The Crown

On highdays & holidays there might be little room to swing the proverbial cat in this fetching north Suffolk seaside resort, where period architecture, genteel chic & of course the famous beers draw the crowds. Indeed the Crown, Adnams’s flagship hostelry is just yards from the brewery, so where better to sample the local brew. Locals head to the rear for the panelled red leathered snug, weekenders cram into the buzzing front bar with its yellow washed walls, stripped boards & hotchpotch of wooden tables, but be warned, it gets busy & no reservations are taken here. Chef Ian Howell’s food underscores the company’s award winning community & environmental ethos, using very green & local ingredients where possible. Sustainable fish offerings may include oat-crusted sardines, yoghurt-baked tope with Bombay potato & mango chutney, or simple Lowestoft plaice with brown shrimp & dill butter. Suffolk reared meats might be native Redpoll beef, its shin slow braised & served alongside horseradish mash, pancetta, roasted onions & watercress pesto. Upstairs the fourteen contemporary bedrooms make relaxing boltholes from the bustling High Street below.