The Mistley Thorn

In an 'interesting' coastal village on the River Stour, this yellow-painted 18th-century coaching inn is run as a restaurant-with-rooms by chef/proprietor Sherri Singleton. 'She is hands-on, very open; her staff, mainly young women, are friendly,' say Guide inspectors. 'The atmosphere is warm, unpretentious; the food is excellent; good value.' The busy restaurant has an informal feel. 'Dinner was very good. Seafood is a speciality; we enjoyed generous but not overpowering portions of gurnard with spinach and mashed potato; cod with cherry tomatoes; a delicious cooked pear and quince dessert. Prompt service. Soft, almost inaudible muzak at dinner; none at breakfast.' Some of the bedrooms overlook the estuary. 'Our spacious room was attractive in an understated way; taupe woodwork, moulded ceiling, maroon cushions and armchairs; nice bathroom with a window.' Breakfast, ordered in the evening, has 'good croissants with the continental; fine smoked haddock with poached egg'. A busy road runs through the village (quiet at night); there's a colony of swans on the river. Sherri Singleton runs cookery workshops.

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