The Crown and Castle

‘It is warm, comfortable and without fuss.’ ‘You’re always made to feel you’re genuinely wanted.’ ‘We felt at home, and so did the dog.’ ‘We wanted it to be perfect, and it was.’ The accolades keep coming, for this popular restaurant-with-rooms in a ‘lovely area’ close to the River Alde. Owned by Ruth and David Watson and Tim Sunderland, it is ‘the best kind of welcoming hotel’. ‘The service is second to none’; staff are ‘smiling and interested’. Take your pick of ‘tasteful’ bedrooms. ‘Our spacious room in the main house overlooked the estuary; the equally large bathroom had all the extras one needs. Home-made chocolate-orange biscuits were to die for.’ Two terrace rooms sharing a lobby are ideal for a family. ‘We enjoyed the afternoon sun on our patio facing Orford Castle.’ In the restaurant, Charlene Gavazzi cooks ‘magical’ Italian-inspired dishes. The lively atmosphere isn’t accidental – ‘Ruth Watson’s ban on the use of electronic devices in the dining room is a welcome one (although she makes an exception for Kindle readers for lone diners!)’. (Susan Chait, CL Hodgkin, Susan Willmington, Michael Gwinnell)