The Daffodil Blog

We would like to thank all our guests for their continued support in 2008 which helped make it the most successful in the 10 year history of The Daffodil and look forward to seeing you all in 2009.

We are currently taking a well earned rest but will be reopening on Friday 16th January with a new menu for Lunch and Dinner.  If you would like to make a reservation then please do use our online booking system to the right of this page or alternatively, we are picking up e mails, so e mail any reservation or enquiry to eat@thedaffodil.com

A couple of dates for your diary's:  Friday 13th February Cate Cody will be performing an early Valentine's evening so to avoid disappointment please book early gentlemen!!

The internationally renowned Cheltenham Gold Cup Race Week which is the most eagerly awaited four days of racing anywhere begins on 10th March so to help start the celebrations on Monday 9th Ralph Allin will be playing plenty of Celtic jigs and reels mixed into his beautiful repertoire so don't forget to book your table early.

With Christmas under way, our Head Chef Mark Davidson has made some beautiful dishes that will stir up all the tastes and memories of a traditional Christmas including Wild Mushroom & Chestnut Risotto, Roast Turkey with homemade Orange & Cranberry stuffing and not forgetting our very own Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding.  If your tastebuds are sizzling and you would like to see more then please look at our menu pages.

Our Jazz is still continuing throughout December culminating with our very own Tim Ward featuring Peter Tantrum playing yuletide tunes in what promises not to be a silent night.  Limited tables are still available so if you would like to book please do so through the website or phone our reservations team on 01242 700055.

From all of us at The Daffodil we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Last night was wonderful with the captivating and enchanting Yvonne Evans, we look forward to seeing her again.  Next week we have the Richard Hughes Trio playing a range of standards from sweet and lyrical to low down and dirty!

Richard's initial training was in music of the classical composers. He was captivated as a youngster by the sound of live jazz at local venues which he used to frequent before he was old enough to buy a drink. His classical training continued, culminating in his completion of a degree in music at Exeter University in 1998. In the creative and improvisation side to his playing, he is self-taught.

Since taking up music full-time, Richard is a popular choice as sideman by bands and artists both locally and internationally. His experience is wide ranging having gigged regularly for over ten years in bands that range from modern jazz, gypsy swing, blues and boogie, latin, pop, accompanist for vocalists and instrumentalists in exams. Over the years, he has made many contacts and built up an extensive and varied repertoire.

Richard writes and creates his own music and has recently recorded and produced an EP with several self-penned ‘originals’. He has written several other pieces for a small jazz combo including sax and trumpet which remain unperformed or recorded so far.

Wow what a sensation Blues Power were last night a real treat as ever.

Next Monday we will have the fabulous voice of Yvonne Evans who although based in Northampton is making her way around the uk and will be acompanied by the Tim Ward Jazz Trio.

Yvonne is being hailed as one of Jazz music's great vocalist who sings popular jazz standards in her own imitable style.

Please book online or call 01242 700055 as tables are  going quickly!

A bigh thank you to Tom Hill for playing for us on Monday night.  Next Monday will be having a real treat in the form of Zoe Schwarz and Rob Koral

Despite Zoë’s classical upbringing and studies it soon became clear that her forte was far more suited to blues, expressive ballads and jazz. It was only three years after her first jazz gig that Zoë had her first week at Ronnie Scott’s sharing a week with Monty Alexander.  She has also enjoyed success at Pizza on the Park, Stables-Wavendon, Vortex, 606 and many theatres and venues in the UK. 2008 is going to be her best year yet with a full programme of festivals the length and breadth of the country; from Swanage to Swaledale, Carswell to Litchfield, from Wales to London, to supporting Pat Metheny at the Lighthouse.

Rob Koral comes from a ‘self-taught’, more bluesy background; but has made his name on the British jazz scene, performing with the likes of Jim Nullen, Django Bates and Bill Bruford.  Rob moved to London early in his career and formed the successful band SKETCH with singer Sue Hawker. Sketch released several well-received albums, and appeared on the Old Grey Whistle test and BBC’s Jazz notes. Rob has played at all the major London venues, including Ronnie Scott’s, The Barbican, the Royal Festival Hall; as well as Jazz festivals and clubs all over the U.K, including Brecon, Glasgow and Swanage.

A big thank you to Dave West who captivated all our diners last night.

Next week sees a welcome return to Tom Hill and his trio. Tom who is originally from California has played with the likes of George Shearing, Tal Farlow, Art Farmer, Joe Williams, Mel Torme and many more. He held down the bass chair with Les Brown and the band of Reknown for over nine years-recording at the famous Capital Records Studio in Hollywood as well as performing on the Bob Hope televison shows and events.

Tom and his lovely wife Jacqui now live in Worcestershire with their 4 children. Tom continues to work as a jazz bassist and also is quite busy as a voice over artiste and actor and is a presenter on Saga 105.7 in Birmingham.

Don't forget you can book online or by phoning the reservations team on 01242 700 055.

A big thank you to Pete Canter who played us through last Monday beautifully.

Next Monday we have Dave West who is one of the most experienced vocalists in the UK specialising in the Swing era.  His talents range from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to Ray Charles and Nat King Cole.

Dave who was brought up in Liverpool spent his early years singing at The Cavern Club which was made famous by The Beetles back in the 1960's. Since then Dave has worked his way around the country with many different bands and using many different styles. 

He is currently living in Gloucester and playing with The Tim Ward Trio which promises to be a real treat!

As it is Bank Holiday Monday please reserve your table early as we are already nearly fully booked.

 Last night with Alex Garnett was truly wonderful and to continue the theme of saxophonists, next Monday we are very pleased to welcome back Pete Canter and his trio.

Pete is not only an extremely talented player, he also teaches and is now composing his own music which has recently been featured on the Performing Rights Society podcast for new composers.

This coming Monday Pete will be playing a wide range of Jazz standards from Bebop and Hardbop to Latin as well as some more contemporary jazz mixed in with his own compilations.

If you would like to reserve a table please do so by either booking online to the right of this web page or call the reservations team on 01242 700 055.

Next Monday night we are having a very special treat when Alex Garnett and the John Gibbon Trio come direct from the Brecon Jazz Festival.  Alex Garnett has played the Saxophone with some of the Jazz world greats such as Ray Gelato, Buddy Guy and Jools Holland.  He has been exciting audiences all over Europe for the last few years as well as Ronnie Scotts with his effortless playing on both alto and tenor saxophones.

We only have a few tables left so please remember to book either online or by phoning the reservations team for what promises to be a truly magical evening.

We have now confirmed all the bands that will be playing on our regular Monday Dinner Jazz evenings from July till September.  There are a few old favourites returning as well some new and exciting bands who have been touring the country.

The new programme is being kicked off with Sally Night who is a great vocalist in the style of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday & fresh from tours as well as TV appearances in France and Italy.

For more information about whos playing and when please visit the events section of our website or call our reservations team who will be happy to assist with any enquiry.

What a nailbiting day Wednesday was as we all waited in anticipation of the cocktail competition results. 

Bombay Sapphire finally phoned Andreu late afternoon with the amazing news he had shaken and stirred his way into the final in September.  We will be posting some photographs of Andreu at the competition on the gallery page so look out for those action shots!

A big congratulations to both The Physician and his wining cocktail the "Su-Phire" which is available for everyone to have on our Summer cocktail list.

This week we have some very exciting news about our Bar Manager  Andreu,  who is  now  better known as "The Physician" after a few of our regulars sampled his outstanding cocktails !!   

Andreu has been taking part in "The inspiring Creations Bombay Sapphire Cocktail Competition 2008" and has qualified for the semi-finals which are being held in London next Tuesday.  Each competitor has to create a new and individual cocktail for the judges .  Andreu's creation is a wildly refreshing combination of Bombay Sapphire, Lemon Grass, Ginger and Cherries called "Su-Phire" which starts with a slightly sweet taste but then the Ginger leaves a real zing in the back of the throat.  The "Su-Phire" will be available for all to try on our new Summer cocktail list and is definitely not one to be missed!  

The cocktail competition final will be held in September so we have our cocktail sticks crossed - good luck Andreu.

The time to celebrate all the best things about your Dad is near so to be sure this is the most memorable day yet, let us help by indulging his taste buds over a long and relaxing lunch. We are offering a special fixed price Sunday lunch with tea or coffee for only £28.95 as well as our full A La Carte.

Come early and enjoy an aperitif or try one of our famous & delicious cocktails in our Circle Bar whilst perusing the menus at one of the champagne tables. Children are more than welcome and we offer a 2 course lunch for the under 12's priced at £6.95, together with high chairs for the smallest ones in your group.

Please book early to avoid disappointment as tables are going quickly. To book either call 01242 700 055 or simply use our online reservation system on the right hand side of this page.

The street  fair lost the battle of the elements and closed early which was a shame but we all look forward to next year and are praying for a heat wave. Next Monday night jazz sees a welcome return to John Beckingham playing foot tapping jazz and blues from across the years. This evening is filling up very quickly so please book earlier rather than later to save disappointment.

Tim Ward will be playing with the fabulous Dee Daly singing Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone classics.

There will also be a street fair hosted by the Suffolk Traders Association starting from 10.00am. There will be lots to do for the whole family including a bouncy castle live music and lots of stalls selling interesting items. At the end of the day a raffle is being held and tickets can be bought from any of the local retail outlets and restaurants. All proceeds from this years street fair will be going to Winstone's Wish and The Animal Shelter.