The Mistley Thorn

The Mistley Thorn has been standing in the Georgian village of Mistley since 1723, when it was purpose built as a coaching inn. During the 17th century, Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins interrogated his unfortunate victims in a previous building on the site. The present interior is modish and clean-cut with a whiff of New England about it, and patrons can look forward to an eclectic menu that has gained two AA Rosettes for executive chef Sherri Singleton. Unsurprisingly, there's an emphasis on fresh fish, and local oysters and seafood take pride of place. Start, perhaps, with treacle-cured organic salmon, or chargrilled day boat squid, before moving on to sample Mistley fish cakes with hand-cut fries and leaves; or choose from the daily catch list. Duck 'shepard's pie' with creamy parsnip mash and roasted vegetables is amongst the alternatives to fish, whilst hazelnut semifreddo with honey-roasted pears makes a typical dessert.