A PUB has been judged to be one of the best in the country.

The Sun Inn in Dedham has been placed in the top 50 pubs in the Good Food Guide 2016.

Owner Piers Baker said the former coaching inn, which dates back to the 15th century, had featured among the 1,000-plus pubs in the Good Food Guide since 2004.

Last year, it won the top title for Wine List of the Year for pubs and restaurants across the country.

Now it has built on its success by being placed in the top 50 pubs list for the first time.

Mr Baker said the pub had built up a reputation for its good food, cooked simply and for its frequently changing menu.

He said: “We are known for great local produce from growers in Dedham.

“We use a lot of local rare breed meat and get fish from Mersea.

“The menu is Italian inspired and we do a lot of rustic food.”

Mr Baker, 39, moved to Dedham after working in London and was drawn to the area by the idyllic countryside location and busy village.

He added: “We are pleased as the guide is nationally recognised.

“It is a good reward for all the hardworking team. It is great to get the recognition, we have a good balance between it being a local pub and people which come to for great food.”

The pub was included in the pubs with the best wine list section in 2015 for the Good Food Guide and has been featured in the pub roll of honour every year since opening.

The Good Food guide is judged on customer feedback and anonymous inspections throughout the year.