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. 

Specialising in offering food for all taste and requirements, the menu boasts a range of vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free and meat dishes. The menu changes with the seasons and features fresh local ingredients as much as possible. Supporting local business is at the heart of Deben Café Bar, they use Five Wind's Farm Butchery and serve their famous Melton Sausages.

The location offers spectacular views across the saltings towards the protected grounds of Sutton Hoo and is the only food and drink venue on the Deben where you can enjoy a licensed cafe bar surrounded by the tidal waters of the River Deben.

The bar serves draft Birra Moretti, Amstel Lager, John Smith's Bitter, Aspall Draft Cider, Guinness Surger, Adnams Southwold, Adnams Broadside and a selection of wines and spirits including low alcohol options.

Deben Cafe Bar prides itself on their friendly welcome. Working together as a whole ship's crew, sharing tasks to offer the best customer service, food and drink provision possible.The food is freshly made in the ship's galley. Scones are made fresh throughout the day and the ever popular galley made sausage rolls, vegan sausage rolls and cheese, onion and potato rolls are at their best, fresh out of the oven.

Recycling: All food is served in takeaway cups, boxes and paper bags which keep food hot and are all recyclable. Customers are encouraged to use the sorting bins for recycling, glass and general waste. The Cafe aims to have a reduced impact on the environment, reducing the need for single use plastics, vast amounts of water and detergents.

Seating: There is a covered seating area with spectacular views over the river Deben, plus plenty of open air seating on the aft deck with a variety of table and seating choices. Further seating on picnic benches is available along the river wall.