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Tucked away in the scenic Welland Valley, The Sun Inn is the kind of place that invites you to settle in and stay a while. A beautifully refurbished dining pub, it blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Whether you arrive after a countryside walk or for a long, leisurely meal, there is a sense of ease here that makes every visit feel genuinely welcoming.
A Love Letter to Local Flavours
The Sun Inn takes a considered approach to its cooking, grounded in a strong field-to-fork philosophy. Ingredients are carefully sourced, with meat coming, where possible, from the team’s own farm in Great Easton. This connection to the land brings a distinct sense of place to the menu, with dishes shaped by both seasonality and provenance.
There is a quiet confidence to the kitchen’s style. It is not about overcomplication, but about allowing quality ingredients to speak clearly, supported by thoughtful combinations and well-judged technique.
A defining feature is the Josper charcoal oven, used to impart depth and character to selected dishes. It lends a subtle smokiness that enhances everything from premium cuts of meat to carefully prepared vegetables.
A Menu That Celebrates the Best of the Season
The menu reflects a balance between comforting classics and more globally influenced plates, all rooted in strong ingredients and bold, clean flavours.
To begin, dishes such as pea and mint soup with toasted house focaccia, breaded whitebait with citrus and garlic mayo, and Cajun steak with endive and orange salad showcase both freshness and variety. A tandoori roasted prince pumpkin with romesco and apple and kohlrabi salad adds a vibrant, seasonal note.
Mains continue with a confident mix of flavours and influences. The Thai green monkfish and king prawn curry, served with crispy squid, pak choi, and basmati rice, offers a layered, aromatic profile. Pan-fried seabass with lobster and chilli bisque, spinach gnocchi, and crayfish brings a more refined touch, while Great Easton Cajun-spiced lamb with romesco and nduja potato rosti highlights the kitchen’s connection to its own produce.
There is also a strong selection of comforting favourites, including a Belted Galloway steak burger with nduja whipped feta and Cajun mayo, beer-battered cod and chips with minted pea purée, and a slow-braised beef brisket served with makhani sauce, Bombay potato, and onion bhaji. A wild mushroom, black garlic, and truffle linguine provides a rich vegetarian option, while lighter dishes such as miso broth with pak choi and glass noodles round out the offering.
From the Josper oven, steaks are a highlight, with cuts including chateaubriand for sharing, fillet, and sirloin, served with hand-cut chips, dressed salad, and a choice of peppercorn or blue cheese sauce.
Sides such as parmesan and truffle fries, tenderstem broccoli with garlic and parmesan, and simple house salads allow for a well-rounded meal.
Sunday Lunch: A Proper Countryside Tradition
Sunday at The Sun Inn is centred around a carefully executed roast, grounded in the same commitment to quality sourcing. Guests can choose from rare-breed beef, slow-braised lamb shoulder, Great Easton pork loin, or a vegetarian nut roast.
Each is served with crisp roast potatoes, tenderstem broccoli, honey roasted carrots and parsnips, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese gratin, and a rich jus, creating a generous and well-balanced plate.
Alongside the roasts, starters such as celeriac and truffle soup or tempura prawns, and desserts including sticky toffee pudding and apple and blackberry frangipane tart, complete the experience with a sense of occasion.
To Finish: A Thoughtful Sweet Selection
Desserts lean into comforting classics, executed with care. Sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream, apple and blackberry frangipane tart with pistachio ice cream, and a rich chocolate brownie with Belgian chocolate ice cream form the core of the offering.
For something lighter, an affogato or a selection of ice creams and sorbets provides a clean, simple finish. Those looking to linger can pair desserts with options such as Sauternes, tawny port, or Pedro Ximénez.
The Olive Garden: A Secret Spot with Serious Charm
The Sun Inn’s Olive Garden offers a relaxed extension of the main dining space, designed for long lunches and easy evenings outdoors. Surrounded by greenery, it provides a more informal setting while retaining the same attention to detail found inside the pub.
It is particularly suited to warmer months, when the pace slows, and the space comes into its own as a place to gather and unwind.
Wood-Fired Pizza: A Seasonal Highlight
The pub also features a Gozney wood-fired pizza oven, adding another dimension to its offering. These pizzas are typically served as part of the outdoor and seasonal experience, with menus that evolve.
Rather than fixed signatures, the focus is on well-made bases, quality toppings, and a relaxed, shareable style of dining that complements the Olive Garden setting.
Stay the Night: A Countryside Escape
For those who prefer to extend their visit, The Sun Inn offers a charming on-site cottage in Great Easton. With four double bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, comfortable living areas, and an adjoining self-contained annex, it is well-suited to small groups or family stays.
Its proximity to the pub makes it easy to enjoy an evening meal and return on foot, turning a visit into a more complete countryside escape.
A Place to Savour, Time and Time Again
The Sun Inn brings together the qualities of a destination dining pub and a well-loved local. With its strong connection to local produce, seasonally driven menus, and welcoming atmosphere, it offers an experience that feels both considered and relaxed.
Whether stopping by for a drink, settling in for a long lunch, or planning a weekend stay, it is a place that rewards returning to.
Location: 6 Cross Bank, Great Easton, Market Harborough, LE16 8SR
