Ancient timbers, a roaring fire in winter, alfresco dining in summer, characterful bedrooms (one with antique four-poster), the chef’s ways with local produce and an excellent breakfast won over our inspectors at this historic coaching inn.

In landscaped gardens that gently melt into Constable country, with tables for alfresco drinking and dining, 'one of Suffolk’s oldest pubs has been renovated very smartly’.

Brightening up the south coast, this well-refurbished Georgian hotel owned by the Adnams brewing group imports London cool to timeless Southwold.

In a rural village overlooking a medieval packhorse bridge across the River Kennett, this ‘revitalised’ Victorian boozer was the first venture for Philip Turner’s spreading Chestnut group.

Once a smugglers’ haunt, the creeper-covered red brick building has become a great base for twitchers, outdoorsy types and their dogs.

A ‘comfortable, welcoming’ spot in a small market town close to the Suffolk coast, this popular 16th-century coaching inn offers ‘cool’, modern interiors alongside traditional hospitality.

A bird call from the RSPB nature reserve at Minsmere, birders convene with locals at this 12th-century coaching inn, much-liked for its friendly atmosphere.