Alfresco Dining on the Suffolk Coast

The Boardwalk on Southwold Pier serves a varied range of dishes made from locally sourced produce. The menu features confit Gressingham duck leg, pork belly, pigs cheek, chorizo and black bean stew, mussels and halloumi burger to 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. 

The Ufford Crown will be re-opening for outdoor dining from 14 April. The country pub serves wholesome British pub food with a French influence made with fresh, local ingredients. Dishes on the menu include Sundried tomato pesto spaghetti; Chargrilled local ham steak, double egg & frites; Pulled pork bun; Chargrilled yellow fin tuna steak; Thai red tiger prawn curry and a selection of sandwiches served with fries. Plus a mouthwatering selection of desserts such as Valhrona chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream; Sticky toffee pudding; White chocolate & raspberry cheesecake and a selection of cheeses.

Book a table at http://www.theuffordcrown.com/

The Ramsholt Arms faces south over the River Deben and is the place to enjoy great food and beautiful Suffolk sunsets.

Re-opening from 12 April, find a table on the terrace and order from the menu to enjoy fresh, locally caught fish, sharing platters and hearty pub grub including caramelised onion & 3 cheese tart, new potatoes & salad, Ramsholt fish platter (shell-on prawns, smoked salmon, mackerel pâté, pickled herrings), Ramsholt BBQ double cheese burger, bacon jam, pickles, fries & coleslaw and open fish pie – smoked haddock, salmon, cod & crayfish, mash & green beans.

Plan a visit at http://www.theramsholtarms.com/

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”.

Re-opening the covered outdoor dining area and garden from 14 April, you can enjoy a bite to eat and a drink in the spring sunshine Wednesday - Sunday from 11am - 7pm. Indoor dining will re-commence from 17 April. 

Choose from the delicious menu which includes beer battered fish & chips; aged beef burger; goat's cheese, beetroot and shallot tarte tatin; 10oz sirloin steak; grilled seabass Caesar salad and Blythburgh pork milanaise. Follwed by puddings such as sticky toffee pudding; vegan brownie with vegan vanilla ice cream; chooclate delice served on pistachio cake; vanilla panna cotta and a selection of ice creams. 

A popular pub, booking is advised at https://www.shipatdunwich.co.uk/

For character and rustic charm it has to be The Westleton Crown, a 12th-century coaching inn close to Southwold and Aldeburgh. Re-opening from 17 May, it's undergone a stylish refurbishment, with the interiors 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 chargrilled pork ribeye; beer battered haddock & chips; pan fried bream, saffron and chorizo risotto; chargrilled 8oz sirloin steak and roasted oyster mushroom, asparagus, pea and bulgur wheat salad. For pudding there's an East Anglian cheese board; selection of Alburgh ice creams and sorbets; Norfolk strawberries, caramelised milk, meringue and spiced rice pudding with poached raspberries and hazelnuts.

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

Multi award winning The Unruly Pig (Suffolk’s only UK Top 50 Gastropub) will be offering it’s “Unruly Lite” menu on its outside decking area from Friday 16 April 2021. Depending upon demand, The Unruly Pig will be initially serving outside each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The menu will offer some of The Unruly Pig’s best selling dishes including it’s legendary arancini , it’s famous Chateaubriand as well as it’s addictive nduja and chorizo main cheese. No bookings are taken so it is a case of pitching up and having fun. Whilst the huge fire pit will be lit, do bring along your woolies!

The Queen’s Head at Bramfield is excited to once again be opening their doors for outside dining and takeaway from 12th April (restrictions pending) and the comprehensive Garden Menu is also available for takeaway from 12 - 8pm, 7 days a week.

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. Brand new blankets are available to purchase very inexpensively for anyone feeling a little chilly, which guests then can take home, ensuring Covid safety.

The new Garden Menu has an ‘around the world’ theme, designed to whisk diners off to vibes of much missed sunnier foreign climes this summer. Flavours of the Continent, Greek, Lebanese and Korean dishes sit comfortably alongside more classic Suffolk pub fayre, such as the pub’s signature burger, The Boadicea.

The pub is very doggy friendly and complimentary Bonios are always on hand for four legged guests! Prior booking is not essential, but very much recommended.

Book online at https://queensheadbramfield.co.uk/

Dating back to the 16th Century, The Parrot is situated in the quiet and pretty village of Aldringham. Re-opening from 12 April, you can soak up the spring sunshine and find a bench in the private walled garden and enjoy meals including slow cooked curried goat, 10oz Salter & King rump steak, baked plaice fillet and stuffed romano pepper with charred courgette, roast garlic and tomato emulsion.

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/

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 which will be opening for outside dining from 12 April. 

The Dolphin prides itself on using fresh local ingredients including meat from the local butcher in Aldeburgh, fish directly from the markets in Lowestoft sourced only from sustainable stocks, bread is 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 6 oz beef burger with pulled pork; 10oz ribeye steak; fisherman's pie; breast of duck with sweet potato mash; wild mushroom and shallot risotto; baked halibut fillet and baked fillet of haddock with chunky chips.

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

The iconic Swan Hotel in the heart of Southwold will be re-opening for alfresco dining from 12 April. Find in the Courtyard Tipi and tuck into brunch from 10.10am - 12pm or lunch from 12pm - 5pm everyday. Tables are available on a first come first served basis so there's no need to book. 

The breakfast menu includes freshly baked pastries, cereals, Full English, vegetarian breakfast, grilled kippers and smoked salmon with eggs from Lowestoft Smokehouse or Eggs Florentine, Eggs Benedict or Eggs Royale. 

Alternatively, book a table in the enchanting Coastal Garden, which is open for lunch daily from 12pm - 5pm. Each garden table if situated on its own patio alcove with access to a private cloakroom. If you've missed dining out and enjoying great British food, The Swan will be offering evening dining on Fridays and Saturdays, with a set menu for a minimum of 4 people.

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

The Bell Inn at Walberswick will be opening their large and spacious pub garden from 12 April. Open daily from 12-6pm, you can enjoy delicious dishes with views over the sand dunes and out to sea.

The new Spring Menu features dishes such as wild garlic pesto, sun-blushed tomatoes and pappardelle pasta; Quinoa pilaf with roasted sweet potato, cauliflower and red onion; Steak, mushroom and Adnams ale shortcrust pastry pie; Deep-fried battered fillet of fresh cod; Smoked trout Caesar salad and a selection of filled sandwiches. There's also desserts including sticky toffee pudding; Adnams limoncello posset; Rhubarb and ginger cheesecake and baked Alaska.

Outdoor tables are bookable from 12th April – 16th May inclusive, thereafter indoor dining will resume (indoor tables must be booked) and outdoor tables will operate on a first come, first served basis. From 21st June, table bookings are no longer required at The Bell and all tables will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

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

The Harbour Inn in Southwold will be re-opening for outdoor dining from 12 April daily from 12pm - 6pm. Choose from the terrace with views over the town marshes or the patio at the front overlooking Blackshore Harbour and the River Blyth. 

Choose from the terrace with views over the town marshes or the patio at the front overlooking Blackshore Harbour and the River Blyth. The Spring Menu includes pub classics such as fish pie; chargrilled steak burger; smoked Suffolk ham, egg & chips; "veggie' fish & chips" plus sandwiches and desserts of sticky toffee pudding and warm chocolate brownie.

There's also a children's menu with fish pie; cod & chips; Mac N' Cheese and chicken goujons to choose from.

Outdoor tables are bookable from 12th April – 16th May inclusive, please book using the button above, thereafter indoor dining will resume (indoor tables must be booked) and outdoor tables will operate on a first come, first served basis. From 21st June, table bookings are no longer required at The Harbour and will operate on a first come, first served basis.

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

Away from the hustle and bustle of Southwold, you can enjoy outdoor dining at the pretty and spacious village pub, The Five Bells Wrentham, which is re-opening for outdoor dining from 12 April from 12pm - 6pm. The new spring menu uses the seasonal and local produce in the dishes which include Five Bells Mac N' Cheese; Butternut, roasted cauliflower and peanut curry; Breaded scampi tails & chips; Five Bells bacon double cheeseburger; Roasted field mushroom and halloumi burger; plus a range of sandwiches and a children's menu.

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.

Outdoor tables are available to book between 12 April – 16 May inclusive, thereafter indoor tables will be available to book and outdoor tables will operate on a first come, first served basis only.

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

Dine with a view from 12 April when the Suffolk Hotel Folk re-open the Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh. A few steps from the beach, 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. There’s plenty of space for everyone to relax and enjoy a meal of their choice. 

The terrace opens at 9am for brunch and a cuppa, while bar service begins at 11am. Head Chef, Darren Hazelton has created a tasty new lunch menu available from midday until 5pm, plus ‘Bru in a Bucket’ dishes from around the world to take away every evening and over weekends. 

Lighter meals and snacks include tapas, wraps, sandwiches, fries with a sauce and a vegetarian soup. For something a little more substantial from £11 per person tuck into the catch of the day, a Salter & King hamburger or Adnams dry hopped battered fish with chunky chips. The dessert menu includes tempting favourites such as sticky toffee pudding and a rich chocolate brownie. 

The Alex Café Bar will re-open at the end of April for outdoor dining.  It benefits from 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.

Open all day, seven days a week, 364 days of the year, The Café Bar makes the perfect place to sample a cocktail or two with friends after work, meet up with family for a leisurely weekend brunch, share weekday elevenses and a catch-up, enjoy a pot of fresh mussels in white wine and garlic, or chill out on the large heated patio overlooking the sea.