The Sun Inn

An ancient, rambling coaching inn in a village of wonky painted houses, The Sun glows with praise for its ‘genuine welcome’, ‘quick and affable service’ and ‘convivial’ atmosphere. Within Piers Baker’s mellow-yellow local lies an oak-panelled lounge, beamed ceilings and blazing fires, real ales on tap at the ‘gorgeous, curving’ burred elm counter, walls hung with works by local artists, old posters and photos. Bedrooms are smart and characterful. Spacious Elsa with a king-size oak bed, and Constable, with a half-tester, look over the street to St Mary’s church, home to John Constable’s ‘The Ascension’. Piers’s stated aim is to ‘make people happy’, and that includes his friendly, casually attired, youthful staff. You can eat in the split-level dining room or outside. Jack Levine’s menus of fish from Mersea day boats, rare breed steaks and game might include Merrifield Farm chicken breast, girolle, gnocchi ‘Cacio e Pepe’; roast cod with lentils and slow-roast San Marzano tomato. You can expect ‘copious portions’. After a breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice, set out to explore Constable country.