When it comes to local food producers, we are spoilt for choice here on The Suffolk Coast. So, as summer gets into full swing, don your apron, fire up the coals and make your barbecue one your friends and family will talk about for weeks to come.
1. Kenton Hall Estate
No barbecue is complete without a sizzling sausage and juicy burger, and you would be hard pressed to find meat as delicious than that from Kenton Hall's Farm Shop. Their herd produces 100% Longhorn Beef; known for its marbled quality without excess external fat, it's tender and fantastic in flavour!
Their Oxford and Sandy Black sausage flavours include Lincolnshire, chipolatas, and pork and apple - the perfect banger for your hot coals!
2. Emmett's Stores
Make your burger extra special and top it with bacon from Emmett's Stores, the pork comes from nearby Blythburgh Free Range Pork and it's dry cured using natural sea salt and spices. Whilst at the shop in Peasenhall, you can also grab a few extras including olives, cheese, breads and their world-famous ham.
3. Pinney's of Orford
Barbecues don’t have to just be a meat feast. Why not treat your guests to some delicious smoked fish and oysters from Pinney's of Orford. Growing their own oysters at Butley Creek since the 1950s, Pinney's store also sells a wide range of freshly caught fish, plus crab cakes, potted crabs and angels on horseback, plus a range of pickles, chutneys, oils and jellies to accompany your meal.
4. Fen Farm Dairy
For cheese to top your burger and to accompany your salad, then make sure you stop by Fen Farm Dairy near Bungay and treat yourself to a round of their award-winning Baron Bigod cheese (which was served to guests at Harry & Meghan's wedding!).
The farm vending machine also stocks deliciously cream raw milk and cream - the perfect accompaniment to your strawberries or summer trifle!
5. The Food Hall & Fresh Food Pantry at Snape Maltings
A treasure trove of delectable deli delights, at The Food Hall & Fresh Food Pantry at Snape Maltings you can fill your basket with delicious locally-produced, seasonal food, including freshly-baked bread and pastries from the award-winning Pump Street Bakery.
For your BBQ, there's all you need including Suffolk sausages, locally produced meats, bread, crackers, pickles and chutneys, plus beers, juices and cordials.
6. Giddens & Thompson Greengrocers, Bungay
Located in the pretty town of Bungay, Giddens & Thompson Greengrocers sells a range of fresh, seasonal and local produce. Here you can get everything you need for your BBQ salad, plus strawberries, raspberries and blackberries for your summer pudding!
Whilst there, cross the road and pay a visit to the Earsham Street Deli where you will tempted by an array of delicious treats such as Pump Street Bakery bean to bar chocolate, before hopping in the car and making the short drive to Flint Vineyard to buy a case of the award-winning Bacchus 2016 which was named East Anglia Wine of the Year 2017.
7. Suffolk Food Hall
Take a trip to Suffolk Food Hall and you can get everything you need for a BBQ feast! With locally caught fish and seafood at the seafood counter, a wide selection of locally grown fruit and vegetables, a butcher for your sausages, burgers and steaks, a bakery for artisan loaves, rolls and pastries, and a delicatessen for chutneys, pickles, crackers and cheese.
If you get hungry whilst shopping, stop off in the Cookhouse Restaurant for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea whilst enjoying panoramic views of the Orwell Bridge and river.