The Mistley Thorn Hotel and public house was completely refurbished in early 2004 and re-opened for food and drink trade in March and for accommodation in June. Mistley is famous for being the scene of a planned 18th Century salt-water spa development by Paymaster General Richard Rigby who enlisted Robert Adam for some of the designs.As you travel from west to east the landscape in this vast county transforms from historic woodlands, through rolling wheat-fields dotted with poppies and windmills, to the estuaries and coastal villages and towns of the great North Sea. But what many visitors are unprepared for is that beneath this peaceful rural exterior beats an ancient heart, steeped in centuries of heritage and culture. Across the county, mighty castles and coastal forts commemorating past invasions rub shoulders with museums celebrating past traditions, galleries honour homegrown talent, historic churches abound and a plethora of stately treasure houses and glorious gardens, large and small, beckon exploration.The Mistley Thorn offers high quality food in a casual environment with an emphasis on freshness and locally sourced produce. The menu also has an emphasis on fresh seafood. The Mistley Thorn has five large bedrooms, all with an en-suite bathroom with a large double ended bath and powerful overhead shower. Two of the rooms have lovely views over the Stour Estuary.