In a delightfully picturesque location just a mile from the Strood (the causeway to Mersea Island), the Peldon Rose is a quintessential fifteenth-century, pink-washed country inn once infamous as a smugglers' haunt. Nowadays, its ancient bar (complete with original beams, antique mahogany tables, huge log fires and leaded windows plays host to a less dangerous crew of locals, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.
Dining takes place in the adjoining area (all wonky timbered walls and tiled floors) or you can enjoy the more airy surroundings of the stylish conservatory, which opens out onto the lovely garden. The kitchen rings the changes with a varied menu that could see pork and game terrine with red onion marmalade ahead of grilled fillet of local sea bass with saffron butter sauce or steak, kidney and mushroom casserole with a puff pastry lid. For pud, perhaps baked chocolate brownie cheesecake with vanilla anglaise.