Dickens' Angel

You cannot miss the blue plaque at the front of The Angel Hotel, installed on the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth to commemorate his visits to Bury St Edmunds and a thank you to the man who featured the former coaching inn and the town in his book The Pickwick Papers.

Dickens, who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, first stayed at The Angel in 1835 as a journalist for the Morning Chronicle (staying in what was then room 11).

The Georgian ivy clad 4 star boutique hotel and restaurant surprises with a twist of urban chic. The hotel is right in the centre of Bury St Edmunds town centre and everything is just a step away.

Once inside, The Angel is a curious contrast of comfy contemporary design with touches of exotic grandeur.

Warm leather sofas vie for your company in the lounge, which is filled with curiosities, pop art, eccentric oddities and cool vintage furniture.

It is a hotel of many different aspects all artfully blended together into an exciting package and the bedrooms are no exception. If you are looking for an upgrade, a selection of their suites come with elegant copper baths. Perfect for a 'Copper' field soak during your stay!

In 1859 and 1861 Dickens returned to The Angel to read to a captive audience at the nearby The Athenaeum, staying in what is now room 215, now known as the Charles Dickens Suite (pictured below).

He gave readings at The Athenaeum from The Pickwick Papers on 13 October 1859 and again on 30 October 1861 when he read from A Personal History of David Copperfield.

A photograph of Dickens is proudly displayed in his room.

The Angel Hotel features some wonderful nods to Dickens including quotes from the author on mirrors, artwork, copies of his books dotted around the lounge and bar and a cheque signed by Dickens in 1869 to in the foyer.

The cheque was for £15, which would be £1,590.72 in today's money!

The Angel Hotel's owner Robert Gough said: “The Angel plays a big part in the history of Bury St Edmunds. It’s iconic.

“We drew inspiration from the past with nods to Charles Dickens, who mentioned The Angel in The Pickwick Papers.”

The Angel's 'Pickwick Afternoon Tea’ is a themed afternoon tea experience based on the life & works of Dickens.

At just £35 per person, The Pickwick Afternoon Tea includes a selection of savouries, warm scones with homemade jam and clotted cream and sweet treats, served in our relaxing lounge. From ‘Butter fingers’ to ‘Hot Sausage and Mustard’ to Victoria sponge and ‘‘Cold Jelly & Custard” – the menu encompasses many fictitious characters featured in Dickens’ novels.

From ‘Butter fingers’ to ‘Hot Sausage and Mustard’ to Victoria sponge and ‘‘Cold Jelly & Custard” – the menu encompasses many fictitious characters featured in Dickens’ novels.

Table reservations can be made directly on the website & vouchers can be purchased to enjoy this afternoon tea experience via https://theangel.giftpro.co.uk/

The Hotel's top-selling restaurant dish is The Pickwick Pie.

Savour slow-braised beef and red wine wrapped in shortcrust pastry, served with mashed potatoes and root vegetables. The mouthwatering pie features proudly on their lunch and dinner menu, so gift this special treat to the pie lover in your life.

Dining at The Angel is a culinary treat. The Eaterie's stunning dining room blends historical charm with modern interior design and a menu of contemporary British food with a strong focus on seasonality and flavour.

The hotel runs a range of special events, wine nights and foodie nights throughout the year.

Many of The Angel's cocktails take inspiration from Dickens, including the "Artful Dodger," and "Oliver Twist".

The "Copperfield", which was created to coincide with the release of movie The Personal History of David Copperfield in which The Angel and other locations in Bury St Edmunds appear.

Made with British vodka, zesty pink grapefruit and fresh thyme it is The Angel's current favourite as an aperitif.

The Angel and Bury St Edmunds are mentioned in The Pickwick Papers, and scenes for Armando Iannucci's The Personal History of David Copperfield based on Dickens' novel and stars Dev Patel, were shot in front of The Angel on Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds in July 2018- the film was released 185 years after Dickens first stayed there.

Hundreds of extras, horse drawn carriages, directors, producers and film crew descended on Bury St Edmunds in July 2018, turning Angel Hill into a stunning film set.

The film's Producer Kevin Loader said: "When we saw Angel Hill we knew we had to use it. Also, I have never seen a more impressive coaching inn than The Angel Hotel, it’s huge and it looked just perfect for what we needed".

Modern day signage was removed for filming, ironically, including the Charles Dickens blue plaque at the front of The Angel.

For more information on stays at visit The Angel Hotel website.