19/03/2023

Norfolk Broads Guide to Places to Eat, Drink and Shop

19 March 2023

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 
he Rising Sun , Coltishall_commonPub 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 - ColtishallThe 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.    You will find them opposite Coltishall Pharmacy

Hoveton and Wroxham

Roys – Food Hall & Department Store 
Roys Department Store - HovetonA 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!)

 

 

 

Hotel Wroxham 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

 

Station Smokehouse BBQ Box - Wroxham

If meat is your thing the Station Smokehouse is the place to go.   their “Station Libation Lager”  is excellent

Bookings recommended 

The same team have recently opened Fizz and Fromage   A Restaurant / Deli /Takeaway found opposite the Station.  We can highly recommend their Sourdough  …. and their Bottomless Brunch looks pretty interesting too.

 

 

 

 

 

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)

Woodfords Beer

 

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

Watching the racing from the New Inn Horning 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 post office on Lower Street, has its usual eclectic selection of useful stuff

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

Fairhaven, Woodland and Water Garden 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 TakeawayThe 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

The Ferry Inn Stokesby -River BureAhh 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

 

Stracey Armes Mill Shop and Tea Room - Animals 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

Ludham Bridge Moorings near Wayfarers CafeThere 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

White Horse Inn Neatishead 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

Sutton Staithe HotelThe  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

Farm Shop near Wayford BridgeIf 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 InnWayford 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 

Womack Staithe Moorings - the Big ShopThe “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

Potter Heigham BridgeLathams 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

The Lord Nelson Reedham

 

 

 

 

Humpty Dumpty Brewery - 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

Coldham Hall Coldham Hall, River Bure

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

The Waters Edge - Bramerton - Take Away Menu

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

Norwich Market - Food and Drink 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, Chedgrave, River ChetThe 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 

Geldeston Locks

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 

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Hear what our customers have to say about being on a Norfolk Broads boating holiday with Barnes Brinkcraft. Just imagine you could be here...

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Beautiful Norfolk has a holiday for every age and taste

We may be a bit biased by we honestly think that Norfolk has more to offer than any other area in the UK. And with the thaw just setting in and icicles dripping from rooftops now is the time to dream...

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The Broads National Park is one of Britain’s major tourist destinations and also Britain’s largest protected wetland, with 125 miles of water and no locks to stand in your way. The Broads...

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