We spent a very rainy bank holiday weekend at the Sun, never having been to that part of the country before. The village of Dedham is very picturesque and the Sun is bang in the middle. There's not all that much there - a couple of restaurants, pubs, shops and a church but it's a good base for touring round the local countryside. The weather was so bad though that we actually spent much of our weekend holed up at the Sun and we had a great time. The pub is London Gastro meets country local and it works very well. The wine list is good value and broad and the food is excellent mediterranean fare. There's an unpretentious, relaxed charm about the place (Ray Charles, Nina Simone etc play in the background - it's that kind of place) and the young staff exude easy-going politeness. There are quite a few rooms to relax in, including one large room full of sofas and board games - the perfect place to while away an hour or two. Our room (Elsa) was excellent. An awesome 4 poster bed was the highlight while there were lots of touches (decanter of brandy, travel magazines, nice shower products) that made you feel at home. Helpfully for a wet weekend away, there was also a cd stereo and a dvd player built into the very cool flat screen tv. The only thing it could have done with was a big bath but to be fair the shower was outstanding - very powerful. A few people have commented on the breakfast but both mornings ours was great - fresh fruit, freshly squeezed juice, hot croissants and breads. Admittedly a full english might have been good but we still left full. Overall a really good stay and we would definitely come back. By the way, in addition to the Sun you should also eat in the Fountain Restaurant at Dedham Hall - much more formal (and pricey) than the Sun but a great place to spend an evening.

Spent two nights here a couple of weeks ago. Character inn with high quality rooms, though lots of creeking floorboards. Beds very comfortable and showers luxurious. Ate both nights. Seems to be very popular on Firdays with regulars/locals who jostle for tables. Staff are young, enthusiastic and convey the menu superbly. Lovely walk on Saturday with map supplied by pub and ended up at Milsoms - awful food, service and pretentious atmosphere. Saturday night back at the Sun was a more relaxed afair - delicious veal and halibut followed by sinking into sofas with brandy infront of a roaring fire. Can't speak highly enough of this place....we will be returning.

After viewing the rooms at The Sun Inn, I block booked all of the rooms for our wedding in September 2006 for our guests. I also booked the restaurant for my myself and my close friends and family for the evening before the wedding. When we got there we were told that the round table we had reserved had been given away as the staff had double booked it - obviously not a major problem so we sat at another table. Then when the menus were handed out we were told that at least half of the meals were no longer available and the ones that were were limited to only 1 or 2 portions - the choices were so limited we decided to go to another restaurant! I should also point out that after sitting at our table for over 30 mins we hadn't had our drinks order taken or any bread put on the table.

I have since been advised by my friends that stayed at the hotel that the morning after their stay the staff were VERY rude to them and extremely unhelpful and the breakfast's were very stingy indeed. My friends were basically being kicked out of their rooms!

The fact that I added this hotel to my wedding information and recommended for my guests to stay here is very annoying, after the service that I and my guests received by the staff at this hotel/restaurant/pub I wouldn't recommend this hotel to anyone.

Stay at Milsoms or treat yourself to Maison Talbooth where the staff can't do enough for you.

I was reluctant to stay here given it was St Patrick's Day as we usually celebrate with friends at home but my wife dragged us there following a tip from a friend who stayed before. In a lovely village in the nice part of Essex, the pub is opposite the church. After enjoying a cup of tea when we checked in we went for a walk along the river returning in time to shower for dinner. I sampled a fantastic range of ales, all prefectly kept before choosing from a well laid out wine list. We shared a tapas to start which was okay followed by bream and lamp chops. Both were perfectly cooked and presented and the portions were very good value. I had never had polenta before but was persuaded to have it by the lovely manageress. Breakfast the next morning was continental - would have preferred cooking, but that is greedy - and a lovely big pot of tea served by a very cherry gentleman. We went to the Sun Inn's fruit and vegetable shop before leaving where we met the owner of the pub (and shop) who was stacking the shelves before taking a huge box of produce to the kitchen to cook with. All in all a lovely stay with excellent food, friendly service and good value.