A 400-year old former coaching inn with accommodation that has stacks of charm and fine food served in style, the antiquity of the Crown and Punchbowl is there for all to see, very East of England and giving that air of permanence that seems to grow out of the ground. Old though the pub may be the opportunity has not been lost to combine age with contemporary décor and the overall effect is effective and undemanding.

The à la carte lists chicken and pepper terrine with red onion marmalade amongst the starters, followed by a main course of duck breast with potato and orange rösti, braised red cabbage and Rioja jus. A blackboard lists the seasonal fish and range of sausages, whilst puddings seem to be a speciality of the house with peach and mascarpone charlotte with roasted peach.

A set lunch menu of two or three courses draws the midday business crowd into its pleasantly rural surroundings.