Situated in pretty Woodbridge lies The Turk’s Head. You can find it just tucked back from a residential country lane encased with beautifully sculpted gardens and framed by a woven fence. With an extensive gin and wine collection, a host of local ales and a fine seasonal menu (that we can vouch for) it’s definitely a spot on the Suffolk map that you want to visit.

Owner Jemima ran an interior design practice for ten years, specialising in lighting design, so working on the pub was a joy rather than a job. The original 17th century building had small dark rooms with low ceilings, so her aim was to make them light and bright to emphasise the space.

“All the finishes, fixtures and fittings needed to be very hard wearing as this is a very busy commercial space,” said Jemima. “Lighting was the linchpin to getting this right. Jim Lawrence fittings are design classics and beautifully made as well as doing their job extremely well. They fitted perfectly into our scheme of a traditional but elegant country pub with a fabulous restaurant. Also as we are a pub that focuses on using local produce it was wonderful to use a local lighting company.”

First impressions matter when it comes to design, and the external view does not disappoint. A spacious and thoughtfully sculpted garden stretches around the left side of the building, with plenty room for families and events. In summer The Turks Head sings with greenery and boasts a lovely sun trap, but we can imagine feeling cosy inside and nursing a hot drink in winter thanks to the feature fire places and low ceilings. On stepping inside, you can’t help but notice the range of Jim Lawrence lighting throughout. Our Antiqued Brass Bellingham’s hang above the bar with a soft glow – a very inviting entrance.

The main dining area is our favourite modern country deep blue, with light wood beams that open up the space. Spot our Single Curtis lights? These are perfect for angling and reaching those high, hard-to-reach spaces in period properties and illuminating these lovely beams at night. We think this space would be perfect for a large group of friends for a celebration.

Step down into the aptly named snug to see walls lined with our Cottage Wall Lights, making for a more intimate eating experience for a smaller group and those in need of a dog-friendly dining space. We love how our lightly Antiqued lights look against a paler chalky paint. A perfect spot for tucking into their Sunday lunch…

Make sure to book a place for brunch, lunch or dinner here. Head chef Mauli has an award winning global profile, which is very much translated through his delicious menu. Choose between a delectable selection including a 28 day aged Suffolk Beef Burger, Gressingham Duck or Grilled Hake (if you can!). For something a little different from Suffolk’s local produce, why not come down for their Spicy Street Food evenings or Indian Cookery demos hosted at the pub. We might see you there!

For further information about The Turk’s Head and their menus, take a look at their website. You can also follow them on Twitter and Instagram for regular event updates and a sneak peek at Mauli’s gorgeous food. All images taken by Simply C Photography.