparently miserable sod)!. As for the comments regarding the landlord and landlady, I feel that it is a very unfair comment, in fact they are possibly the most friendly landlords I have come across and making these comments is very unfair as they have done so well with keeping the restaurant up to such great standards, obviously you can't please everyone all the time but to go and right a negative review after one bad experience is a bit pathetic! Anyway going back to the most important part, the food....its fantastic!!! Go and try it for yourselves I would make some suggestions as to what to have but everything we have ordered we have enjoyed hence why we seem to always be eating there :-)

Have eaten at The Fleece afew times over the summer and we have been very pleased with food and the frendly staff will be calling in again

I popped in with some family member because we loved the look of the building and the beautiful garden. Unfortunately the food and the service weren't up to scratch! The service behind the bar was very very poor, it took ages to be served and the lady behind the bar looked liked she didn't even want to be there but maybe that had something to do with the miserable unwelcoming manager/landlord! we were then consigned to the "restaurant", a bleak room with only two other diners - and resembling a morgue but without the jollity or charm. Service was off-hand and slapdash ( a little tip... Teacher your staff some manners) We waited 60 minutes after ordering before the food arrived. A mild inquiry at the 45 minute point yielded the explanation that "we're very busy tonight". The food turned out to be pretty average pub grub, sourced from ready-made deliveries via the freezer. In all, ludicrously, overrated and terrible service.

The atmosphere was perfect, a nice country pub with people at the bar and a quiet restaurant as it was still early. We looked at the special menu for £8:50 (for Pensioners) and could not believe that the menu promised a three course meal for that price. We were amazed to find that the starter (prawn cocktail) followed but good fish and chips then a steamed syrup pudding were all tasty and amazing value. It reminded us all of earlier days of school and we were disappointed that they had run out of roly poly pudding! If it's Tuesday and you fancy a lunch out with some pensioner friends call into The Fleece at Boxford and have a good time!

Chose this hotel for lunch based on good reviews but were disappointed and wouldn'tgo again. We were initially put off by an unfriendly welcome from the landlord. The fish and chips were only just okay served with some very glutinous tartar sauce. The choice of desserts all contained cream and based on the quality of the main course we decided against.

So its Monday and every place in Hadleigh and the surrounding area does not do food, The Fleece in Boxford to the rescue. Went for the specials - whitebait followed by cassoulet. Enough whitebait to feed a small army arrived, but I was not daunted. Managed to eat all the cassoulet as well. Both delicious. Husband struggled to finish his chicken stack, which again was absolutely lovely. Really good food, the host John could not have been more friendly and a big thank you to his wife who is the stand-in chef on Mondays and Tuesdays.Definitely on our list of good places to eat.

Three of us had lunch at The Fleece on a Thursday and we all very pleased with the quality of the food and the friendliness of the staff. We will certainly return.

Visiting friends at The Fleece what a fantastic place, treated to what can only be described on a sunday to Real Trad Jazz on a sunny sunday afternoon out in the walled garden - with blue skies above and the barbecue - a perfect sunday - a very nostalgic afternoon - Hats off to the landlords John and Judith and chef Andy for bringing the Fleece to life - their positivity shines through and nothing is too much trouble....something for everyone - quality is second to none and i have to say the beer selection good - Adnams always a favourite,,,,well done you

We went back to the Fleece last Friday with friends and had another lovely meal. I believe the Chef as now changed the menu and we will be back again soon to try these dishes.

Our son treated us to dinner at the Fleece. This was our first visit and will not be our last. Really good choice or evening menu and the lunch menu offers varied jacket potatoes, baguettes and sandwiches, if you fancy a light meal. Lovely dining area and friendly staff. What more could you ask. Prices are very reasonable for the standard of food. Will be back very soon.

I agree wholeheartedly with the writer of 'A great Sunday Lunch' and would add how easy some people find it to be rude to staff and how difficult these same people find it to be considerate. A dog in the dining room?? I ask you, what next? Would they like a dog bowl on the table for Fido and a cushion on the chair, perhaps a doggie menu?? This Landlord is the most affable of men, his wife and staff the same, hugely experienced and100% correct with their animal rules of house. This is what makes this eating establishment amongst the best for miles around. It is so refreshing to eat in a happy atmosphere.

I can't believe the review by the "New ownership, Big problem" oaf. My wife & I were there last Sunday when the bloke and his wife walked in with his dog and demanded the table by the fireplace. The landlord very politely told him that dogs were not only allowed, but welcomed, in the next room where people were eating, and that anyway the table had been reserved by someone who had taken the trouble to book in advance. At this point the uncouth peasant shouted several obscenities at the landlord and stormed out leaving the rest of us in the dining room shocked and rather glad that we didn't have to endure his, or his wife's presence any longer. I felt that the dog had more manners than both of them put together. And the lunch - it was terrific and the loutish behaviour hardly dinted our enjoyment of the food which was excellent. Dr Michael Turton

If your idea of a pleasant Sunday Lunch is to be bossed around by a landlord with the charm of a short tempered headmaster, to be ignored and then only treated with disdain, then this is the place for you!! We always loved going to the Fleece for Sunday lunch - it was a charming pub with sunny staff and good food and a happy atmosphere. We arrived yesterday with the same expectation, having booked ahead. We were bitterly disappointed, finding that the atmosphere was icy, the staff unhelpful and charmless, and that the awful, ill-mannered and bossy new proprietor was probably the cause for this. His treatment of us left such a bitter taste in our mouths that we knew we were not going to enjoy our meal, and decided to take our money elsewhere, and not come back.What a shame. A tip to the landlord - it's obviously very enjoyable for you to be in charge of a pub, but you are working in the hospitality industry. It is very competitive. Learn how to be hospitable, or have the wisdom to put someone with more social skills than yourself front of house.