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Eating out: Waterside pubs
Let’s Talk! looks at pubs with a waterside view
Give us your favourites! This is just our selection – restricted
to 10 choices. If we’ve missed your favourite, leave a message on
the message board and let us know - our readers will appreciate your views
too! Message
board
1:
Henny Swan
Location: Overlooking the River Stour amid unspoiled water meadows
in a spectacular part of the Suffolk/Essex border.
The Swan: It's not so much a local as an upmarket gastro pub, which
serves high quality food that rivals any of Suffolk's top restaurants.
Getting there: You'll need to get the map out to find this pub
as it's on a small by road between Sudbury and Bures. Basically from Sudbury
you need to head out on the road to Halstead and turn sharp left once you've
crossed the Ballingdon Bridge.
2:
Waldringfield Maybush
Location: Right on the River Deben, this pub is a honeypot the
year round for those who want to eat while watching the boats go by. Plan
to arrive early - this is a very popular pub.
Maybush: There's an excellent choice of food on the menu
to suit all tastes.
The fresh fish is particularly recommended as are the puddings.
Getting there: Another out of the way pub - be prepared
for narrow roads. Take the A12 to Brightwell and follow the signs to Newbourne
and Waldringfield.
3: Butt and Oyster at Pin Mill
Location: On the River Orwell at the tiny but spectacular hamlet
of Pin Mill, which is famous for its houseboats and Thames barges.
Butt and Oyster: This pub boasts an excellent menu - the fish here
is also special, good beers and a really good atmosphere. Not to be missed.
Getting there: Take the B1456 out of Ipswich towards Shotley. At
Chelmondiston be prepared to take a sharp left towards the river.
4:
The Harbour Inn at Southwold
Location: Beside the River Blyth at the landward end of the harbour
in one of the most sought after locations in Suffolk.
The Harbour: A friendly fishing pub which serves locally
caught fish and Adnams beer that's unbelievable.
Getting there: From the A12 take the A1095 into Southwold
and as you enter the town turn right following signs to the harbour.
5:
The Locks Inn, Geldeston
Location: Certainly off the beaten track! The Locks is between
Beccles and Bungay on the banks of the River Waveney at the northern end
of the navigable section.
The Locks: the building is original and unspoilt, ideal
to escape the trials and tribulations of daily life. Relax in the large
garden or have your meal in the dining room. Award winning ales plus pub
games; just the right spot for a summer - or winter's evening.
Getting there: Not the easiest pub to find but well worth
the effort. By car turn off the A146 just north of Beccles and head for
Station Road, Geldeston and make your way along the half-mile track.
6:
The Ship Inn, Brandon Creek
Location: a delightful fenland pub on two river banks where
the Rivers Great Ouse and Little Ouse meet.
The Ship Inn: Meals in the bar or for the more formal occasion
try the panelled dining room. Popular with the boating people in the summer
plus a band of regulars from the surrounding fens. There's been a pub here
from 1645 which probably accounts for the ghosts that reputedly walk the
riverbanks - and the pub!
Getting there: Around seven miles south of Downham Market
on the A10 King's Lynn to Ely road
7:
The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe
Location: Situated at Brancaster Staithe a small fishing
village on the north Norfolk coast. Fabulous views over the Norfolk Coastal
Path and the mud flats.
The White Horse: Daily additions to the extensive menu
with the fresh local produce. Shellfish, when in season, include cockles,
mussels and oysters from the 'beds' at the bottom of the garden.
Getting there: On the A149 coast road eight miles from
Hunstanton and three miles from Burnham Market. From Norwich head to Fakenham
and then take the B1355 to Burnham Market and on to Brancaster Staithe.
8:
The Rising Sun
Location: On the northern bank of the River Bure on the edge of
Coltishall Common. standing on the banks of the River Bure.
The Rising Sun: Sit outside this family friendly pub and watch
the boats go by and the anglers trying their luck; plenty of room on the
common for the grandchildren to run around plus local walks.
Getting there: Off the B1150 Norwich to North Walsham Road. Take
the turning to Wroxham in Coltishall village and continue until you reach
the common. The Rising Sun is on the right.
9:
The Rivergarden, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich
Location: On the River Wensum this waterside watering hole
was formerly known as the King's Head; renamed and refurbished in 2002.
The Rivergarden: Sit by the River Wensum in the covered
and heated terrace. Although it was refurbished, the Rivergarden has retained
many of the old building's features. If you're a city dweller this is the
place to hide away from the hustle and bustle without travelling far.
Getting there: The Rivergarden is in Thorpe St Andrew.
Head East from Norwich City centre towards Yarmouth. From the Southern Bypass
take the signs to Norwich East. The pub is just beyond Thorpe Green on the
left.
10:
The Pleasure Boat Inn
Location: A true Broads pub aptly named this inn is situated on
the northern edge of Hickling Broad.
The Pleasure Boat Inn: Sup a pint of real ale while you
enjoy the waterside view from the bar, lounge or beer garden. A bar menu
with speciality board is available or you can eat in the restaurant.
Getting there: It will require a few twists and turns along country
roads. Follow the signs to Hickling off the A149 between Stalham and Potter
Heigham. The Inn is on Staithe Street.
9:
The Buxhall Crown
Location: Buxhall is signposted off the B115 west of Stowmarket.
If you are not good at route finding print off a map from the website -it’s
well worth the effort.
The restaurant:Dating back to the 17th century the Crown
is all you’d expect of a traditional Suffolk inn turned gastro pub
Food: Using locally sourced ingredients and the very finest
meats the Crown prides itself on producing home made foods including bread,
ice-cream, biscuits and chocolate.
Booking: Call 01449 736521
10:
The White Hart
Location: Nayland, Suffolk - from the A12 south of Ipswich,
take the B1068 to Stoke-by-Nayland and then the B1087 to Nayland.
The restaurant: Part of the Michel Roux empire, the White
Hart was a former coaching inn that’s been turned into a highly respected
restaurant..
Food: Stunning cuisine and reasonably priced.
Booking: Call 01206 263382