Mistley Thorn, The

The Mistley Thorn is one of the major attractions within a community on the Stour Estuary that has seen an 18th Century salt-water spa, works by Robert Adam, a Swan Basin and trials during the Civil War that led to the violent deaths of dozens of local women, condemned as witches.

By contrast it is now a pleasantly tranquil haven that is fortunate to have at its heart the hotel and public house which was given a completely new lease of life in 2004 under the energetic leadership of Sherri Singleton, earning a sound reputation for good food at moderate prices, since confirmed by the award of the Michelin Guide's much coveted Bib Gourmand.

The menu celebrates with fervour the excellent local ingredients, following the seasons and the catches, with some dishes recalling Sherri's earlier days at The Stour Bay. Not unnaturally oysters are much in evidence in season, and on the Oyster Bar there are Pacific and natives on the half shell, whole cracked Norfolk crabs, fabulous smoked haddock chowder and house cured organic salmon and smoked fish platter.

Chargrilled globe artichoke with salsa Verdi, a fresh scallop salad with sesame dressing to which Shaun Hill, of Merchant House, Ludlow fame, has lent his name, mussels in cioppino sauce with parsley fried bread, or a plate of good salami, Parma ham, cheese and salads, are amongst starters that may catch the eye.

Fresh, as in with-a-glint-still-in-its-eye, fish is selected from the best of the market and could offer skate in ginger black butter, or Romesco of shellfish with salted cod. Other main courses include flattened Kettle Farm chicken with salted lemon and smoked paprika, garlic pudding soufflé with rocket salad, chargrilled pork and leek sausages, or peppered rib eye steak with wild rocket, onion strings and hand cut fries.

Not only do Sherri and her team delight their customers with dishes that are utterly genuine and straightforward, she also is more than happy to offer enlightenment to a wider audience, as a result of which you can book in on her much respected Cookery Classes and refine your culinary skills.

For fuller details of hotel, restaurant and cookery courses click on their elegant Website.