Places to sit by a roaring fire on The Suffolk Coast

Brimming with Suffolk character, The Bell Inn is a curious place indeed. Its 600 year old history is still clear to see; from the smoothed flagstones underfoot to the hidden alcoves, quirky snugs and beamed ceilings. Set just back from the beach itself, this welcoming hostelry offers a relaxed atmosphere and really great food.

The menu captures the best of Suffolk produce with locally sourced and home cooked lunches and suppers. Look out for ‘Suffolk smokies’; a delicious starter of oozing, cheesy smoked, flaked Haddock. The fish and chips is also excellent, as is the fish pie which is full of salmon, prawns and haddock, topped with thick creamy mash. The frequently changing menu also offers such delights as chicken schnitzel and a vibrant Greek salad. 

A fantastic dog-friendly pub with a lively atmosphere, the Coach and Horses is well known for its award-winning customer service and loved by all for it’s cosy ambience.

On the menu you’ll find something to suit every palate including slow cooked pulled duck, a smoked fish platter and tasty homemade nachos to start, followed by classic Adnams beer battered cod and chips, the delicious mushroom burger or even chargrilled Suffolk Sirloin steak. Round the meal off with one of the many tempting desserts such as blackberry Knickerbocker Glory, frozen coconut cheesecake or the unusual pear and tahini caramel crumble tart. There are also a range of refreshing salads and varied sharing platters available- perfect for large groups. 

Tucked away next to quaint St Peter’s Church in the little village of Levington is the grade II listed Ship Inn. Dating back as far as the 14th Century, the Ship Inn exudes warmth with its nautical decor and toasty log burner. Enjoy one of the nearby walks before dropping in for a drink and a bite to eat.

The daily specials offer the chef’s newest creations or choose something from the carefully curated menu. Perhaps start with a hearty game terrine with roasted fig and warm toast, followed by pan-fried fillet of Plaice with a crayfish and caper butter, all rounded off with a yummy almond and pear frangipane tart. 

The Idyllic village of Newbourne is home to the picturesque 16th century Fox Inn; revered for its high quality food and atmospheric ambience. The menu is simply sublime, offering something special for foodies everywhere including pan roasted scallops with pea and mint puree and crispy bacon, dressed Cromer crab and tenderloin of pork with an apple, sage and bacon stuffing. 

With its stunning views over the River Orwell, the well-known Suffolk pub The Butt and Oyster is situated in the Hamlet of Pin Mill and offers a warm welcome to all. Sample a menu that showcases the best of local seafood alongside other classic favourites.

Enjoy the ‘catch of the day’ cooked to perfection and accompanied by chips and mushy peas. Seafood linguine with lobster bisque sauce is a firm favourite as well as chargrilled Sea Bass or 10oz ribeye steak- cooked your way. 

The Froize restaurant is as rustic and rural as you can get; midway between Woodbridge and Orford ‘Froize’ is more than a pub, offering a range of gastronomic, entertainment and learning experiences for visitors.

Enjoy the monthly folk music event, complete with a locally sourced delicious menu or take part in one of the many workshops designed to immerse you in the natural world. Upcoming workshops focus on avian expertise and include a two course supper to enjoy while you learn all about wintering birds, geese or waders and wildfowl.

The restaurant is a destination in itself, with a great focus on locally sourced produce- Froize is all about the food and the people who eat it. 

For an authentic Suffolk alehouse experience look no further than the Sweffling White Horse. The real ale pub stocks an ever-changing range of locally brewed ales and spirits as well as fairtrade, organic local wines. It’s the perfect pub for connoisseurs who want to sample the best that local breweries have to offer.

Head inside after a windy walk and pull up a chair in front of the roaring fire. You can even try your hand at some traditional bar games such as darts and billiards- the perfect way to spend an evening.   

A cosy, relaxed atmosphere, lively music and quirky art makes The Unruly Pig an award winning destination for anyone looking for a quintessential pub experience with a contemporary twist. The gastropub offers seasonal British food with an Italian influence and was awarded ‘Best Suffolk Restaurant 2019/20’.

The a la carte menu offers a range of unfussy, locally produced and sourced food, all with a tantalising Italian flavour. The aged shin of beef ragu is served with bucatini pasta, aged parmesan and pesto while the beetroot risotto comes with smoked eel, horseradish, walnut and watercress.

You can also indulge in a 40 day aged ribeye steak served with parmesan chips, burnt onion and marrowbone sauce. The puddings are delightful; panna cotta with Calvados and blackberry granita, salted caramel tart and warm chocolate mousse with malted milk ice-cream, all jostle for prime position on the menu.  

After an invigorating walk on the beach, The Ship offers a laid back welcome to all who come through its doors. The snug dining room offers respite from the elements and is a wonderful place to gather and enjoy a relaxed, informal meal. The food is hearty, flavoursome and thoughtfully sourced, with ingredients from the land and the sea.

Sample the Cromer crab, chervil and mascarpone filo tart or the wild garlic arancini to start, followed by locally shot game pie with wild garlic mash, or perhaps roasted cauliflower in cashew nut satay sauce for main. Satisfy your sweet tooth with apple strudel and vanilla ice cream or the decadent sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream. 

The sympathetically refurbished 16th century Queen's Head is a country pub that welcomes dogs, children and muddy boots so all the family can stop by after a winter walk, to warm up by the fire and enjoy a hearty meal.

The seasonal menu is ever changing, as is the selection of local cask ales. The grade II listed building showcases its history through its vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and gorgeous fireplace. Why not try the indulgent and creamy fish pie or the Korean style BBQ slow cooked beef rib? The antipasti board is perfect for sharing and the halloumi fries are a firm favourite.

On Sundays you can enjoy a roast with all the trimmings and proper gravy with roast leg of lamb and Suffolk pork loin featuring amongst the choice of meats. 

The Parrot is a charming place to spend the afternoon, with its wonky walls and exposed original beams, open fire and vibrant history, you’ll find a warm welcome here from the friendly staff. The cosy restaurant is set across two levels and there are nooks and crannies for the perfect candle-lit dinner.

Alongside a frequently changing specials board the menu offers a tantalising selection of options to suit all tastes. From classic coq au vin to the more unusual slow cooked goat curry and wild mushroom and artichoke linguine. There are a range of nibbles and sides as well as lighter sandwiches and a dedicated kids’ menu.