Named the Suffolk Pub of the Year at the National Pub and Bar Awards, one cannot help but have high expectations of such a place when visiting for a lunchtime treat.

Set in the idyllic countryside and just a short distance from the Orwell Bridge, the Freston Boot can only be described as a jewel of the Suffolk county.

Turning into the car park gives a great first impression. With a simple exterior, it invites you to go inside and discover its beauty.

Although, don't go inside just yet and go round the back where there is a very impressive kitchen garden with a plethora of animals - perfect for children.

It being a cold day when I visited meant I wanted to get inside a little faster, the outside seating area looked perfect for a warm summer's day.

Walking into the pub, I was greeted with very friendly staff and an overall feeling of heightened anticipation of the food in store. Walking to the table, I caught smells from the other patrons' food and it made me all the hungrier.

The wooden beams in the interior and the art, available for purchase, on the walls gave a cosy atmosphere in which I felt completely relaxed.

Upon reading the menu I was met with an indecisive person's worst nightmare, a menu with items that all sounded appealing.

With a range of food, with plenty of vegan and gluten free options, I settled upon the Seafood Tagliatelle.

My companion chose the Mussels - the chef's choice being an Italian twist.

When the waitress placed the bowl in front of me, I was immediately surprised at the portion size. It was a very generous portion which smelt amazing, so I very quickly took photos and tucked in.

The first mouthful can only be described as incredible. The garlic cream sauce was the perfect amount of garlic without being overbearing. The cod, smoked haddock and salmon were collectively cooked to perfection.

My companion was met with a very large bowl of mussels with skinny fries and on-site homemade bread.

Helping myself to one of the mussels, they tasted incredible, The sauce that accompanied the mussels was just stunning.

The whole Freston Boot experience from start to finish was very enjoyable.

One can sometimes feel disappointed when you experience somewhere that is highly regarded as it does not live up to your expectations.

However, that was no issue with the Freston Boot. I walked away from the building, ready to tell everyone I know that I just had one of the best lunches I have ever had.

Probably not a huge surprise, given The Boot has now secured the services of top Suffolk chef Louis Andrews whose knives kit has seen action at the mariners in Trimley, Le Talbooth, the Marquis in Upper Layham and the prestigious Tom Kerridge's bar and grill at the celebrity chef's Corinthia hotel in London.

Up Close with top chef Louis Andrews.

• To see more pictures from the Hungry Hack after their visit to the Freston Boot, scroll right on the top image.

Shotley Peninsula's Hungry Hack always arrives unannounced, pays for the meal and so offers an unbiased opinion of the food and experience they have on that visit.

If you would like to recommend an establishment for the Hungry Hack to visit contact the editor: [email protected].

Read some of Hungry Hack's other reviews here:

Sunday roast takeaway at The Outlook.

Hungry Hack review: Loch & Quay's Sunday lunch

Peninsula Takeaway review: The Rose, Shotley

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