Mistley Thorn Hotel

High Street, Mistley, Essex

This estuary bolthole, owned by chef and serial restaurateur Sherri Singleton, is renowned for its cooking. Local and sustainable seafood shines on the seasonal menu, and Mistley’s young head chef, Karl Burnside, does justice to the quality produce. The seven bedrooms are comfortable with lovely linen, luxury toiletries by L’Occitane, rain showers and iPod docks. Doubles from £90.