The Crown Triumphs at the Eat Game Awards 2025

Our village pub and restaurant, The Crown in Bildeston, Suffolk, received well-deserved recognition last night for the wonderful menus it produces using game from the Heathpatch estate.  The Crown, part of the Nedging Hall Estate group of businesses, beat 10 others on the short list to win ‘Best Restaurant or Pub Serving Game 2025’ at a glitzy London event, hosted by TV presenter, Adam Henson.  Thank you to sponsors, Weber.

Representing The Crown (from left to right), George, Harriet, Greig, Charlotte and Charles

We couldn’t be prouder for Managing Director, Charles Buckle, General Manager, George Bonwick, Head Chef, Greig Young, Marketing Manager, Charlotte Thorogood, Creative Manager, Harriet Easdale and all of their team.  They’re putting The Crown on the map as a 'must try' destination for great food and warm hospitality. 

The Eat Game Awards are in their 9th year and going from strength to strength, championing a 'Field to Fork' philosophy that is drawing attention to the increasing demand and appreciation for game meat. BASC’s executive director of conservation, Matt Ellis commented: “Each year, we see more entries, more new faces and a growing public interest in the incredible businesses and individuals championing game. The work we do in educating and promoting game meat is essential, and it’s inspiring to see so many others sharing the message with such passion and dedication.”

Congratulations also to the runners up, The Caddy Mann in Jedburgh and The Angel in Watlington.

Head Chef, Greig, with a reason to celebrate!

Head Chef, Greig, was back at his post this morning crafting today’s menu and had this to say, “I’m really excited with how this award ties in with all the work we are doing to fulfil our ‘Estate to Plate’ promise. It's all coming together and I'm very pleased to have been able to represent The Crown last night". Greig was also short-listed but sadly it was not his night but there's always next year...!

The Heathpatch Estate covers over 4,000 acres of the Suffolk countryside with a thriving population of wildlife, showcasing our commitment to increasing biodiversity. It is a fact of country life that some of this wildlife would start to over-populate the land if not controlled. We ensure that this is done expertly and cleanly, with no fear or pain. The game on our plates spends no time in lorries travelling to abattoirs. One very good reason to enjoy some of our game dishes.

The Crown's next special event is ‘An Evening with Freddy Paske’. The Crown are excited to host another ‘Evening With’ event on April 3rd, 2025. They are offering a delicious three-course supper including some of our home-grown produce, alongside interesting stories from a popular Suffolk personality. Freddy Paske is an award-winning wildlife artist and an internationally acclaimed British artist known for his vibrant paintings of the animal kingdom. In 2022 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II appointed Freddy as her Artist-in-Residence for the Platinum Jubilee.  Click the image below for information on how to book.