Nestled on the Essex/Suffolk border, with views over the surrounding countryside, the Pheasant pub has opened a brand new hotel, inspired by historical local icons. The pub’s Coach House opened its doors on the 19th July, and has already welcomed guests from as far as Southern California in America. Having just had its busiest week to date, the new rooms are proving to be a big success.
The five beautifully finished rooms were each inspired by a different historic figure. Diana Donoghue, co-owner, says ‘We decided to name the rooms after local notable people to celebrate our region’s heritage. Iconic figures like Gainsborough and Constable are well known, but we also wanted to celebrate lesser known people who have strong connections to the area.’
The luxurious damask curtains and the wool tapestry on the wall behind the bed in one room, reflect the well known artist, Thomas Gainsborough. The Mark Catesby room enjoys a garden view, in honour of the botanist, made famous by his illustrations of plants and animals. The colours and fabrics of this room exemplify Catesby’s passion for flora and fauna.
As you climb the staircase to the first floor of the Coach House, it’s hard to ignore the picturesque countryside as it surrounds the pub on all sides. The name Samuel Courtauld was made famous as the family owned a number of Silk Mills in the region, mostly known for creating Crepe and Rayon. The fabric above the room’s king-size headboard is crushed velvet in purple, a shade championed by Courtault himself.
If guests are in the mood for a little splash of luxury, the Captain Lawrence Oates room boasts a relaxing jacuzzi. The room’s namesake was made famous when he joined the Polar expedition in 1910, on the Terra Nova Ship with Captain Scott. The Pheasant’s largest room is decorated with light blues and greys, with matching tartan, paying homage to the time Oates spent as a Royal Dragoon.
A hotel on the Essex/Suffolk border, with rooms inspired by regional heroes, simply wouldn’t be complete without a room dedicated to John Constable. Famous for the Haywain painting, Willie Lotts Cottage and Flatford Mill, the Constable room is a romantic one, with the beautiful landscape at its essence. Five large windows look out over the rolling countryside.
Diana and James Donoghue are delighted with the finished result of all of their hard work, and have had more good news to celebrate in the last week as well. The Pheasant pub has been named as a finalist of the Essex Life Food and Drink Awards for the Best Gastro Pub in the region. And if that wasn’t enough, the couple have also scooped the title of Best Food Pub in East Anglia in The Great British Pub Awards.