Green Man

This charming 14th-c pub is owned by the Essex-born Galvin brothers ' both exceptional chefs ' so it's renowned for serving excellent award-winning food. But if you just want a drink and a chat, there's a cosy, timber-framed bar with proper character: flagstones or bare boards, an open fire, leather-topped stools, a button-back brown leather chesterfield, nice old wooden chairs around circular tables, a cushioned window seat and photos and prints on ochre walls. Also, Adnams Ghost Ship and Southwold on handpump, good wines by the glass, several malt whiskies, organic cider and a non-alcoholic juice of the day. Staff are attentive, friendly and helpful. The high-raftered dining rooms are divided by a two-way woodburning stove in a large brick fireplace. Big windows and glass doors provide plenty of natural light and the contemporary furnishings include modern lighting, and dark painted cushioned dining chairs and long button-back leather banquettes on either pale floorboards or flagstones; background music and TV. The 1.5 acres of garden, with the River Chelmer running along the bottom, has black metal furniture on a terrace and picnic-sets on grass. There are monthly wine dinners, regular music and garden events such as barbecues and a harvest festival.