Where to Eat, Drink and Shop on the Norfolk Broads
With all the upset and social distancing we’ve had to get used to you might worry that staples will be in short supply this season. The new normal has tested a few, but businesses on the Norfolk and Suffolk broads have come up trumps.
We’ve listed the Pubs, Shops and Cafes on the Norfolk Broads by towns and villages on each river so you can easily see what’s available at your next stop. Each entry has a link to a website or a telephone number so you are able to book ahead, check opening times and facilities.
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
The Rising Sun
Pub with outdoor bar (well horsebox) next to moorings
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
Ali Spice Indian Takeaway
A good local takeaway offering deliveries
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.
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 stye takeaway pizzas – yum.
Hoveton and Wroxham
Roys – Food 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 again. 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 their riverside garden. Highly reccomended
Ken’s traditional fish and chips – continue to offer their best British takeaway
The Kings Head enables you to book your spot online using the Green King App
Liberty Restaurant has become the Bridge Restaurant and is now open with a lovely tent by the river.
The Old Mill Cafe Bar – for a takeaway afternoon tea or cheeky breakfast
Kebab Hut, Chinese and other fish and chips all available in the usual locations
Costa Coffee and McDonalds are open for takeaways and don’t forget the TheThaiWay
We can highly recommend The Indian Spoon You also have an option to eat in or take away
Salhouse (well Woodbastwick)
The Fur and Feather
The beer is good. 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
The Hungry Otter serves good takeaway coffee and snacks right by the main moorings in season
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. I can’t quite decide which cocktail I want to try! You can also book a mooring here. Which is useful to know as its the only place you can do that in Horning
The Staithe n Willow changed ownership last year – reviews are pretty excellent, but the menu has changed
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
Golden City Chinese Takeaway – Lower St Horning is still as popular as ever Tel 01692 630091
The Clubhouse cafe is open for breakfast, light lunches and evening meals
The Swan is open for business – book your garden table and watch the world go by.
The Ferry Inn is under new management last season. They have a large capacity indoor and out, so there is no need to book in advance. Moorings are on a first come first served basis for customers only. A £20 fee mooring fee is redeemable against food or drink purchased in the pub
Behind the Ferry Inn you will find Flavours Bar and Restaurant (where the swimming pool used to be)
Looking for a little present – how about the Lavender and Lace gift shop just next to the public staithe. They also offer ice-creams!
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Ranworth
Heads up. The Broads Authority will be charging customers to moor on the staith from the start of the 2023 season. Hopefully that will make it easier for all of us to bag a spot on the front.
The Maltsters is open with a Pizza Den, Beer and a new roof for their outdoor seating area. Off seasons opening hours have been reduced so please check opening hours before you visit.
the Granary Tea Rooms are also already open during the season for ice creams, sandwiches and local supplies
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
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.
The Ship has closed down – 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
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
Acle
The Acle Bridge Inn welcomes all. Its a good option with plenty of moorings for those visiting by boat.
Dunes River Cafe and shop are working hard to get the place spruced up for the season. I can’t wait for their crab salad sandwich
Stokesby
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
We can highly recommend
There is a paddock of friendly animals at the Stracey Arms Mill Shop and Tea Room who are looking forward to your visit.
Great Yarmouth
Follow this link to their official tourism website to see what on in the way of food and drink
Where to Eat, Drink and Shop on the River Ant, Norfolk Broads What’sopenontheRiverAnt
Ludham
There are quite a few changes on the bridge recently. The great news is that Dollies have opened a bakery here. Their sourdough bread is superb as are their pastries. The bad news is, This will not help locals’ waistlines!
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
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
The Kings Arms is right at the heart of the village, just opposite the Church. People rave about their carvery
The White Horse is opening from the 12th April. There is a brand new 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 is open from 12th April . Opening hours are 12 till 8pm to start with
Stalham
The high street is now open for business with these 3 venues
Cafe Charlotte are opening their doors from the 12th April, they have a lovely back garden with outdoor seating and will continue to offer takeaways
The Swan Inn will be opening up its outdoor tables and picnic benches, ready for our return on the 12th April
The Harnser Pub – currently offering takeaway
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 (open now) and cafe (opening 14th May) offer a great all-round service
#Top Tip If you fancy fresh fruit you can pick your own here
The 
Wayford Bridge Inn is CHECK DETAILS
Dilham
I am reliably informed that The Cross Keyes are open and offering great service and a posh new tent, please give them a ring to check whats on. Tel 01692 536398
Where to Eat, Drink and Shop on the River Thurn, Norfolk Broads What’sopenontheRiverThurn
Womack Staithe
The “Big” Shop is open for business. Selling their usual range of ice-creams and groceries and takeaway hot drinks.
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 inc fishing supplies and milk is open for business
Falgate Inn are planning on opening their garden soon. We are keen to see the new renovations
Takeaway Breakfast, Coffee or Afternoon Tea anyone? try Bridgestones.
They also offer a cracking line in hot baguettes and cakes
And don’t forget the Burger Van opposite Lathams or the Fish and Chip shop over the bridge
Rumour has it that Norada Grill and Tavern will be opening shortly … and they were certainly at work on improvements when we poked our nose over the wall at Easter
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 pubs are not currently open
Hickling
The Pleasure Boat Inn is asking for someone to fix their boiler – but hasn’t published an opening date yet …. we think it won’t be long Tel 01692 598870 for an update
Where to Eat, Drink and Shop on the River Yare, Norfolk Broads What’sopenontheRiverYare
Reedham
We can highly recommend the local brew,
The village store supplies basics
The Ship at Reedham will be open for drinks and basket food from the 12th April. They have some live music as well
The Reedham Ferry Inn are welcoming customers from the 17th May, booking essential
Cantley
The Reedcutters Pub is open for takeaways only (pick up between 12 and 2 and 6 and 8 pm) until the 17th May when it will open up fully
Coldham
Loads of moorings, excellent food, a good choice for an overnight mooring. Outdoor eating from the 12th April – and a takeaway for the evening when its too chilly
Surlingham
The Surlingham ferry is open again from 12th April – 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
Their standard take away menu looks pretty scrummy and you will be able to get a table outside from the 12th April
You can’t book the table, but you can book a mooring Tel 01508 538005
Brundall
East Hills Cafe Bistro is now open with a reduced service, offering takeaways
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.
Where to Eat, Drink and Shop on the River Chet, Norfolk Broads W
Loddon and Chedgrave
The White Horse at Chedgrave is open for business from the 12th April. Pie Night looks pretty good to me, and it’s available as a takeaway too.
The Kings Head is opening for drinks outside from the 12th April, with food available from their takeaway menu The garden is looking very smart
The Swan, Loddon is opening from the 12th April, with reduced food service times to start with. The food looks drool worthy though
New for 2020 The Terrace, restaurant- bistro is opening up on the 12th April to offer breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Their salads look super…and I can’t wait to try their supper menu later this summer
Where to Eat, Drink and Shop on the River Waveny, Norfolk Broads What’sopenontheRiverWaveny
St Olaves
The Bell Inn will be up and running for the 12th April With a new marquee in the garden and a new online booking system. Great place to moor.
Burgh St Peter
The Waveny Inn – is open from the 12th April and you can moor outside – you might want to book your table and mooring at the same time
Oulton Broad
The Commodore is open for business from the 12th April. closing times are weather dependant, and outside tables are not available to book. The Wherry Hotel will also be open
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 reopening as a community pub on the 13th May
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