Stay in a restored 16th-century inn in the heart of Sudbury
The Old Bull Inn at Alaz occupies a beautifully restored 16th-century timber-framed building on Church Street in Sudbury, a historic market town in Suffolk. Originally built around 1540, the Grade II listed property has served as an inn and brewing house, with a history that includes a visit by Charles Dickens. Today, the building combines ten boutique guest rooms with Alaz Turkish Cuisine, offering a distinctive place to stay within walking distance of the town's galleries, historic streets and riverside countryside.
The inn's ten individually furnished bedrooms retain the character of the historic building while providing contemporary comfort. Accommodation ranges from cosy double rooms and spacious king rooms to the Gainsborough Suite, with its four-poster bed, generous seating area and additional sleeping space. The Loft King Room is particularly distinctive, with exposed timber beams, stained-glass windows and views towards one of Sudbury's historic churches. All rooms include en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities, while guests also have access to a comfortable communal lounge, private parking and a self-service continental breakfast.
Dining is a central part of the experience. Alaz Turkish Cuisine occupies the ground floor of the historic inn, serving traditional Turkish dishes in richly decorated surroundings that contrast with the building's exposed oak beams and centuries-old architecture. Guests can enjoy an evening meal without leaving the property, with grilled specialities, Turkish flavours and carefully selected wines providing a memorable alternative to conventional hotel dining. The combination of boutique accommodation and a distinctive restaurant makes The Old Bull particularly appealing for couples spending a weekend in Sudbury.
The inn's central position makes it easy to explore the town on foot. Gainsborough's House, the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, is a short walk away, while St Peter's Cultural Venue overlooks the historic Market Hill. Beyond the town centre, paths lead towards Sudbury Water Meadows and the River Stour, where riverside grasslands, historic bridges and open countryside provide a peaceful contrast to the surrounding streets. The Stour Valley Path offers opportunities for longer walks through the landscape associated with Gainsborough and John Constable.
Sudbury also provides a convenient base for exploring southern Suffolk. Nearby Long Melford is known for Holy Trinity Church, Melford Hall and Kentwell Hall, while Lavenham offers some of England's finest surviving medieval timber-framed buildings. Spend a morning exploring Sudbury's galleries and independent shops, follow a riverside path during the afternoon and return for Turkish dining at Alaz. With its historic architecture, individually styled bedrooms and central location, The Old Bull Inn provides an appealing setting for a two or three-night stay discovering Sudbury and the wider Stour Valley.
Walk • Stay • Explore
Walk through the historic streets of Sudbury, visit Gainsborough's House and follow paths towards Sudbury Water Meadows and the River Stour. Stay at The Old Bull Inn at Alaz, with ten boutique bedrooms, original timber-framed features, continental breakfast and Turkish restaurant dining. Explore St Peter's Cultural Venue, nearby Long Melford and Lavenham, or discover the surrounding countryside along the Stour Valley Path.