The Crown at Stoke by Nayland

Phenomenal food and a mellow mood at this boutique inn with rooms in a quiet Suffolk village

The Crown began its days as a simple pub. It became a rather more food-focused pub in 2003, then a pub with rooms in 2008. Nowadays it's award-winning; one of Suffolk's gastro gems. Set in a historic village in the depths of Constable country, it's bursting with character - leather armchairs, tartan sofas, low beams, local ales. Outside, an alfresco terrace brims with flowers; just beyond are green fields and water meadows. Locals come for a drink and stay for a while. Sink into leather armchairs by the fire to read the papers, then order exceptional local food: just-caught fish, farm sausages, straight-from-the-ground veg. The wine list is excellent, the staff warmly welcoming.

Afterwards, wander around the back to the attractive 11-room hotel. Everything is in place for a relaxing stay; kingsize beds, power showers, a DVD library. Sleep deeply, then stride out for a country walk, or visit nearby wool towns and the Suffolk coast. This is restorative stuff.

Highs

• Barely 2 hours' drive from London, it makes a glorious weekend escape from the big smoke
• Fabulous food, with an emphasis on local produce: some of the best we've ever eaten
• A fantastic pub with a warm, convivial atmosphere
• Ticks all the boxes in terms of extras; underfloor heating, free WiFi, an array of toiletries, waffle robes
• Countryside views from most rooms

Lows

• Rooms lack homely touches and feel a bit soulless, although they were relatively new when we visited so this will hopefully improve with time
• Our bedroom got very hot at night; we had to sleep with the terrace door open