Aldeburgh, Fish & Seafood Restaurant Guide

“The menu doesn‘t change much at this venerable restaurant” and “over the years the school dining room feel is just the same” too, but, hey, “if it ain’t broke don‘t fix it” – and this veteran from the Pinney family definitely ain’t broke. On the menu, “fish, either fresh or smoked in their own smokery” and then “simply cooked – perfect”. “After lunch, wander down to their shop on the quay to stock up on oysters, various smoked fish and meats, their own pâtés and more goodies”.

Born in 2001 when the owners started to sell their daily catch from a small clapboard hut in the harbour – a fish ‘n’ chip takeaway sibling, ‘The Little Fish & Chip Shop’, in the town centre, joined in 2015 – this local fixture was gutted by a fire in spring 2023. As we went to press, it was still operating as a takeaway with outside seating (plus fishmonger open seven days a week), but happily there were plans to re-open the restaurant proper in November 2024, so here’s hoping it’s back on its feet by the time this guide is out. Owing to such unfortunate events, feedback this year was limited, but the much-loved icon continued to secure very respectable marks.

“Fish is the speciality at this historic house hotel” – “we love the food here and we’re always made to feel very welcome” by proprietors Andy & Kinga Rudd, who have run it for 16 years. The building itself is one of the oldest in Southwold, dating from 1455.

Since its post-pandemic arrival, this “bright and appealing” restaurant with rooms in the premises of a converted old hotel has been a “pleasant addition” to the dining scene in this posh coastal town and its popularity is such that it “becomes noisy and crowded at weekends”. It wins consistent praise for its “great seafood (very nice lobster in particular) and fresh, well-prepared fish” but there are also a number of reports which suggest that it can feel a little overhyped locally: “it’s aiming high, but maybe not quite reaching the heights… not memorable if very pleasant”.