Where to Eat, Drink and Shop on the Norfolk Broads
This page is all about eating and drinking on the Norfolk Broads – the good stuff, not the boring lists. These are our favourite meals in our favourite places, from proper pub lunches you’ve earned after a day on the water, to relaxed cafés, handy shops for stocking up, and somewhere decent for a celebratory pint (or two).
We’ve eaten, drunk and browsed our way around the Broads over many years, purely in the name of research, of course, and we’ve added phone numbers and website links to make it easy to book ahead or find the information you need before you arrive. Everything here is genuinely recommended and is somewhere we happily return to again and again.
Things are changing rapidly as we get ready to open up, and we will update this blog regularly as we get more information
If you know somewhere we’ve missed, please contact sara@barnesbrinkcraft.com with details
River Bure inc Coltishall, Wroxham, Salhouse, Horning, Woodbastwick, Ranworth, Thurn, Upton, Acle, Stokesby and Gt Yarmouth
River Thurne inc Thurne, Womack Staithe Potter Heigham, Martham, Hickling, West Summerton
River Ant inc Ludham, Neatishead, Barton Turf, Sutton, Stalham, Wayford Bridge & Dilham
River Yare inc Reedham, Cantley, Rockland, Coldham, Brundall, Surlingham, Bramerton, Thorpe and Norwich
River Waveney inc St Olaves, Somerleyton, Burgh St Peter, Oulton Broad, Beccles & Geldeston
River Chet inc Loddon & Chedgrave
Where to eat, drink and shop on the River Bure, Norfolk Broads W
Coltishall
The Recruiting Sergeant
hat’s_open_on_the_River_Bure
Excellent Pub Offering indoor and outdoor seating
We recommend their Dover sole, and booking ahead.
01603 737077
A Pub right by the water with an outdoor bar (well, a horsebox) next to moorings.
01603 737440
The Kings Head is offering fantastic food …and beer…. phone 01603 737426 to book.
The Norfolk Mead Hotel offers a scrumptious afternoon tea & yummy lunch. Set in a beautiful Georgian country house and gardens. They also have an excellent spa 01603 737531.
Ali Spice Indian Takeaway
A good local takeaway offering Indian cuisine, deliveries available, just give them a call on 01603 266133 (closed on Wednesdays).
Londis Stores
Take a 5 min stroll from the moorings, and you will find this convenience store – and it’s open till 10 pm.
if “A Piece of Cake” is what you fancy – we strongly suggest a short walk to this cafe in the river rooms (full of savoury treats too). 01603 736090.
Want a decent steak or some local sausages to sizzle on your BBQ? Add Hewitt and Grant butchers to your destination list. They also stock Deli-style takeaway pizzas and a range of local produce – yum. 01603 737239.
Let’s not forget Dollies Deli, a mouthwatering bakery serving beautiful sandwiches and cakes, all made in-store. Definitely worth a visit for a croissant and a coffee.
Hoveton and Wroxham
Roys – Foo
d Hall & Department Store
A medium-sized supermarket stocking the COOP brand within an easy walk of our boatyard. Stocking everything you need in the way of food and drink.
Their department store (opposite) is also open. The ideal place to pick up a replacement hat, suncream, glasses …new T-shirt, kitchen sink. It also has a pharmacy.
If you have kids, you’ll struggle to get them past Roys Toys (opposite McDonald’s!)
The Wroxham or Hotel Wroxham is an excellent eatery with a fine view of the bridge from its riverside garden. Highly recommended. They also have moorings available, so you could stay the night and enjoy one of their fantastic breakfasts. 01603 782061.
Ken’s traditional fish and chips – continue to offer their best British takeaway 01603 783739.
The Kings Head enables you to book your spot online via the Green King App or by calling 01603 782 429.
The Waters Edge Restaurant is now open with a lovely seating area by the river to watch the boats cruise past. 01603 782337.
The Old Mill Cafe Bar – for a takeaway afternoon tea or cheeky breakfast. Closed on Tuesdays. 01603 783744.
From hog Roast baguettes to filled giant Yorkshire puddings, our friends at Oh Crumbs have a huge selection of hot, filled rolls and sandwiches. Give them a call to place your orders: 01603 784480.
Kebab Hut, Chinese and other fish and chips are all available in the usual locations
Costa Coffee and McDonalds are open for takeaways and don’t forget the TheThaiWay for fresh Thai food 07501 345593.
We can highly recommend The Indian Spoon You also have an option to eat in or take away 01603 320231.
For that sweet craving, pop over to Charlotte’s Creamery & Confectionery and enjoy an ice cream next to the river.
Salhouse (well Woodbastwick)
Classic British pub food, at a fantastic standard and a great pint too. This is the tap house for Woodfords Brewery (Tour Available)
Drive or take a 20-minute pootle up the road from the moorings at Salhouse or Horning. 01603 720003.
The Hungry Otter serves good takeaway coffee and snacks, right by the main moorings on Salhouse Broad, open April – October.
Horning
The Galley Horning – Fantastic Deli, offering perfect picnic fayre, (plus a lovely little gift shop). Well worth a look, especially their grazing platters.
Ring 01603 631101 for the New Inn, or visit their Facebook site here. I can’t quite decide which cocktail I want to try! You can also book a mooring here. Which is useful to know, as it’s the only place you can do that in Horning. The perfect place to stop and watch the world go by.
The Staithe n Willow is a charming little cafe that offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. 01692 780211.
If you love top-end seafood we can highly recommend the Bure River Cottage. You will almost always need to book a few weeks in advance, especially for weekend slots, but my goodness, it’s worth it. The baked Cromer crab with chilli and ginger is one of our favourites 01692 631421.
Golden City Chinese Takeaway – Lower St Horning is still as popular as ever. 01692 630091.
The Clubhouse cafe is open for breakfast, light lunches and evening meals, also for any sports fans who can’t miss a game, they have BT and SKY sports showing the latest sporting events. 01692 668400.
The Swan is open for business – book your garden table and watch the world go by. 01692 630316.
The Ferry Inn has a large indoor and outdoor capacity, so there is no need to book in advance. Moorings are on a first-come, first-served basis for customers only. A £20 overnight mooring fee is charged and redeemable against food or drink purchased in the pub. 01692 630259
Looking for a little present – how about the Lavender and Lace gift shop just next to the public staithe. They also offer ice-creams!
Ranworth
The Maltsters is open with a Pizza Den, Beer and a new roof for their outdoor seating area. Closed during January and February.
The Granary Tea Rooms are also already open during the season for ice creams, sandwiches, wine and local supplies. 01603 270432.
South Walsham
The Fairhaven Water Garden remains open and offer food and drink for people as a takeaway.
Even better, their shop sells Beer to Bananas, and Stamps to Sausages , and some ready-made chefs meals
They have some interesting events planned this year, well worth a look at their website. 01603 270449.
For a true local experience try the Viking Club at South Walsham village hall on a Friday night. The local brew is good and you can order a takeaway.
We would recommend mooring at Thurne or Upton for pub food
Where To Eat, Drink and Shop on the River Thurne
The Thurne Lion is now a multi award winning pub. Priding itself on offering the largest range of beers, larger and ciders on the Norfolk Broads serving pub grub and fantastic pizzas.
Its also a really nice mooring, with great dog walking and a pretty Mill to look at … what could be better?
Ramblers – the gift/tea/ice cream shop is also there to tempt you.
Upton
We can recommend The White Horse community shop and pub. The facilities have been owned and run by the community since 2012 – and we think they have got it just right. Visit their website for updates on events and, information on a very useful selection of local walks which all start at the Pub – 01493 750696.
Acle
The Acle Bridge Inn welcomes all to enjoy a classic pub lunch and a drink (or two). Its a good option with plenty of moorings for those visiting by boat, there is a lovely outside seating area in the summer. 01493 750288
Dunes River Cafe and shop are just the other side of he bridge to acle bridge in, a lovely café with seating right by the river.
Ahh what a treat The Ferry Inn at Stokesby … A Pub and A Shop and A Bakery all in one
They offer a fabulous selection of cakes, cheesecakes, brownies some very delicious savoury stuff AND Beer. What’s more – the breakfast is pretty special too, they even have moorings outside.
We can highly recommend
Where to Eat, Drink and Shop on the River Ant, Norfolk Broads What’sopenontheRiverAnt
Ludham
The Dog Inn is an easy walk from the moorings at Ludham Bridge and St Benet’s Abbey. Note, the pub closes for the winter and will re open on the 16th March. They are closed on Mondays. 01692 630321.
The village of Ludham can be accessed from Ludham Bridge, Womack Staithe and St Benet’s Abbey as long as you are happy to walk. We think its worth it as you have the following:
Ludham Butchers are doing a roaring trade. They are found opposite the church at the heart of the village 01692 678226
The Kings Arms is right at the heart of the village, just opposite the Church. People rave about their carvery, we’d recommend booking in advance on 01692 678386.
Neatishead
The White Horse has a wonderful garden to eat in plus a takeaway service. Well worth the stroll from both Barton Turf and Neatishead Moorings Tel 01692 630828 to book a table.
You can pick up a really good range of supplies inc a very good cup of coffee at Neatisheads local community shop. Tel 01692 631459
Sutton
The Sutton Staithe Hotel serves a wide range of food ad drinks, in a cosy setting. 01692 580244
Stalham
The high street is now open for business with these 3 venues
Cafe Charlotte great spot for an all day breakfast! they have a lovely back garden with outdoor seating and offer takeaways 01692 581165
The Swan Inn is open, great for some classic pub grub. They even have a beer festival on 5th, 6th and 7th June! call 01692 582829 for reservations
The Harnser Pub grab a great burger or hotdog here! some tasty beers and ciders available as well. 01692 580347
Tescos is the nearest store to the staithe.
There are also a range of Takeaways inc Fish and Chips and Chinese in the town
Wayford Bridge
If you find yourself here it’s well worth taking a short walk to A G Meals & Sons (inc Vera’s Cafe) the garden centre and farm shop.
#Top Tip If you fancy fresh fruit you can pick your own here
The 
Wayford Bridge Inn is a lovely pub and restaurant located just beside Wayford bridge. 01603 363677.
Dilham
The Cross Keyes are offering a wide selection of food and drink, and a lovely roast dinner. 01692 536398
Where to Eat, Drink and Shop on the River Thurn, Norfolk Broads What’sopenontheRiverThurn
Womack Staithe
The “Big” Shop perfect for ice cream, coffee, souvenirs, everything you need and everything you didn’t know you needed…
And you can stock up on fishing tackle too (during the fishing season)
They also have one bookable overnight mooring Tel 01692 678193 or 07502 453415
Potter Heigham
Lathams the discount shop that sells pretty much everything groceries, fishing tackle, clothes, you name it, they have it.
Falgate Inn is a lovely pub, a short walk from moorings near Lathams, showing all the sports you’d need, and a play area for children to let off some steam. 01692 670003
Bridgestones. Potentially the biggest slices of cake on the broads, you’re spoilt for choice here. They also offer breakfast, burgers and afternoon tea. Something or the whole family to enjoy.
Norada Grill and Tavern is right on the river next to Potter Heigham bridge. With regular entertainment through out the summer and a children’s play area this is a great place to spend an afternoon having some food and drinks and great for feeding the ducks too!
There is also Flour and Bean café and a burger van and a chip shop close by.
Martham
Whilst it’s a bit of a hike from the moorings, Martham offers 2 co-ops and the usual selection of takeaways inc Fish and Chips. Plus Pizza and Kebabs
The Pizza and Kebab shop will do delivery via just-eat.co.uk
The Victoria Inn or ‘The Vic’ to the locals is open in the heart of the village for a good pint and a cool down after a walk from Potter Heigham.
Hickling
The Pleasure Boat Inn offers some great food and lovely outdoor seating right along the rivers edge. 01692 780660
Where to Eat, Drink and Shop on the River Yare, Norfolk Broads What’sopenontheRiverYare
Reedham
The Lord Nelson a lovely, historical pub, with great food and a popular venue for live music. 01493 700367
We can highly recommend the local brew,
The village store supplies basics and they have some great ales available to buy.
The Ship at Reedham is another popular venue for live music, they also have a great food menu and a wide range of drinks. 01493 700287
The Reedham Ferry Inn is a classic, cosy, British pub. We recommend booking a table in advance! 01493 700429
There is also Cannells By the River, a sweet little café & shop selling lots of local produce, fresh fruit and bread.
Cantley
The Reedcutters Pub traditional pub, serving food and drinks and often have entertainment on, with moorings available
The Cantley Cock – A wonderful pub which do themed nights! all you can eat wings on Wednesday being a favourite. call on 01493 700895 to book your table!
Coldham
Loads of moorings, excellent food, a good choice for an overnight mooring. Contact them on 01508 538366 to book.
Surlingham
The Surlingham ferry is open – with breakfast starting at 9 am – and an evening meal till 8.30 pm
Bramerton
I rather like the look of the Lobster on the menu from The Waters Edge at Bramerton – and it’s a beautiful bit of the River Yare too.
You can’t book the table, but you can book a mooring Tel 01508 538005
Brundall
East Hills Cafe Bistro is a great stop for some treats, especially bottomless pancakes on Wednesdays!! Call 01603 951850.
Thorpe & Norwich
You’ve reached an area where you can guarantee that your mobile signal will work. The options are almost endless. We suggest you moor at the yacht station and take a stroll towards the award-winning Norwich Market.
The market offers a huge selection of very good street food from around the world. For (probably) the biggest and tastiest sandwich you’ll ever have try The Bodega
Where to Eat, Drink and Shop on the River Chet, Norfolk Broads W
Loddon and Chedgrave
The White Horse at Chedgrave From Psychic night to steak night The White Horse caters for everyone. You can always find something fun happening here! Call on 01508 520250 to book a table.
The Kings Head is open and offer live entertainment ever weekend, we hear they are also working on a brand new food menu! 01508 520330
The Swan, Loddon offers a beautiful menu in a lovely setting. We would recommend booking ahead for this one! 01508 528039
The Terrace, restaurant- bistro offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Their salads look super.
Where to Eat, Drink and Shop on the River Waveny, Norfolk Broads What’sopenontheRiverWaveny
St Olaves
The Bell Inn Reportedly The Broads oldest Inn. It’s a Great place to moor and grab a bite to eat. They have a lovely outdoor seating area next to the river. 01493 488249
Burgh St Peter
The Waveny Inn – is open and you can moor outside – you might want to book your table and mooring at the same time. Call on 01502 677599
The Commodore is open and run by Moss & Co who also run Broadlands just up the road, beautiful places to drink and grab a bite to eat on a sunny afternoon.
The Wherry Hotel is also open and ready to welcome you in, they have a fantastic entertainment schedule this year already, from bottomless brunch to tribute bands. They right on the water and also do a great carvery.
There are a variety of other places to eat nearby the Yacht Station.
Beccles
Oakfired at the Royal Oak – are offering amazing pizzas (take away to start with). These are the true deal, highly recommended. Their Tia Maria looks pretty special too
You can pick up supplies from Tescos in the middle of the town. We would highly recommend a wander around to find your own favourite store, pub, takeaway or restaurant. There are lots to choose from
Geldeston
The Locks Inn is a community run pub and restaurant, with outside seating and a great atmosphere.
From all we have seen and heard, it’s well worth a walk from Beccles if your boat is too tall to get under the bridge at Beccles
Don’t forget to save this page to your favourites as we will update it regularly as we find out about more pubs, restaurants and cafe’s opening for business
If you would like us to feature your business please drop details inc a picture, link to website or Facebook page and details of how customers can access your products to sara@barnesbrinkcraft.com
If all of this encourages you to take a holiday in the Broads National Park please have a look at our boats and houses on the Barnes Brinkcraft website