• FD - Hot Chocolate

Top Spots for a Hot Choc!

'Tis the season for chunky knits, wellies and walks in the countryside and along the beaches of The Suffolk Coast - finished up with a steaming cup of delicious hot chocolate of course!

Whether yours is with cream, marshmallows and a flake, or you prefer a mug of classic cocoa, check out our pick of these hot chocolate serving establishments!

1. View Point Cafe, Felixstowe

FD - View Point Cafe - interior

For a truly nautical experience head to Felixstowe and take a refreshing stroll along the beach at the Landguard Peninsular, keeping your eyes peeled for starfish and maybe even a seal. Visit the Felixstowe Museum to uncover mammoth tusks, cannonballs and Victorian and Edwardian artefacts.

After all that exploring there is no better place for a snack and a sit down than the aptly named View Point Café; a truly unique place to take in the amazing views over the water while watching some of the world’s largest vessels making their way in and out of the port. The menu contains a range of very reasonably priced food and drink, from comforting ‘butties’ and big breakfasts to the lighter quiche of the day served with salad or chips and peas. There is also a lovely children’s menu and a range of cakes and pastries too. Don’t forget to pop next door to the visitor centre to identify the ships you have seen come and go that day. 

2. RSPB Minsmere

TTDA - RSPB Minsmere - Scone

For a café experience set amongst nature, visit RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve where you can wander in the wetlands and wood, venture onto the beach and possibly spot one the many rare birds such as Bitterns and Avocets. 

The rustic café provides the perfect place to warm up with a hot chocolate and one of the many homemade cakes. Alternatively, you could opt for a bacon roll or sandwich, cheese or fruit scone, home-made bread pudding, soup or lasagne before heading back out into the wilderness for more exploring. 

3. Snape Maltings

FD - Snape Maltings - River View Cafe

At Snape Maltings you can choose from a range of inspiring walks amongst the marches and heath or through the reeds that line the River Alde Valley. Visitors can take their time pottering in a selection of little shops, many of which sell locally hand made items or can stroll through several galleries taking in the paintings, ceramics and sculptures in this cultured village.

Punctuate your visit with a stop at the River View Cafe & Bar or The Takeaway Hut, both offering views of the spectacular river, reeds and sky. In the River View Cafe & Bar you’ll find a great selection of brunch and lunch dishes, as well as fresh cakes and scones, hot chocolate, Fairtrade coffee and a selection of soft and alcoholic drinks. Whilst from The Takeaway Hut sells a delectable selection of choose from a selection of hot chocolates, coffees and teas plus homemade sandwiches, filled rolls and cakes.

4. Southwold Pier

FD - Southwold Pier - Sign

Further along the coast, visitors to Southwold will be utterly charmed by a nostalgic seaside experience. The beach hut-lined shore is perfect for a stroll along to the pier, lined with shops and quirky automaton amusements, plus The Clockhouse cafe serving delicious sandwiches, paninis, pizzas and hot drinks.

Open from 10am - 4pm every day, watch the waves crash and warm up with a steaming mug of hot chocolate!

5. The Tea Hut, Woodbridge

FD - The Tea Hut - View

Nestled alongside the bank of the River Deben in Woodbridge you will find the The Tea Hut, an oasis of calm for families, friends and dog walkers alike, it is the perfect place to rest up and warm up with a hot chocolate after a walk along the river. They have a menu of comforting meals such as quiche, jacket potatoes and falafel burgers as well as an extensive kids menu. While away the hours on the outdoor decking, watch the boats go by. 

6. Cookhouse Restaurant at Suffolk Food Hall

FD - Suffolk Food Hall - Afternoon tea

With panoramic views of the Orwell Bridge and Estuary, the Cookhouse Restaurant at Suffolk Food Hall not only boasts an incredible view, but also a mouth-watering menu made from local produce. Start your day with a breakfast, stop by for lunch whilst shopping, or simply warm up with a delicious hot chocolate with cream, marshmallows and a flake alongside a slice of homemade cake.

Whilst there, be sure to visit the famous Food Hall which sells a range of East Anglia's finest produce and the homewares shop, for cosy blankets, cushions, children's toys, books, plants and garden items. 

7. East Point Pavilion

East Point Pavilion - Chairs and table

Boasting an enviable position overlooking Lowestoft's golden sandy beach, East Point Pavilion is the perfect spot to enjoy a rewarding hot chocolate at the end of a beach walk. A trendy food hall which hosts an exciting programme of events including pop-up markets, live music, family events and more, you can find a comfy sofa, seat or pew inside and sip on a steaming cup of hot chocolate from Sir Toby's Beers. If coffee is more your thing, there's Pumpkin Spice Cream Lattes, Irish Cream Coffees, coffee straight up, teas and even warming mugs of mulled cider.

8. Deben Cafe on HMS Vale

Deben Cafe Bar on HMS Vale

Boasting spectacular views across the saltings and Sutton Hoo, Deben Cafe Bar on HMS Vale is ideally situated for a post-walk delicious hot chocolate. After walking along the banks of the River Deben, you can warm up on board this ex-Swedish Navy warship, moored on the banks of the river and enjoy hot pastries, sandwiches and cakes, along with teas, coffees and yummy hot chocolate.



Things to see and do

RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve

RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve

Westleton

Discover nature together on the beautiful Suffolk coast. Wander among the wetlands and woods, potter along the beach, and pause to watch some amazing wildlife. 

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Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible EV charging

Discover Landguard

Discover Landguard

The Landguard Peninsula is located at the southerly most point of the town of Felixstowe. 

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Dog friendly Cycle friendly

Southwold Pier

Southwold Pier

Southwold

Southwold is a popular destination for the many visitors to the East Coast and its most prominent attraction, the pier, hosts a wide range of things to see and do.

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

WHERE TO EAT

The Restaurant @ Suffolk Food Hall

The Restaurant @ Suffolk Food Hall

Ipswich

The Restaurant @ Suffolk Food Hall is a unique place to eat and drink whilst enjoying the panoramic views of the Orwell Estuary. 

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Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible

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. 

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Dog friendly

The Tea Hut

The Tea Hut

The Tea Hut cafe/restaurant sits on the banks of the beautiful River Deben in Woodbridge. 

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

View Point Cafe

View Point Cafe

View Point Cafe is a modern and friendly cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Situated on the Landguard Peninsular, adjacent to the Port of Felixstowe on the Orwell estuary, the View Point Cafe absolutely lives up to its name.


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Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible Cycle friendly

Eat at Snape Maltings

Eat at Snape Maltings

Snape


Enjoy delicious food and drink with spectacular views. Enjoy MALT Café for a light bite or coffee on the go, or treat yourself to a relaxing lunch in our River View Café & Bar, looking over the stunning reedbeds.

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Free wifi

East Point Pavilion 

East Point Pavilion

Enjoy fantastic food, grab a drink and take in the sea views at Lowestoft’s latest good times spot.

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Wheelchair Accessible

where to stay

Best Western The Hatfield Hotel

Best Western The Hatfield Hotel

Nestled in the centre of Lowestoft’s seafront, The Hatfield Hotel offers unparalleled access to the golden sands of Lowestoft Beach. It’s a haven for those who seek the calming ambiance of the ocean waves. The hotel has been meticulously refurbished and updated, blending modern and classic design components to create a unique atmosphere that attracts visitors and locals alike. With its wrap-around terrace bar and restaurant, the hotel boasts a stunning view of the sea.

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Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible