The Crown at Stoke by Nayland

Eating

Meals are served in the pub, which has a convivial, warm atmosphere; we loved it. We stayed on a Monday and a Tuesday night, and both evenings were buzzing with a mixture of hotel guests and locals. Low wooden beams, terracotta walls and lamp-lighting set the scene; tartan sofas, leather armchairs and sketch art filled it with charm. Divided into lots of little sections, the tables felt cosy and private, but the open kitchen acted as a focal point. In summer, there's a stone terrace surrounded by tubs of flowers for alfresco dining, but we were there in winter and loved the roaring log fire in the middle of the room.

The food itself was utterly delicious. The emphasis is on local produce and hearty portions; happily, we're fans of both. A smoked pork chop with pumpkin and sage risotto was one of the tastiest meals I have ever eaten, and my fiance raved about the venison one night, and the Adnams-battered haddock the next. Other options included grilled skatewing and a braised wild rabbit, while local mussels, oysters and plaice make regular appearances.

Puddings were perfect, too: treacle tart with creme fraiche sorbet, steamed quince and ginger pudding, warm bramley apple doughnuts with ice cream. In addition to excellent Adnams beers, there are over 30 wines by the glass.

The chefs are equally passionate about breakfast - a rarity among gastro-pubs - and the choice was unbelievable, with each section (English, Hot Alternatives, Light Start, Something Different, Healthy) containing a range of options. Between us we tried eggs florentine (wonderful), a free-range omelette with goat's cheese and tomatoes (a bit dry), French toast with berries, bacon and syrup (sublime), and smoked kippers with mustard butter (very good). In the interest of research, we also tried the yummy banana, raspberry and blueberry smoothies. It's a tough job but someone's got to do it.