The Cock Inn

This week hubby and I felt we needed one more winter walk in which the dogs get to enjoy the crisp outdoors.  And were we could hunker down in a pub afterwards and learn a little more about our wonderful county of Suffolk.  Spring is definitely on its way and soon the post-perambulation pints will happily be sunk in the pub garden as the sunshine warms the weary.  But for now we had our last chance for a brisk virtuous stroll, followed by a cosy pint and telling of tales in front of a real log fire in a great dog friendly pub. 

Polstead is famous amongst detective fiction readers as the site of the Red Barn murder.  The foul deed occurred nearly 200 years ago but still the village has a “spooky” aura.  It’s a bit of a Bermuda triangle here on the border of Suffolk and Essex, and getting to Polstead itself can confuse.  Visitors are advised to check the map before leaving, as once off the A1071 a myriad of wooded country lanes and little white signposts direct you back and forth (and back and forth once more) from Polstead Heath, to Polstead Village and finally to Polstead Green.

The Cock Inn is charmingly set in the centre of Polstead Green and, dating from the 16^th century, the pub is reputedly where the local assizes were held.  With a perfect view of the village green and with large gardens to the front and back the Cock Inn welcomes well-behaved dogs and their owners in the main bar.  Access to the bar is direct from the front entrance and is great for dog walkers not wishing to steer their pooches through a melee of diners.  The huge fireplace at one end was crackling away as we entered and the pub was filled with the welcoming smell of good food and wood smoke.

The owners, Deborah and Michael, took up residence a few years ago and have committed themselves to making the pub a local success.  The décor has a modern Country Life magazine feel and a lot of time and care has gone into refurbishing the restaurant extension, which can be hired for parties and weddings.

Despite our dogs being in the middle of their springtime moult, and the fire bringing out their immediate need to lie all over the floor, they were welcomed with many “ums and ahhs” and gentle approving smiles.  We settled down at the well-scrubbed and waxed window table and enjoyed a generous glass of wine and a truly enormous Suffolk ham sandwich.  The food is tasty, fresh and wholesome and best of all, reasonably priced.  And the wine and the Guinness are pretty good too.