UNCERTAINTY today surrounded the future of a stunning Suffolk country pub.

John Howard

UNCERTAINTY today surrounded the future of a stunning Suffolk country pub.

Enterprise Inns who own The Peacock at Chelsworth near Bildeston are today set to visit the tavern after reports it was standing empty.

No-one was answering the phone at the pub today and owners Enterprise Inns said they were unaware of the situation and a regional manager would be calling at the site this afternoon, and they would be able to comment later.

A spokeswoman said: “Our regional manager will be going to the site this afternoon, we do not know what is going on until that time, I can't comment at this stage.”

This finely timbered 14th century establishment features working inglenook fireplaces for the cold winter nights and a large, well kept beer garden, complete with a BBQ area, for the summer months.

Ian Brown, chairman of the village parish meeting, said: “I had not heard about this, and know nothing about it.

“The problem in the village is that we have a lot of weekenders and the community is tiny, about 150 residents live there and we have no shops or anything like tat.

“Apart from the village hall the pub is the only social place. If this turns out to be true it would be a blow. The village is known for its pub and open gardens and attracts walkers and artists.”

The Peacock Inn, Chelsworth, is situated within the rolling Brett Valley conservation area of South Suffolk, 15 miles West of Ipswich on the B1115.

The Peacock Inn has a reputation for offering an extensive range of wines, guest ales and local beers as well as mouth-watering menus.