Milsoms

A characterful yellow inn with an appealing shabby-chic style, located in a picturesque spot in the heart of Constable Country. The highly seasonal menu offers generous Mediterranean-inspired dishes and the well-chosen wine list offers plenty by the glass. Bedrooms are cosy – two have a modern New England style.

This red-brick pub has stood here for over 500 years and nowadays looks as good as ever thanks to its beautiful, no-expense-spared restoration. The stylish restaurant is divided into several rooms – and fans of wooden beams and open fireplaces won’t be disappointed. The kitchen team excel in making their simple yet skilled dishes uncomplicatedly delicious, like the pea and mint soup or the terrific boulangère potatoes, whose perfect crisping and flavour exemplify the virtues of the place. Stay overnight in one of the bedrooms and explore the area.

Tucked away in a city centre courtyard, this likeable restaurant occupies a Grade II-listed former barn, with stylish contemporary décor and an open kitchen allowing guests to get a good view of the chefs as they work. Well-crafted and eye-catching modern dishes populate the multi-course tasting menus, which have a seasonal British element running through them. Look out for dishes that put a modern spin on classic flavour combinations, such as lamb with mint, feta and broccoli. A friendly service team add to the experience.

Down a narrow city centre street, you'll find this attractive 18th-century building; a restaurant sits upstairs, while below is a trendy bar serving cocktails and light bites. The extensive menu ranges from bruschetta to quesadillas – plus a roast dinner on Sundays, of course – and the kitchen team ensure the dishes are as colourful and joyous as the décor and the atmosphere. The super-friendly, attentive service will really make you feel at home, as will bringing your own bottle on Wednesdays to take advantage of half-price corkage.