152 Aldeburgh Restaurant

Those concerned that the establishment of this corner of Suffolk as an opera-goers paradise might dilute irreparably the charm and haunting beauty of the area must be pleasantly surprised that some forty years on quite the reverse is true, and the legacy of Benjamin Britten added significantly to the character and the economy of this very special part of England.

Classical music and quality eating are close friends, so no surprise that the quality of eating out has grown dramatically, with restaurants like 152aldeburgh offering a cuisine that leans heavily on local produce and inspiration. Opening at 10am they are well known for the little delicacies that make re-entry into the everyday world that much more appealing - just try their organic pastries.

Lunch and dinner are served by a la carte and menu du jour menus and might include starters of escabeche of mackerel with new potato and chive salad, coarse pork and bacon terrine with bramley chutney and toasted brioche, and the famed Aldeburgh fish soup with rouille.

Main dishes may field herb crusted lamb cutlets, served with fine beans and dauphinoise potato, confit duck leg with spring greens and oyster mushrooms, or good honest fish and chips, with tartare sauce. Puddings are a real speciality of the house and layered lemon curd with coconut biscuit and raspberry jelly competes with a chocolate torte and marshmallow. Cheese buffs will delight in Suffolk Gold, Mrs Temple's Binham Blue and other soft, smelly and hard treats drawn from a wider background.

Both Andrew Lister and chef Garry Cook have international experience, and teamed up again in 2003 to open 152aldeburch, which has never looked back. They are a prime example of two capable people leading a small but dedicated team, and concentrating on doing just that, to great effect.