The Sun Inn

High St  Colchester CO7 6DF

In picturesque Dedham, this sunshine-yellow coaching inn dates back to the 15th century. These days, it's much the same, real ales, a daily-changing menu and a great community vibe which are the heart of this pub. It’s an ideal spot to revive yourself with a pint of Brewer's Gold and there's always a welcoming smile.

Locals can be found having their usual in the afternoon, while families take over at weekends and during the school holidays. If it's sunny, you can find a dappled patch in the mature beer garden. If it rains, you can stay indoors and lift the lid on some vintage board games.

The food gets daily deliveries from local farms and fishermen to meet the demand of daily-changing menu that is governed by the seasons. Depending on your hunger levels, you can choose between sirloin steak (£17), risotto (£8.50) or sandwiches (£6.75). And, if you have kiddies in tow, you'll be pleased to know there's a decent menu for them. Prices range from £6.50-£8.50 depending on their age/appetite!

Our rating based on customer review: 8/10

The Thatchers Arms

Mount Bures  Bures, Colchester, Essex CO8 5AT

There are pub dogs and then there is Dylan, resident hound at the Thatchers Arms, a belter of a village pub in the middle of rural nirvana on the Suffolk border.

The black Labrador ambles about the bar, tail swinging lazily, looking for the next victim for his well-practised seduction routine. And who can resist him when he sits next to you, looks up with those melting eyes and puts his paw ever so delicately on your leg?

The Thatchers Arms is also pretty irresistible, even though first impressions suggest otherwise. From outside it looks unremarkable. But looks can deceive and perseverance is the key. To pass on by would be a shame, for this is an establishment you really shouldn’t miss. It hosts each of the holy trinity of pub life: good food, divine drink and heavenly company.

The main bar is light and airy, comfortable and modern without going down the Ikea casual décor route. There’s a garden room to the right and what could have been the old lounge stretches out to the left. There’s another area at the back of the bar that doubles up as dining room and on Thursday nights a cinema. With a bar billiards table sitting next to a piano, a lot goes on here.

Our rating based on customer review: 8.4/10