The Crown

Constable anoraks may recognise the soaring tower of nearby St Mary's church from the artist's works, for the classy Crown lies in deepest Constable Country in a sleepy village above the Stour and Box River valleys. The 16th-century inn has taken the boutique route, reinventing the village pub with a stylish modern look, plus 11 classy bedrooms if you want to stay over and take full advantage of the accomplished cooking. There are plenty of cosy corners to settle into; whether it is the beamed bar or the more contemporary dining areas, you'll find snug seats and log fires. Supplies are hauled in from local farmers, and a daily-changing blackboard reflects the catch landed by local fishing boats working from the Blackwater Estuary. There's a confident creative spirit at work in the kitchen - a haggis Scotch egg could be teamed with celeriac remoulade, while chicken liver parfait comes with spiced plum chutney and Melba toast. Next up, braised legs and loin of local rabbit arrive with potato dumplings, and a creamy sauce of pancetta, wild mushrooms and tarragon. Don't skip dessert when there's spiced quince and ginger syrup pudding with clotted cream up for grabs.