Eating and Drinking

(no particular order)

 

The Jolly Sailor Pub/Restaurant

01394 450243

 

A pub/restaurant with a good range on the menu.

 

Especially popular with those who arrive in Orford by boat and has regular Friday evenings with the Quay Street Whalers making an appearance at about 9pm

 

Probably best to book in the Summer months.

 

Exiting the lane, turn right and stop before you fall in the sea!

 

Next door is the Jolly Studio for gifts and seascape paintings by Jeremy.

 

The King’s Head Pub/Restaurant

01394 450271

 

Just about facing the Market Square, on the road into the village.

 

Generally an atmospheric place, (sometimes with music) to spend an evening – often has a focus on a particular menu such as the Caribbean or French.

 

Crown and Castle

01394 450205

 

The C&C was until recently co owned by TV personality Ruth Watson, David Watson and Tim Sutherland.

Recently changed ownership but essentially still the same.

 

If you fancy a real quality meal while you are here, then this is the place.

 

Bookings are essential.

 

The Unruly Pig

01394 460310

 

About 10 miles from here through the forest but worth it for a great meal. Lots of awards and rosettes.

 

Go towards Woodbridge / Melton (ie turning left soon after leaving the village)

 

It is on your right just before the roundabout near Melton.

 

Tables in the bar area or the main restaurant. Same menu.

 

Riverside Tearooms

 

As the name suggests, down by the river (turn left at the quay) where you can watch us all “messing about in boats”.

Lovely café including a 'full English' and take away coffees.

 

The Butley Orford Oysterage

01394 450277

 

This well established retro fish, restaurant on the Market Square has existed for 50 years. All their fish is wonderful and they also sell a local white Suffolk wine.

 

Really good food but you should book and check the opening times. Normally open lunch times plus Friday and Saturday evenings.

 

Bawdsey cafe

 

At Bawdsey Quay, about 15 miles from here….a lovely drive. Ask us.

We love it.

 

Inside or on a balcony with their binoculars overlooking the river and boats.

 

You can also take the 2 minute Butley Ferry, people and bikes only, and walk along to Old Felixstowe.

 

Cafe hours 11-5

Mar/Apr – Fri, Sat, Sun, B Hol

May-Oct – Not Tues & Wed

School Summer Hols – every day

Nov/Dec – Sat & Sun

 

Darsham Nursery, shop, café, plants and restaurant.

01728 667022

 

15 miles and 30 minutes drive up the A12, but if you like interesting food – typically Middle Eastern inspired then this is it. We love it !

Plus a lovely mix of flowers and veg in their raised beds.

Interesting plant and food inspired gifts for others and yourself !

 

Mostly day time and the occasional summer evenings (Friday and Saturday)

 

Drive to Snape and about a mile beyond, turn left. Go through Friday Street and turn right / North up the A12. It is at Darsham, slightly up the hill and on your right just beyond the rail crossing.

 

The Ramsholt Arms

01394 411209

 

A great summer or sunset pub about 10 miles away with its stunning views but check its opening times.(changes a lot)

Ask us for directions(It’s not easy)

 

The Lady Florence (Flo)

 

A lovely old boat restaurant that leaves from Orford Quay. According to season and tides can be brunch, lunch or dinner. Typically a couple of hours that goes upstream to Aldeburgh and downstream to the sea. Details of the next cruise are on display at the quay.

Food is quite good, prepared on board, but the setting is great

 

Fish and Chips

 

The Wednesday fish and chip van (The Travelling Plaice) is next to the school (towards the fire station) from 4.30 to about 7.30 but best not to leave it to the last moment.

 

Local Shopping

(no particular order)

 

Orford Country Market

01394 459415

 

Held every Saturday morning in the Town Hall on the Market Square 9.30-1.00, although best not to go too late. We normally go between 9.30 and 10.

 

Great locally produced foods of all sorts including eggs, veg, pastries, cakes, fish,crab and lobster, preserves and chutneys plus plants and crafts. Eat them here or take back home.

 

The Wash House toiletries come from here – Honeybee Natural Beauty, as do the brownies by Michelle from Raydon Hall

 

Collect a ticket as you enter and pay for everything at one time as you leave.

 

The Village Store and Post Office

The Orford General Store

01394 450219

 

On the right as you enter the village set back from the road and opposite the King's Head

 

Owned by Sue, it is open every day including the PO, for almost all your needs from crabbing to wine and for cash !!!

 

Pump Street Bakery

01394 459829

 

The pink building on the Market Square is the award winning Pump Street Bakery as mentioned in the Oscars is owned by Chris the baker and his daughter Joanna.

 

Lots of artisan breads, pastries and 'bean to bar chocolate' plus the café, again outside or in. Very popular in the day but closed Monday. (No café on Tuesday)

 

Snape Maltings

(snapemaltings.co.uk)

With everything you could possibly spend money on including a great store, antiques, concerts, exhibitions and vintage/Christmas markets.

 

The Orford Craft Shop

Next to the King’s Head.

Reopened in 2018 with a range of locally made handicrafts.

There is normally an exhibition upstairs.

 

High House Fruit Farm

01394 450450

Piers and Suvi provide local apple juice, asparagus and fresh soft fruits, inc PYO. Drive back out of the village and take the 2nd right turn at ‘fiveways’ - the first road junction you come to, and follow the signs. This is where your breakfast fruit juice comes from.

 

Pinney's

This deli' is down near the quay where you can buy the products used in the Oysterage restaurant.

 

Others

(no particular order)

 

Orford Ness (National Trust)

A completely different experience from any other NT property you will have ever visited.

 

Boat trip from the Quay

(2 minute crossing). Even NT members pay.

 

All info provided at the NT office on the Quay. Buy your ticket before crossing.

 

And stick to the routes marked unless you want to be blown up!

 

Apr-June & October, Sat only

July-Sept, Tues-Sat

 

10am -2pm out

Last return at 5pm

 

But check!

 

Taxi

01394 459447 / 07709 962269

We have one taxi service in the village - Castle Cars - run by Rob

 

Typical prices are about £15 to Melton and £18 to Woodbridge.

Pre-booking is essential.

 

The Regardless

The Regardless 1 hour boat trip around Havergate Island leaves from the quay.

Can be choppy and wet but interesting.

Havergate Island is owned by the RSPB. See their website for events.