Business Details
Award-Winning Historic Hotel & Restaurant in Mistley
Established in the early 18th century, The Mistley Thorn has been a cornerstone of Mistley's hospitality scene for nearly three centuries. Our historic coaching inn, dating back to circa 1723, combines timeless elegance with modern comforts to provide exceptional dining and accommodation experiences. Located in the heart of Mistley village, directly opposite the scenic River Stour, we offer guests unparalleled access to both natural beauty and convenient transport links via Mistley Station. Our American-born executive chef, Sherri Singleton, curates menus that celebrate local seasonal produce, with particular emphasis on fresh seafood sourced from nearby coastal suppliers. The property features 14 individually designed bedrooms and two self-contained mews cottages, each blending antique charm with contemporary amenities including Bramley toiletries and premium bedding. We maintain strict quality standards across all operations, evidenced by our award-winning culinary program and consistently positive guest feedback.Our dining establishment serves three daily changing menus featuring Mersea oysters year-round and Colchester natives seasonally, complemented by carefully selected wines and regular special offers like our popular Moules Madness evenings. The building itself represents a unique piece of architectural heritage, having successfully preserved its historical character while implementing modern comforts such as high-speed internet and digital entertainment systems. We maintain strong community connections through partnerships with local businesses like Cool Pedals bicycle hire, and our strategic location provides easy access to major destinations including London Liverpool Street via direct rail services. Our commitment to excellence extends to every detail, from our 24-hour room service options to our meticulously maintained facilities featuring premium bathroom amenities and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
Services
Award-Winning Dining
Historic Accommodation
Seafood Speciality
Daily Specials Menu
Mews Cottages
Gift Vouchers
Breakfast Service
Bar Menu
Event Dining
Rail Access
Highlights and features
- We offer 300 years of combined hospitality experience in a historic setting
- Our American-born executive chef sources ingredients from local coastal producers
- We provide unique accommodation across 14 individually designed rooms and cottages
- Our restaurant features daily changing menus with year-round seafood availability
- We maintain direct rail connections to London Liverpool Street from Mistley Station
Services
Award-Winning Dining
Our restaurant combines historic charm with modern culinary excellence, offering three daily changing menus that showcase the best of local seasonal produce. Specialising in fresh seafood sourced from nearby coastal waters, we serve Mersea oysters year-round and Colchester natives when in season. The dining experience features carefully curated wine pairings and regular special events like our popular Moules Madness evenings featuring East Mersea mussels paired with house wine or draught beverages.
Historic Accommodation
We offer 14 individually designed bedrooms across our main building and shopfront location, each blending antique furnishings with modern comforts. Rooms feature flat-screen televisions, premium tea and coffee making facilities, and luxurious Bramley bathroom products. Our accommodation options cater to various needs with superior, classic, and cosy room categories, plus two self-contained mews cottages for extended stays or group bookings.
Seafood Speciality
Seafood remains our culinary focus, with daily deliveries of fresh catches prepared using traditional and contemporary techniques. Our menu features both year-round staples like Mersea oysters and seasonal delicacies such as Colchester natives. The kitchen team, led by American-born executive chef Sherri Singleton, emphasizes minimal processing to preserve natural flavors, working closely with local fishermen and suppliers to maintain consistent quality and sustainability.
Mews Cottages
Our two self-contained mews cottages provide private accommodation with separate living and kitchen facilities, ideal for extended stays or family groups. Located at the rear of the main building, these cottages maintain the property's historic character while offering modern conveniences including fully equipped kitchens and comfortable sleeping arrangements. They connect directly to all hotel amenities while maintaining independent access for guest flexibility.
Gift Vouchers
We offer gift vouchers for various experiences including dining, accommodation, and special event packages. These make ideal presents for birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate gifting, providing recipients with the choice of our award-winning restaurant, historic bedrooms, or seasonal events like our Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve celebrations. Vouchers can be customised for specific values or experiences.
People
Sherri Singleton
Executive Chef
American-born culinary expert Sherri Singleton leads our kitchen team, creating menus that showcase the best of local seasonal produce with particular emphasis on fresh seafood from nearby coastal waters.
Questions
How can I book accommodation at The Mistley Thorn?
Reservations can be made through our website booking system or by contacting us directly via telephone at 01206 392821 during business hours.
What dining options are available?
We offer three daily changing menus featuring seasonal local produce, including a set price lunch menu, Sunday lunch service, and special evening events like Moules Madness on Thursdays.
Are there special offers available?
Yes, we provide seasonal promotions including our River Retreat offer for extended stays and regular dining specials such as Moules Madness evenings with mussels and drinks.
What transport options are available?
Mistley Station is two minutes' walk from the hotel with direct services to London Liverpool Street. We also partner with Cool Pedals for bicycle hire at the station.
What room types do you offer?
We have 14 individually designed rooms including superior, classic, and cosy categories, plus two self-contained mews cottages with separate living and kitchen facilities.
What are your restaurant opening hours?
Dining is available Monday to Friday 12:00-14:30 & 18:00-19:00, Saturday 12:00-16:00, and Sunday 12:00-16:00 & 18:00-21:00 with last orders taken 30 minutes before closing.
Reviews (4)
R. Brown
Dec 29, 2021
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Had lunch here with my son yesterday, on a Thursday between Christmas and New Year. This was my first visit and we were both very happy with everything. My son had a seafood platter, overflowing with lovely flavours and white wine. Lots of bread with oil and balsamic for dipping. I had a wonderful, interesting vegetable curry with red peppers, sweet potato, onions, roasted cauliflower, spinach and plenty of cashew nuts, all in a rich deep sauce that was nicely spiced but not too hot for me. It came with an onion pakora, some chapatis and spiced rice. It was all perfect and the service was exceptional
Eddie T.
Dec 15, 2021
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Had one meal here only recently and was so impressed we booked again for a Christmas week meal with friends. Wish we had tried it sooner.
Melissa Taylor
Nov 03, 2021
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Just popped in to borrow the keys to the Mistley Towers. The food smells wonderful and the staff was very nice. I saw lots of great things on the menu. I will definitely get back for a meal.
Adrian Abbott
Oct 26, 2021
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Called for coffee and was impressed with service. Not generally open until 12pm. Very nicely laid out very inviting. Super place will certainly go back.
