Maria Elia

Tucked away at the historic Otley Hall near Ipswich, this is the Suffolk home of acclaimed Anglo-Cypriot chef Maria Elia, whose Greek taverna takes place within Martha's Barn, a beautiful oak-framed barn surrounded by ten acres of gardens. Settled in Suffolk after a globetrotting career, Maria has brought her love of Greek and Cypriot cooking to this idyllic rural setting, where diners can enjoy relaxed, sunny-day food without the need for a passport.

The experience here is wonderfully laid-back and sociable, built around a spread of taverna-style small plates designed for sharing around the table. Expect the flavours of Greece and Cyprus done with care, from souvlaki and Cypriot sausage to chargrilled meats, plus plenty of vegetable-forward dishes and vegetarian options that reflect Maria's reputation as a champion of flavour and seasonal produce. It is the kind of place made for a long, lazy lunch, lingering over good food and a glass of Greek wine.

The setting is a real part of the charm. Martha's Barn sits within the grounds of a Grade I listed, 16th-century moated Tudor manor house, with a lovely terrace and generous outdoor space overlooking the gardens. The atmosphere is friendly and unhurried, with welcoming staff and a genuine sense of occasion whether you are visiting for a family celebration or a relaxed catch-up.

With its combination of a talented, award-winning chef, heartfelt Greek and Cypriot cooking, and one of Suffolk's most atmospheric historic locations, a visit here offers something a little different from the everyday. For anyone who loves Mediterranean flavours and a beautiful rural backdrop, it makes for a memorable day out.