The Sun Inn

‘A lovely old building in a nice location’, this medieval coaching inn is set amid the pastoral landscape of Dedham Vale. With low beams, comfy sofas around a log-burner, and Suffolk ales on tap, the Sun inspires beams of satisfaction. ‘The food was excellent, likewise the beer and wine,’ a reader reports. Chef Jack Levine uses day-boat fish from Wivenhoe, humanely reared meat and locally grown organic and biodynamic produce in dishes such as red gurnard with crab sauce, turnip and saffron potato, or rare breed 42-55-day aged steak served with triple-cooked chips. The bedrooms, some with a view of St Mary’s church, have period furniture and bags of character. Boudicca has a fireplace and super-king brass bed; bay-windowed Constable has a half-tester. ‘Our room, Elsa, was large as described, the bed was comfortable.’ Service is exemplary: ‘Probably the hottest day of the year, but smiles were constant. Nothing too much trouble. We will definitely go back.’ Breakfast brings fresh orange juice, local farm eggs and Dingley Dell sausages. Outside, there is a pretty garden and all of Constable country to explore. (Ian Burchell, and others)