Harden's survey result
Summary
“Unpretentious but consistently good cooking and wonderful service” help sustain this Aldeburgh fixture, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, as “the epitome of a reliable, welcoming local restaurant”. Owner Sam Hayes “is a terrific host” and with his “exemplary staff” makes sure that every meal is “a fabulous experience” – and “given the multi-millionaire level” of Aldeburgh prices, it’s also “thoroughly good value”. Top Menu Tip – “excellent fish”.
Summary
“Always reliable”; “always a cheery welcome”; “always fun”; “always something new to try”… “and moreover, they charge reasonable prices!” These are some of the prime virtues of Sam & Maxine Hayes’s local stalwart which remains the most commented-on venue in this seaside town even after almost three decades in service, thanks to its “dependable” delivery of “simple, honest fare”. “The fisherman was carrying his catch through the restaurant and my wife spotted skate… 15 minutes later it was served to her!”
Summary
An “Aldeburgh stalwart” for almost three decades, this “wonderful local restaurant” is noted for its “absolutely charming service” led by owner Sam Hayes, “and an all-pleasing menu” with plenty of “delicious” options. It’s “reliable, good value and good fun”. Top Tip – “go for the fresh catch of the day, especially the Dover sole accompanied by a bottle of Chablis”.
Summary
Those “deprived of the unfailing pleasure of eating with Sam (Hayes) and his gang” of late were “delighted to find that the old excellent standards had been maintained” on their return, with its “hearty classics” (majoring in “sea-fresh fish” and seafood) present and correct alongside the owner’s notably “super-friendly” service. “I would live in there if I could afford it!”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Lighthouse?
77 High Street, Aldeburgh, IP15 5AU
Restaurant details
The Lighthouse Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Good food at a reasonable with good service and an excellent host who makes the place a cut above the rest.. "
"This is a good restaurant. The food was tasty. Friendly service. In this day and age it is reasonable priced. 3 courses is about £37 a head not including alcohol and service."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £25.00 | £31.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £11.80 | £20.20 | £0.00 | £9.75 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £22.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
77 High Street, Aldeburgh, IP15 5AU
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
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