Bee and Thistle Inn

We had a small dinner party with coworkers at the Bee & Thistle last night. It was so lovely!!! The atmosphere, service and especially food! I moved to Connecticut in 2007. Had heard many things about how charming the Bee & Thistle is to stay however I kept missing hearing how the restaurant within the B&T is today in 2011 (the Bee & Thistle has been a landmark business in Old Lyme for many decades). We were a party of six and our evening could not have been more special. In addition to the stated service and atmosphere our meal was exceptional. I enjoyed the Ginger Seared “Rare” Tuna with Bok Choy Salad, Avocado and Ginger Cucumber. I especially appreciated the pace of the evening. So often at other restaurants you get the feeling of momentum to eat, finish and go. However the pace had a grace to it. SOOOO relaxed and the evening dining at the Bee & Thistle was the event. more

We had a small dinner party with coworkers at the Bee & Thistle last night. It was so lovely!!! The atmosphere, service and especially food! I moved to Connecticut in 2007. Had heard many things about how charming the Bee & Thistle is to stay however I kept missing hearing how the restaurant within the B&T is today in 2011 (the Bee & Thistle has been a landmark business in Old Lyme for many decades). We were a party of six and our evening could not have been more special. In addition to the stated service and atmosphere our meal was exceptional. I enjoyed the Ginger Seared “Rare” Tuna with Bok Choy Salad, Avocado and Ginger Cucumber. I especially appreciated the pace of the evening. So often at other restaurants you get the feeling of momentum to eat, finish and go. However the pace had a grace to it. SOOOO relaxed and the evening dining at the Bee & Thistle was the event. ***** more

An 11-room New England country inn situated on 5 acres along the River in the historic district of Old Lyme. Its food service has been voted "Best Restaurant" in Connecticut. You beautiful bouquet of flowers from their beautiful cutting gardens is in your room when you arrive. It is a very romantic setting and has many great "photo opportunities" in the scenery such as Its large circular drive, porches, carved staircase, fireplaces, stately trees, a sunken English perennial garden. The inn is located within relative walking distance to Old Lyme historic area where you can visit the Griswold Museum, art galleries, antique stores and small shops. Spend a romantic night or weekend at the Bee and Thistle, staying in one of our eleven charming guest rooms. They have the fluffiest goose-down pillows. The turn down service also includes a delightful surprise of in-house truffles snack. more

I think the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme, Connecticut, is a perfect setting for a relaxing evening in a historic and romantic setting. The inn was built in the 1700's and is beautifully furnished. We had dinner there for an anniversary and were very impressed with the delicious food, the superior service, and the surroundings. The grounds are lovely , and we took a nice after-dinner stroll. The menu is American with a good variety of dishes. We also enjoyed an excellent afternoon tea there a couple of years ago. They still do these in November and December on Wednesdays and Thursdays. more