Suffolk is bursting with tasty food anddrink products that you are encouraged to seek out and enjoy.  You can besure that it will add something truly special to your visit.

Whilst you'll come across a fewhousehold names, many producers will be noted for their quality products withinfood and drink enthusiast circles, on a regional basis or even in their localarea.  You'll find unsung local food heroes going about their businesswith dedication and passion.

Home to two of the UK's leadingbrewers, Adnams at Southwold and Greene King at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk isalso home to lots of smaller breweries whose styles range from traditionalBitters and Milds (one of the last bastions in Southern England of thisthreatened style), through to exotic beers made with wheat, fruit andspices.  If you have different tastes in drinks, you'll find organic applejuice and cider plus a thriving wine sector.  One of the most interestingis the National Trust's vineyard at Ickworth House near Bury St Edmunds. Planted in 1995, it is dedicated to producing fine English wines.

It is now widely accepted thatorganic free-range animals live a happier, healthier life, and that growingorganic fruit and vegetables is better for the environment than intensive,industrial food production.  Good quality organic food also tastes great,and buying locally produced food reduces road miles, which is also better forthe environment.

As you'd expect in this unspoiltcounty, we have more than our fair share of locally grown, organic produce. If you're a lover of food and on the hunt for some great organic produce aroundSuffolk, youwon't be disappointed.  There's a great range, from cider, vinegar,mushrooms, lettuce, fruit, meat and vegetables.

Farm Shops and Farmers Markets in Suffolk are some of the best in the UK due to along agricultural history, which today is still a critical part of our localeconomy.  So not only will you met some of our Farmers at these markets,but several of them are actually based on working farms, so you can see whereyour produce comes from at source.

Possible the most famous farm inthe country ? Jimmy's Farm, near Ipswich ? hasbeen the subject of a hugely popular TV show.  It's Farmers? Market wasrecently included in the Guardian's list of Britain?s? Most Vibrant FoodMarkets.

Base yourself in the centre of thecounty and you'll be able to explore this very tasty county.

Nestling in the Suffolkcountryside, between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury,The Swan Hotel in Lavenham is perhaps one of England?s most iconic hotels.

The Swan dates back to the 15thCentury when it played a key role in Lavenham's wool trade.  Today it is aquintessential English country hotel and restaurant, proud of its achievementof an AA four star 81% rating and two AA Rosettes.  Ancient oak beams andinglenook fireplaces blend beautifully with rich furnishings and fabrics tocreate the perfect ambiance for rest and relaxation.  The historic Old Barboasts a wonderful collection of memorabilia including a wall signed by Britishand American airmen stationed at Lavenham Airfield during World War II.

A warm welcome awaits you at TheSwan, whether it is your first visit or you are one of many regular guests.

Kris Smith has been living andwriting about Suffolkfor several years, and especially the . It's a wonderfulplace in which to celebrate a variety of special occasions, for moreinformation go to or telephone 01787 247477.