The Westleton Crown

Dating back to the 12th century, this traditional Suffolk coaching inn retains plenty of character and rustic charm, but with all the comforts of contemporary living. Standing opposite the parish church in a peaceful village close to the RSPB's Minsmere Reserve, it provides a comfortable base for exploring Suffolk's glorious Heritage Coast. On winter days you'll find three crackling log fires, local real ales including Purity UBU and Green Jack, as well as a good list of wines (with 11 available by the glass). There's also an extensive menu that includes innovative daily specials and classic dishes with a twist, all freshly prepared from the best local produce available. You can eat in the cosy bar, in the elegant dining room, or in the fabulous new garden room, completed as part of a major refurbishment project in 2010. Sandwiches are made with a choice of The Crown's own breads, and served with sea-salted crisps and a dressed salad. More substantial appetites might choose from starters like slow-cooked Suffolk chicken, tarragon and lentil terrine with endive salad; or parsnip beignets with blue cheese and walnut cream and beetroot and apple salad. Follow up with main course choices such as pan-fried local venison with shallow-fried sweet potato polenta, buttered curly kale, sautéed girolles and prune sauce; or pan-fried gilthead bream with boulangère potatoes and winter vegetable broth. Save some space for accomplished desserts like pannacotta with spiced autumn fruit compote; or chocolate soufflé tart with fig ice cream and fig syrup. Retire to one of the 34 comfortably refurbished and individually styled bedrooms, complete with flat screen TV. Outside, the large terraced gardens are floodlit in the evening.