Pub with rooms in Stoke by Nayland, Suffolk
Curator's notes:
Rooms from
Doubles and twins: £145
Good to know
Scenic and
serene
Nestled in the sleepy village of Stoke-by-Nayland, this is the
perfect serene spot from which to embrace quiet village life.
Outdoor
adventures
The best way to really appreciate nearby unspoiled Essex is on foot
- and with its stunning Constable-countryside, there's plenty fo
keep keen walkers happy.
Waves and water
The Essex coast is a must if you enjoy big skies and sea breezes.
North of Harwich the Suffolk Coast Path runs for 50 miles between
Felixstowe and Lowestoft and takes in a variety of sea wall
stretches, marsh, heath and foreshore.
Set in a smart boutique annexe, 11 appealing modern bedrooms are divided into four types - although space and comfort are key themes. Essentials such as king-size beds, Henderson Russell furniture and gorgeous wallpapers are standard throughout, while Superior, Deluxe and Executive rooms raise the luxury level to super-kingsize, with extra space and larger bathrooms - some including a separate bath and walk-in shower.
Upstairs rooms are all about rustic country-house chic, while ground-floor rooms are more cool and contemporary with the bonus of French windows leading out to the grounds and little terrace areas for admiring the views. Arrangements can be made for use of the smart spa and gym at Stoke-by-Nayland Golf Club five minutes' drive away.
Head chef Nick Beaven has plied the stoves at the famous Ivy restaurant in London, bringing bags of experience to his produce-led, wine-friendly menu that evolves every few weeks to make the most of fresh seasonal produce. The cooking style here is rich, generous and indulgent - a comforting mix of reworked British favourites and exciting global flavours tailored to all tastes and budgets.
Keep an eye out for the 'catch of the day' on the blackboard, which puts the emphasis on fresh fish from the East Coast boats - the Crown's beer-battered haddock and chips is a popular stalwart, but the choice might extend to other more sophisticated dishes, too. Steaks and game from the local estate please the carnivores, and there are delicious options for vegetarians as well.
The lengthy wine list is a joy - properly thought-out and intelligibly presented. There are 35 selections by the glass if you simply want to slake your thirst, although the full line-up runs to around 300 bins - ideal if you fancy something out the ordinary with your dinner.
