The Crown and Castle

In a peaceful Suffolk village, this old red brick inn is owned and run by Ruth Watson (cookery writer and one-time TV 'hotel inspector'), with her husband, David, and Tim Sunderland (the manager). Not surprisingly, it comes under close scrutiny from visitors who can be critical as well as enthusiastic. 'As good as ever,' says a fan returning in 2009. Another reader pays tribute to the 'wonderful young staff, kind and hard-working'. Others commented on the 'number of signs and notices'. Bedrooms are in the house ('the place to stay is the sea-facing rooms on the first floor, simply furnished with modern art, minimalist style and generous bathroom, the best monsoon shower I have encountered') or in garden buildings. These have 'a fine interior - excellent, huge bed and good bathroom', but might feel 'a bit motel-like'. Public rooms have 'interesting furniture, modern chandeliers and wall lights; good art on walls'. Mrs Watson shares the cooking in the bistro-style Trinity restaurant (Michelin Bib Gourmand) with new head chef David Williams. 'Food was outstanding: fantastic prawn and chervil risotto; smoked trout and sorrel quiche.' Children over four are welcomed, 'but in limited numbers, and not in Trinity at dinner'. Breakfast includes 'toast straightaway or later on', cereals, yogurts, fruit, and cooked dishes including eggs Benedict. Snack lunches are served at the King's Head, opposite, also run by the Watsons. (CLH, Robert Gower, and others)