The Mistley Thorn

A convivial, popular spot near the banks of the Stour estuary, where we found uptake of the good-value, daily changing ‘locals menu’ to be brisk on a midweek lunchtime. As space can be tight, try and bag a seat at the front to enjoy the best of the sunny dining room. Seafood is the main attraction: Thursday's 'moules madness' is a winner, otherwise try a generous smoked mackerel and beetroot salad with Granny Smith apple and creamed horseradish followed by battered haddock, brodetto or skate with caper butter. On the meat front, venison carpaccio is a small-plate temptation, or go for slow-cooked pork belly with an Adnams cider sauce ahead of a super-simple Eton mess.