For celebrations, gatherings and special occasions

Whether you’re marking a moment or bringing people together, The Black Lion offers a relaxed setting for private dining and special events. Enjoy good food, a well stocked bar and thoughtful service.

A Traditional Village Pub On The Green

Welcome To The Black Lion, Long Melford

Overlooking the village green in the heart of Long Melford, The Black Lion is a welcoming Suffolk pub made for good food, a well-poured drink and time spent together.

Settle in by the fire, find a table in the garden or stay a little longer in one of our characterful bedrooms. Whether you’re joining us for lunch, a weekend away or simply a pint at the bar, you’ll always find a warm welcome.

Gather Round The Table

Good Food, From Lunch Through To Supper

Our menus bring together the season’s best ingredients with care and creativity, while traditional pub classics offer familiarity. Come for a leisurely lunch, supper with friends or a bite to eat between exploring our village.

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Upstairs At The Black Lion

Ten Characterful Bedrooms

When it’s time to turn in, our ten individually styled bedrooms offer a comfortable place to rest. From cosy rooms to more spacious stays, including a suite and family room, each designed to sit within our Georgian setting.

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Autumn Murder Mystery

Autumn Murder Mystery
Saturday 31st October | From 7pm | £60 per guest

Autumn Murder Mystery

The game is afoot… Step into the world of Sherlock Holmes for an evening of dinner, intrigue and a rather puzzling poisoning. Settle in as the mystery unfolds around you, following the clues and uncovering secrets along the way.

Something To Drink

A Traditional Pub Bar

A panelled bar, an eclectic mix of antique furniture, and a large fireplace make for a welcoming space to enjoy local ales, an interesting wine list, and cocktails when the occasion calls. Find a seat by the fire or sit outside and enjoy the view.

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Beyond The Green

Just beyond the Green is the historic Holy Trinity Church, over the way is Melford Hall, and a short walk down the hill leads you to the mile-long high street, lined with independent shops selling everything from fashion to antiques. Four-legged companions are welcome too, with plenty of walks to discover from our doorstep and across the surrounding countryside. Neighbouring villages and market towns offer even more to explore.

Latest Chapters

Catch up with recent articles exploring our region, its food, its landscape and things happening close to home.

Autumn Walks That End at the Pub

15th September, 2026

The countryside feels at its best on an autumn walk - colourful trees, crisp leaves and cool air. From woodland paths and riverside trails to wide-open views across the coast, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite walks that finish at one of our pubs, so you can swap muddy boots for a pint, lunch or a well-earned Sunday roast.

Autumn Guide 2026

1st September, 2026

From food festivals and sculpture trails to theatre and fireworks, there’s plenty happening across East Anglia this autumn. We’ve rounded up some of the events worth putting in the diary, whether you’re looking for a day out with the family, a walk through the countryside or an excuse to explore somewhere new.

Constable 250 Celebrations

20th April, 2026

This year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the great landscape artist John Constable. Born in East Bergholt, he spent much of his life painting landscapes in and around Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. To honor his legacy, we will be hosting upcoming events and there's lots happening in the region.

Constable Country Walks that End at The Pub

26th January, 2026

Celebrate Constable's 250th anniversary by exploring his neck of the woods - all with a country pub and a pint at the end! Constable grew up surrounded by the fields, rivers and mills of the Stour Valley, which inspired many of his most loved paintings, so throw on an extra layer and lace up your boots for a ramble.

48 Hours in Constable Country: From The Crown to The Red Lion

5th January, 2026

Nestled in the heart of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the rolling landscapes that inspired one of Britain’s greatest artists, John Constable, are waiting to be explored.

Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers for The Black Lion can be used for meals, stays or a round at the bar. They’re an easy way to treat someone to good food, a night away or time spent in our village – whenever it suits them.

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BREAKFAST DONE RIGHT // Fresh coffee, hearty breakfasts, and a relaxed start to the day waiting for you at The Black Lion 🍳🥓

Whether it’s a full English, something lighter, or just coffee and catch-ups, breakfast tastes better when someone else makes it. Join us and make your morning something to look forward to! Tap the link in our bio to take a look at our menu or make a reservation. 

#breakfastatthepub #pubbreakfasts #breakfastdoneright #theblacklionlongmelford #longmelfordSUNDAY ROAST DONE RIGHT // Crispy roast potatoes, your favourite cuts of meat, rich gravy and all the trimmings - just how it should be! Gather your people and settle in and enjoy your Sunday, let us do all the hard work. 

Nothing beats a great Sunday roast, book your table at the link in our bio 

#sundaysdoneright #sundaysinsuffolk #suffolkpub #theblacklionlongmelford #sundayatthepubMIDWEEK MOTIVATION // You're half way there and the weekend is now on the horizon, if you needed a sign for a midweek pint of our delicious local pour @barshambrewery and a little bar snack alongside it then this is it!

#midweek #motivation #theblacklionlongmelford #longmelford #suffolkpubDOG OF THE WEEK // Meet this week's four-legged friend - Noah is stealing hearts and always first in line for a treat! 
We love seeing your pups enjoying our pub just as much as you do. Don’t forget we are proudly dog friendly everywhere - so, their big or little muddy paws are always welcome! 

Do you think your dog should be next? Bring them in! 

#dogfriendly #fourleggedfriend #theblacklionlongmelford #suffolkpub #longmelford

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