• FD - The Queen's Head at Bramfield - Garden
  • FD - The Dolphin Inn - Garden
  • FD - The Unruly Pig - garden
  • FD - Fox Inn Newbourne - Garden

Alfresco Dining on the Suffolk Coast

As the temperatures rise and the sun shines, tuck into a delicious meal, washed down with a cold drink and dine alfresco in one of The Suffolk Coast's top restaurant's and pub's gardens and terraces. From gastropubs to grills, coaching inns to cafes, book a table and dine out this summer...

Our restaurants use the freshest local produce, and so menus can often change. Before setting off, it's worth a quick check of their websites for up to date menus...

The Anchor

The Anchor

Just a stone's throw from the beach at Walberswick, The Anchor is ideally situated for lunch, dinner and drinks after a fun day crabbing and swimming, or simply somewhere to soak up the sun. Find a seat on one of the 3 terraces or head to the garden, which features an undercover marquee, should you need to shelter from the sun (or rain!).

Serving wood fired pizzas from the outdoor oven plus a specials menu featuring locally caught seafood, plus their classic signature fish and chips in beer batter.

Find out more at https://www.anchoratwalberswick.com/

Maeve's Tea Room

Maeves Tea Room - Garden

Maeve's Tea Room is a delightful tea room and cafe is situated on Woodbridge's popular Thouroughfare. Serving a delicious selection of cakes, scones, pastries and biscuits all baked on site, plus sandwiches, toasties, soups, breakfasts and more, along with locally sourced tea and coffee. Walk through the many rooms inside and you will find the pretty courtyard garden, where you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or coffee and cake.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome too!

Find out more at https://www.maevestearoom.co.uk/

East Point Pavilion

East Point Pavilion - People drinking in the garden

With view of beach and sea, East Point Pavilion is the perfect place to head for some delicious street food after a day on the beach. This uber cool venue hosts a programme of live music and open mic nights, markets and events, and is home to a range of street food traders serving Mexican, Indian, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, desserts and a huge range of craft beer, wine, cocktails, teas, coffees, milkshakes and soft drinks. 

Find a spot inside or head out into the garden to find a picnic bench and soak up the summer sun.

Find out more at www.eastpointpavilion.com

The Suffolk

Food alfresco at The Suffolk

Following the hugely successful pop up L’Escargot Sur-Mer, George Pell and the team opened The Suffolk in August 2022 following a dramatic yet sensitive renovation of the historic 17th century building. Located in the heart of Aldeburgh, The Suffolk is home to a 60-cover restaurant complete with rooftop terrace boasting with sea views.

The menu is something to marvel with dishes including signature Butley Native baked lobster with garlic butter and chips, Roast Fillet of Halibut, Champagne & Avruga Caviar Sauce and Wild Suffolk Venison Pappardelle. Followed by Pump Street Chocolate Crémeux, Artichoke Cream, Pear & Almond Tart, Crème Fraiche and Orange & Pistachio Iced Parfait, Grand Marnier Sauce.

Book a table at https://the-suffolk.co.uk/

Fire & Feast

Fire and Feast - Tipi

If you love good food, woodfires and getting away from it all then Fire and Feast Suffolk is the place for you. Offering pop up suppers that celebrate the best of Suffolk produce, Sunday brunches, woodfire cooking experiences and a peaceful wildflower camping meadow beneath dark skies; the family farm is just the place for an alfresco meal with friends in the giant tipi or a lazy Sunday brunch. 

On Saturday evenings between late May and mid September the Fire and Feast giant tipi provides relaxed rustic suppers by firelight using produce from the kitchen garden and local Suffolk farms. Diners can enjoy a drink in the potager garden, dine in the tipi and watch the sun go down around the fire bowl sipping locally roasted coffee. 

Book a table at https://www.fireandfeastsuffolk.co.uk/

Old Hall Cafe

Old Hall Cafe

Boasting spectacular views of the River Blyth, at Old Hall Cafe you can enjoy a range of delicious locally sourced, freshly prepared home-cooked food throughout the day.

Open for brunch, lunch and lights meals you can tuck into dishes inside or out on the sunny terrace, accompanied by a wide selection of hot drinks and alcoholic beverages, it's the perfect place to relax with friends and family before or after a walk in the stunning Suffolk countryside.

For more information visit https://www.oldhallsouthwold.co.uk/

The Boardwalk on Southwold Pier

FD - Southwold Pier - Boardwalk Restaurant

The Boardwalk on Southwold Pier serves a varied range of dishes made from locally sourced produce. The menu can often include dishes such as pan fried seatrout in lemon butter sauce; Wild mushroom & artichoke linguineto; Beef burger; Deep-fried Halloumi burger and beer battered fish & pier cut chips name but a few.

The restaurant has tables inside and out, so you can sip a glass of wine whilst feeling the gentle sea breeze in your hair, watching the stars above and the waves shimmer as the sun sets. 

Book a table at https://www.southwoldpier.co.uk/business/boardwalk-restaurant/

The Ship at Dunwich

FD - The Ship at Dunwich - Garden

The Ship at Dunwich is a popular pub and restaurant in the coastal village of Dunwich, described by Conde Nast Traveller as “The pick is The Ship at Dunwich, a little pub with rooms that dishes up huge portions of fried fish - cod, haddock or plaice - with some of the finest chips in the land. Washed down with a glass of Adnams Southwold Bitter, this comes close to heaven”.

Find a table in the the covered outdoor dining area or the secluded garden and choose from the delicious menu which frequently includes Line-caught haddock & chips; Slow roasted portobello mushrooms with butterbean mash and herb dressing; Caramelized red onion beef burger and Ships fish of the day.

Followed up by Black forest brownie; Sticky toffee pudding; Assorted Aldeburgh ice cream & sorbets and East Anglian cheese with Baron Bigod, Binham, Blue, Norfolk Dapple and chutney & crackers.

Book a table at https://www.shipatdunwich.co.uk/

The Westleton Crown

FD - The Westleton Crown - Garden

For character and rustic charm it has to be The Westleton Crown, a 12th-century coaching inn close to Southwold and Aldeburgh. The interiors are inspired by the surrounding wildlife and landscape, with bi-folding doors which open out onto the garden, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner alfresco.

The main menu typically includes Pan roasted chicken breast; Baked goats cheese with BBQ courgette & minted peas; Chargrilled 8oz Norfolk sirloin steak; East Anglian beef burger; Beer battered haddock with beef dripping chips and mushy peas and Roast delica squash gnocchi.

Finish your meal with Maple roast pineapple, coconut & lemongrass parfait; Caramel chocolate mousse; Roast rhubarb, gingerbread and yoghurt panna cotta and East Anglian cheeses.

Book a table at https://www.westletoncrown.co.uk/

The Unruly Pig

FD - The Unruly Pig - Garden

Multi award winning The Unruly Pig (Winner & Number 1 – Estrella Damm UK Top 50 Gastropubs Awards 2022) is situated in the quiet village of Bromeswell just a short drive from Woodbridge. The gastropub uses fresh, local and seasonal, British food with an Italian influence. The menus are seasonal and utilise the freshest picks from the market each day, so the menu is ever changing.

Some of The Unruly Pig’s best selling dishes include veal sweetbread ‘ossobuco’; Wild garlic risotto; Paccheri pasta; Wild bass; Black pork; 40-day aged sirloin steak tagliata; Guinea fowl and bistecca alla fiorentina. 

Mouthwatering desserts can typically include dishes such as strawberry & lovage; Lavender & honey custard tart and tosier 70% chocolate delice. 

Book a table at https://theunrulypig.co.uk/

The Queen's Head at Bramfield

FD - The Queens Head at Bramfield - garden

The Queen’s Head at Bramfield is tucked away in a quiet village and the stunning gardens overlook the pretty St Andrew’s Church in Bramfield, home to the only round detached tower in Suffolk. This popular fresh food pub boasts 16 tables in the garden, all with parasols and upgraded lighting for this season. 

The menu often includes mains such as pan roasted chicken supreme with black pudding and chive mashed potato; Slow cooked steak & ale pie; Pan seared seabass fillet; The Queen's Fish Pie; Nut & Squash Wellington; Cider battered fish & chips; The Fiery Queen Burger and mixed vegetable curry. With desserts to choose from such as cappuccino sticky toffee pudding; Chocolate chip cookie cheesecake; Cinnamon dusted churros and cherry Bakewell frangipane tart.

The pub is very doggy friendly and even sells Frozzys Frozen Dog Yoghurts!

Book a table at https://queensheadbramfield.co.uk/

The Parrot

FD - The Parrot - Exterior

Dating back to the 16th Century, The Parrot is situated in the quiet and pretty village of Aldringham. You can soak up the spring sunshine and find a bench in the private walled garden and enjoy meals which can include baked fillet of plaice with garden peas and akin on fries; Slow cooked goat curry; Vegetable cannelloni; Pork tenderloin with potato rosti; Pan-fried red mullet with bombay potatoes; Salter & King 10oz rum steak and Leek & Cauliflower tart.

Desserts to enjoy are 'Death by Chocolate', chocolate brownie with chocolate ganache; Fisher's Gin & lime cheesecake with elderflower jelly; Sticky banana cake with caramel sauce & plant based ice cream and Hazelnut Barvarois. 

The bar serves a range of local ales and wines, alongside their own aperitifs including owner Chris' seasonal gin!

After your meal, you can enjoy a game of boules on one of the pistes in the beer garden!

Book a table at https://www.aldringhamparrot.com/

The Dolphin Inn

FD - The Dolphin Inn - Garden

In the heart of Thorpeness, The Dolphin Inn is the perfect place to head after a day at the beach or sailing on the Meare. The historic pub has an impressive garden and the menu features fresh local ingredients including meat from the local butcher in Aldeburgh, fish directly from the markets in Lowestoft sourced only from sustainable stocks, bread from the famous Pump Street Bakery in Orford, vegetables grown locally from a greengrocer in Leiston and milk from a local dairy.

You can sip on a pint of Adnams as you enjoy dishes such as Salter & King beef burger; Grilled fillet of local cod; Whole baked gilt head bream; Blythburgh bone-on pork chop; Jamaican sweet potato & red pepper curry and Chard, spinach & feta, filo pie. Finish with a dessert of Trio of chocolate, white chocolate mousse, warm dark chocolate brownie, chocolate shortbread; Limoncello tart with torched marshmallow & raspberry sorbet; Peanut butter cheesecake with salted caramel ice cream and Spiced rum banana bread with salted caramel sauce and coconut ice cream.

Book a table at https://www.thorpenessdolphin.com/

The Bell Inn

WTS - The Bell Inn - Garden

Book a table at The Bell Inn at Walberswick and you can enjoy delicious dishes whilst taking in the views over the sand dunes and out to sea.

The menu often features dishes such as Pan-roasted butternut squash, Romanesco, artichokes and potato gnocchi; Chargrilled minute steak with Suffolk Blue, roasted figs and pickled walnuts; Chicken katsu curry burger; Adnams Wild Wave cider braised pork sausage; Fish pie and Steamed shellfish, white wine, garlic and leek chowder sauce.

There's also a range of sandwiches and smaller plates and desserts of sticky toffee pudding; Blackberry and Adnams quince curd; Dark chocolate, espresso and Tonka bean tart and Baked Alaska.

Book a table at https://bellinnwalberswick.co.uk/food-and-drink

The Harbour Inn 

FD - The Harbour Inn - View of marshes

Visit The Harbour Inn in Southwold and choose a table on the terrace with views over the town marshes or the patio at the front overlooking Blackshore Harbour and the River Blyth. 

The menu can include pub classics such as grilled whole plaice with lemon & caper butter; Cheddar-glazed fish pie; Suffolk steak burger; Cod & prawn Goan curry; Red lentil, wild mushroom & heritage tomato hot pot; Halloumi burger and Smoked Suffolk ham & eggs. 'From the Fryers' there's Adnams Ghost Ship beer battered cod or haddock and chips; Chili, coriander and lime tempura battered halloumi and chips; Breaded wholetail scampi, chips, peas, lemon, tartare sauce and Devilled whitebait, dressed leaves, lemon, granary bread and butter. 

There's also a children's menu with fish pie; cod & chips; ham, egg & chips and chicken goujons to choose from.

Book a table at https://www.harbourinnsouthwold.co.uk/food

The Five Bells Inn

FD - Five Bells - Exterior

Away from the hustle and bustle of Southwold, you can enjoy outdoor dining at the pretty and spacious village pub, The Five Bells Wrentham. Ideally situated for a meal after a day of exploring The Suffolk Coast, the menu uses the seasonal and local produce in the dishes which often include Traditional Ploughman’s (oak-smoked Suffolk ham and Cheddar) served with warm crusty bread; Hot fish platter with squid, scampi and Panko prawns with chips; Twice-cooked pork belly with a creamy mash; Mediterranean pasta bake topped with Parmesan; Oak-smoked Suffolk ham, two fried Low Farm eggs and chips; Chicken Korma with rice; Minted lamb burger and Moroccan-spiced tagine. 

There's also a range of sandwiches and smaller plates, and if you've got room you can enjoy a dessert of zesty lemon curd pie; Sticky toffee pudding in butterscotch sauce; Homemade cheesecake; Five Bells cheeseboard and a selection of ice creams.

The pub also has a good selection of Adnams cask and keg beers on the bar, and an excellent range of Adnams Southwold-made spirits, as well as a comprehensive wine list.

Book a table at https://www.fivebellswrentham.co.uk/food-and-drink

The Brudenell Hotel

FD - Brudenell Seafood & Grill - Terrace

Dine with a view at the beach-side Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh. A few steps from the sea, the terrace extends the width of the hotel with panoramic views out to sea. Dine with the sun on your back to the gentle sound of waves breaking on the sea shore.

The terrace opens at 9am for brunch and a cuppa, while bar service begins at 11am. There's a delicious tapas menu and lighter meals and snacks including wraps, sandwiches and fries. For something a little more substantial, tuck into dishes which include the catch of the day, Adnams Dry Hopped battered fish & chips; Halibut & Cromer Crab; Roasted stone bass; Spring lamb saddle; Confit duck leg; Spring pearl barley risotto; 28 day aged rib-eye steak; Vegan burger; Sweet potato & red onion tart and crayfish & clam linguine.

Finish your meal with a dessert of Rhubarb cranachan & lychee panna cotta; Chocolate & hazelnut eclair; Lemon & elderflower sponge; Dark chocolate & raspberry tart, sticky toffee pudding and homemade petit fours.


Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club

WTS - Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club - aerial view

Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel 'Braid's Bar' and grill menu is served on the lawn in the hotel's delightful garden, which is situated alongside the peaceful Meare. Enjoy a meal before or after a round of golf on the links course or just sit and enjoy the view with your choice from the menu.

There's a menu of sandwiches and sides, plus a range of dishes including fish & chips; Scampi & Chips and ham, egg & chips; classic Caesar salad; Greek salad; Crab Caesar salad; Vegetarian macaroni & cheese; Thorpeness burger; Grilled sirloin steak; Vegan burger and BBQ chicken burger.


The Alex Cafe Bar

FD - The Alex - Outdoor dining

The Alex Café Bar boasts a fantastic seafront location overlooking Felixstowe’s south promenade. The friendly, informal venue offers the full range of bar drinks, a large selection of wines by the glass or bottle, Adnams draught ales and a large gin menu. Freshly ground coffees and cake complement the all day menu featuring delightful breakfasts, brunch, café meals and bar snacks, produced with passion in the open kitchen, by the busy brigade of chefs.

Find a table on the large heated patio overlooking the sea and choose from dishes which often include Cauliflower & romanesco cheese; Bavette steak baguette with sweet & sour onions; Tempura battered fresh hake loin; The Café Burger; Pot of fresh mussels and Cajun spit roasted chicken. 

There's an exciting plant-based menu for vegans too, with meals including bubble & squeak cake with roast tomato sauce and mushrooms and Moving Mountain burger. 

Book a table at https://www.alexcafebar.co.uk/

The Maybush Inn

FD - The Maybush Inn - View from river

Perched on the banks of the picturesque River Deben, The Maybush Inn boasts panoramic views of the river and beyond. This dog-friendly pub is a popular spot and the perfect place to soak up the sun over dinner. 

The menu regularly features dishes such as a selection of salads; Cold fish platter with smoked salmon, smoked mackerel, prawns, roasted salmon, a selection of sauce with salad and bread; rib eye and sirloin steak; Blue cheese burger; Pork & apple burger; Homemade beef lasagne; Sausage & mash; Creamy wild mushroom linguine; Cauliflower chana masala and Mediterranean vegetable lasagne.

End your meal with Belgian chocolate brownie; Lemon tart; Vegan apple & blackcurrant crumble; Cheese board or a selection of ice creams.

Book a table at https://www.debeninns.co.uk/maybush/

The Fox Inn

FD - The Fox Inn - Garden

Nestled in the heart of the idyllic Suffolk village of Newbourne, The Fox Inn boasts an idyllic garden, with pretty hanging baskets and an undercover area, in case those summer showers make an appearance! 

The menu uses fresh local ingredients to make dishes such as Proctors Cumberland ring, pork & apple burger with pulled pork and popcorn crackling; Steak, ale and mushroom pie; Sirloin steak; Steak burger with chips & homemade burger sauce; Cajun chicken with chips; Fillet of cod baked with a pesto crust; Fish & chips; Scampi & chips; Southern fried, chargrilled & pulled BBQ chicken burger with cheese and bacon; vegan roasted celeriac, wild mushroom & shallot pie with olive oil mash and seasonal vegetables and Moving Mountains plant-based burger.

To finish, choose from cheesecake of the day; Sticky toffee pudding; Vanilla creme brulee; Chocolate brownie; Treacle tart and a selection of Suffolk ice creams.

Book a table at https://www.debeninns.co.uk/fox/

Deben Cafe Bar on HMS Vale

Deben Cafe Bar on HMS Vale

The perfect spot to refresh yourselves on a walk along the banks of the River Deben, the Deben Cafe on HMS Vale offers spectacular views over the river Deben from the open air seating area on deck and the seating area on the river wall.

Tuck into cream teas, breakfast rolls, freshly made hot pastries, fresh salads, ready made sandwiches and homemade cakes, alongside an impressive selection of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Find out more at https://www.debencafe.co.uk/



WHERE TO EAT

Deben Cafe Bar on HMS Vale

Deben Cafe Bar on HMS Vale

Deben Café Bar serves cream teas, breakfast rolls, freshly made hot pastries, fresh salads, ready made sandwiches and homemade cakes. Enjoy al fresco on the deck of an ex-Swedish Navy warship moored on the banks of the river Deben at Melton, near Woodbridge. 

Read more >
Dog friendly

The Sweffling White Horse 

The Sweffling White Horse

A traditional pub in the village of Sweffling near Saxmundham and East Anglia Pub of the Year 2015.

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Free wifi Dog friendly

The Unruly Pig 

The Unruly Pig



The Unruly Pig is a multi award winning 16th century Suffolk inn offering award winning food, fab service with a relaxed vibe. 

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Southwold Pier - The Boardwalk, Beach Cafe and Clockhouse

Southwold Pier - The Boardwalk, Beach Cafe and Clockhouse

Southwold

Southwold Pier has a fabulous choice of restaurants and cafes to fill the gap from breakfast, through to morning coffee and pastries, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner!

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Deben Inns

Deben Inns

A group of eight award winning pubs, each with a unique personality, style and menu in beautiful locations across the Suffolk Coast.

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Free wifi Dog friendly Cycle friendly

The Alex Café Bar & Brasserie

The Alex Café Bar & Brasserie



The Alex Café Bar & Brasserie is part of Yeo Group - a group of individual venues in Felixstowe known particularly for their friendly and “can do” style of service. Offering panoramic sea views, The Alex has a fabulous seafront setting just across from the south promenade in Felixstowe.

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

The Ship at Dunwich

The Ship at Dunwich

Dunwich

There's plenty to enjoy on The Ship's menu, the food ethos is simple; good food, locally sourced, skilfully cooked and thoughtfully served. 

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

The Five Bells Inn

The Five Bells Inn

Away from the hustle and bustle of Southwold, enjoy outdoor dining at this pretty and spacious village pub, The Five Bells Wrentham.

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Free wifi Dog friendly

The Queen's Head at Bramfield

The Queen's Head at Bramfield

A stunningly refurbished 16th century listed dining country pub with stunning gardens. Dogs welcome!

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible Muddy Stilettos Award Winner

The Dolphin Inn

The Dolphin Inn

At the heart of Thorpeness The Dolphin Inn enjoys a great reputation among the locals for food, drink and friendly service.

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible Cycle friendly

The Westleton Crown

The Westleton Crown

Dunwich

The Westleton Crown believe that the very best tasting food is locally and responsibly grown. Head Chef, Kieren Drinkwater and his team pride themselves on their imaginative and varied menus. 

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Brudenell Seafood & Grill

Brudenell Seafood & Grill

Aldeburgh

The Seafood & Grill restaurant has panoramic sea views from every table, with a décor inspired by the vibrant colours found on the Suffolk coast throughout the year. Featuring a fantastic sea facing terrace that makes for the perfect spot in the warmer months.

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Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible

Maeve's Tea Room

Maeve's Tea Room

Situated on the Thoroughfare in the riverside market town of Woodbridge, Maeve's Tea Room is an independent tea room and cafe offering a wide menu designed to tempt all taste buds.

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

The Parrot 

The Parrot

Dating back to the 16th Century, The Parrot certainly has a lot of history. With its exposed solid oak beams, open fire, wonky walls and low ceilings, it oozes charm and character. 

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Free wifi Dog friendly Cycle friendly

The Bell Inn

The Bell Inn

The Bell is a home from home with no shortage of Suffolk character - beamed ceilings, open fires, quirky snugs, hidden alcoves and worn flagstones floors. 

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Free wifi Dog friendly

The Harbour Inn

The Harbour Inn

Right on the water’s edge, The Harbour Inn in Southwold is a proper old Fisherman’s pub - warm, workmen-like and wonderfully buzzy, with nautical charm in abundance. 

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Dog friendly

Old Hall Cafe & Walks

Old Hall Cafe & Walks

Serving a delicious selection of locally sourced, freshly prepared home-cooked food to enjoy whilst taking in the spectacular views of the River Blyth.

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Wheelchair Accessible

Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant 

Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant

Ipswich

Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant provides a unique and exciting dining experience offering breakfast, lunch, sunset supper or dinner cruises. 

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Dog friendly