Secret Drinker reviews The Cock Horse Inn in Lavenham

Welcome to the latest in our series of pub reviews by SuffolkNews' Secret Drinker, who will make their way round the county's watering holes and give you their honest opinion.

Sometimes you just know when you have found the perfect food.

The blend of flavours hits the palate right and the balance of the food on the plate is perfectly weighted, leaving quite possibly the most delicious dish there could be.

Impressing the Secret Drinker isn't exactly difficult - a pint and some peanuts is more than enough - but this was something else.

The UK's never-ending sunshine meant a visit to Lavenham and The Cock Horse Inn to soak up the rays in the beer garden.

After parking in the rather conveniently placed public car park, we took our seats in the spacious garden at the front of the pub.

Long tables in need of a fresh coat were positioned in the gorgeous summer sun. The sun wasn't piercing enough for the parasols to be put up, with a cool breeze sweeping through the garden.

First up was a scour of the pint choices, with a delicious drop of Madri the selected beverage.

While there was plenty of lager on show - and popular ones such as Birra Moretti too - there was not much in the way of ales. I can only assume it was a well-thought out decision based on the clientele.

Nonetheless, prices were also reasonable, with a pint of Madri costing a little over £4.

Now, my first thoughts when looking at the menu for lunch options - in particular for my vegetarian companion - was one of trepidation. How wrong could I have been.

I opted for the Cock Horse Club sandwich, while my opposite number selected the Nomeatball Marina Baguette, an obvious twist on the meaty alternative.

Both sandwiches were enjoyed with a true sense of delight. The Cock Horse Club was exquisite in its blend of flavours, with the ingredients not overpowering one another.

The same could be said for the food opposite. Beetroot and Sweet Potato did not initially appeal and saw the mind sway to other options, but both I and my companion were left salivating at the mouth.

The decor inside the thatched property was modern and clean, constructed clearly to a bespoke finish. Bar stools were metal framed, a 21st century take on the tapestry-topped stools found in most Suffolk pubs.

While the garden space was spacious and modern like its inside, the tables and chair were in need of a bit of TLC as they were looking parched and lacking paint.

A trip to the gents, which were as clean as I had seen in a Suffolk watering hole, rounded off an exceptional meal.

The scores:

Decor: There was a sparkle off the modern and well-presented furnishings inside. The outside tables and chairs could perhaps do with a fresh lick of paint. ****

Food: Everything I could have wanted from a sandwich I got. There was a perfect blend of favours, and it didn't leave me feeling overly full. *****

Drink: I thought Madri was yet to enter the shores of Suffolk until this visit. With a crisp taste to cleanse the palate, it proved a hit. ****

Price: For a little over £22 for both plates of food, pint and orange juice and soda, it was certainly worth paying for. ****

Staff: Very friendly throughout the visit, ensuring a good experience. ****