7 Suffolk businesses named among best in UK in 2023

Here are seven that have received national recognition during 2023.

1. Little Barn Cakes

Little Barn Cakes won a gold and a bronze award at Cake International (Image: Little Barns Cake)

Debbie Lock, owner of Little Barns Cakes in Stoke-by-Nayland, competed at Cake International in November. 

She came fourth and won a bronze award for her Shetland pony cake in the life-size category, and she won third place and a gold award in the celebration cake category. 

Cake International has entrants from across the globe and focuses on judging how a cake is decorated. 

2. The Crown and Castle

The hotel is just a few minutes from the Suffolk coast (Image: PR Matters)

The Orford-based restaurant and hotel was named one of the best in the UK after receiving a prestigious award. 

For the second year running, the Crown and Castle won a Good Hotel Award. 

General manager John Morrell said: "To be acknowledged by the Good Hotel Awards once again this year is a great achievement and one which highlights the efforts the team goes to each and every day."

3. Alder Tree

Alder Tree farm was named best in UK for its ice cream (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Based at Alder Carr Farm, the business was crowned the best in the UK at the Great British Food Awards 2023 for its blackcurrant ice cream. 

It won the award due to its ice cream "instantly reminding" the judges of their childhood. 

Stephany Hardingham at Alder Tree said: "It is really an honour to have our product recognised in this way, and among such stiff competition."

4. Brandon in Bloom

Clare Watts (left) and Rachel Sobiechowski (right) collected the plaque at the award ceremony (Image: Brandon in Bloom)

44 community gardening groups were finalists in the 2023 Britain in Bloom UK finals, which took place on October 23. 

Brandon in Bloom represented East Anglia in the town category and was crowned best floral town in the UK. 

Rachel Sobiechowski, head of horticulture at Brandon in Bloom, said: "It felt like a huge challenge to take on, especially as this is only our fourth entry into the bloom competition."

5. The Friendly Loaf

The Friendly Loaf is made up of a team of ex-chef and pastry chefs (Image: The Friendly Loaf) The Friendly Loaf in Bury St Edmunds didn't expect to take home an award from the Food Awards 2023, one of the most prestigious awards evenings in the culinary world. 

The Suffolk bakery was named Artisan Bakery of the Year.

"We knew that we had been nominated but didn't expect to win!" said Mark Proctor, owner of the bakery. 

6. Milsoms Kesgrave Hall and Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa

Milsoms Kesgrave hall was among the spas named best in the UK (Image: Charlotte Bond)

These two Suffolk spas were named among the AA Recommended Hotel Awards for providing guests with "a world of rejuvenation and luxury". 

Milsoms Kesgrave Hall has been called “superb” by inspectors, and not only offers a luxurious on-site spa but is a four-star hotel with a two-AA rosette restaurant.

In October, the Bedford Lodge Hotel was named as one of the best hotels in Suffolk by AA.

7. Lipstick and Locks

The team at Lipstick and Locks in Sudbury won at the Salon Awards 2023 (Image: Lipstick and Locks)Lipstick and Locks won multiple awards at the Salon Awards 2023, including best salon in Suffolk. 

"I am thrilled that my Sudbury team won best salon in Suffolk and I'm excited for what the next year brings," said Abi Cutter, owner of the business. 

Two of the stylists at the Sudbury salon also won in the Salon Awards.