The Crown at Stoke by Nayland

Situated in the heart of rural Suffolk, The Crown sits at the heart of the quintessentially English village of Stoke by Nayland, with its typically over-sized and rambling old churchyard, and walks reaching into the countryside around. This relaxed foodie pub is also bang in the middle of what’s commonly known as Constable Country – the picturesque hills and vales just to the south of Ipswich where the 19th-century landscape painter lived and worked – and there’s plenty to see and do in the surrounding area, especially in the nearby Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where you can visit the pretty village of Dedham on the other side of the A12. Potter about its pubs and shops before taking a trip on the river or ambling across the meadows to Flatford Mill and Willy Lott's famous cottage.

The Crown has a collection of 11 bedrooms housed in The Folly, and three luxurious lodges sitting just behind the pub with uninterrupted views. Expect comfortable beds, lovely linens and well-appointed en-suite bathrooms with modern fittings and Connock England toiletries. Thoughtful details and soft, neutral tones create a restful atmosphere after a day spent exploring Constable Country. The lodges also come with a private terrace and freestanding bath. Whether you're staying for a midweek break or a long weekend, the rooms provide a welcoming retreat in the heart of the village. Dogs are welcome with prior arrangement (add at checkout when you book), and extra beds are possible on request for children.

Bedrooms at their sister pub The Angel Inn directly opposite can also be booked. The Angel has an additional 11 en-suite bedrooms housed in the main building and the Stables annexe a few steps across the garden. Rooms combine traditional charm with contemporary comfort, creating a cosy yet practical space for short breaks, overnight stopovers and weekend stays. Breakfast, lunch, and supper is served at The Crown only.

As you might expect from the Good Pub Guide’s former Suffolk ‘dining pub of the year’, the food at The Crown  is really good, served in a deliberately relaxed environment, with stripped pine tables and lots of locals happily making their way through what are by any standards crowd-pleasing lunch and supper menus, while a few sink a few pints at the bar. The vibe is busy and welcoming, just as any good pub should be.  There's a 'Catch of the Day' menu, which includes fish and chips alongside other regularly changing fish and seafood dishes, sharing platters and a main menu that takes in everything from steak and burgers to braised ox cheeks and tandoori leg of lamb: all beautifully cooked and presented. They also serve a good-value lunch menu (Mon–Thurs) and have a 200-bottle-strong wine list, which features everything from well-chosen entry-level options to high-end burgundies at astronomic prices – plus you can buy anything you like at the well-stocked bottle shop in the corner.