East Anglia Region

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

Angel Hotel

3 Angel Hill
Bury St. Edmunds
IP33 1LT
Emailku.oc.legnaeht@gniyats Telephone(01284) 753926
Real AleReal FireQuiet PubFamily FriendlyAccommodationLunchtime MealsEvening MealsSeparate BarDisabled AccessParkingRestaurant

See more about this pub on WhatPub, CAMRA's national pub guide.

A family owned 4 star hotel in town centre covered with Virginia creeper. Styled with a traditional Georgian elegance. Records show that there has been an inn on this site since about the 13th century. In fact there were once three ancient inns on this site - the Angel, the Castle & the Boar's Head, with the earliest reference to an inn here dating back as far as 1281. The present building dates from around 1774-1776 when it was also a posting inn. The town Hustings (electioneering speeches) were traditionally held outside the Angel Hotel & Charles Dickens stayed here in 1859 & 1861 (and earlier) when he gave readings to the town. The Bury Fair was held annually near here until 1871 when it was discontinued after it fell into disrepute. Originally granted by Henry I & held on feast of St James (25th July) Bury Fair was latter moved to feast of St Matthew (21st Sept.) & was a one time visited by Mary Tudor (who also married Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk). By 1721 the fair was very famous with many "knights & gentlemen of estates & gentlemen's daughters" in attendance. Two other fairs once held annually in Bury include the Calf's Tail Fair on Tue, Wed & Thu of Easter week, & a "butter fair" held on 2nd Dec.