The Crown & Castle

In picturesque Orford on the Suffolk coast, this one-time pub, now restaurant with rooms, was built eight centuries ago and is separated from the castle by a little lane. It's co-owned by the original Hotel Inspector off the telly, Ruth Watson, so it's a safe bet for an overnight stay and/or dinner in the Trinity Restaurant. Here, beams, unclothed wooden tables and comfortable burgundy-velvet cushioned chairs and benches help create a relaxed vibe which is aided by the friendly serving staff. The place is still an inn popular with the locals as well as being something of a foodie destination, with the daily-changing menu majoring on modern, unpretentious and flavour-driven dishes that showcase the best the area has to offer. 'Beef fillet carpaccio, Harry's Bar dressing and parmesan shavings' might start you off, before super-fresh Orford-landed sea bass with samphire, brown shrimps and potato gnocchi, with a rustic-style warm nectarine and frangipane tart and vanilla ice cream to finish.