Meal times are traditionally a time when the family comes together to dine. Luckily this need not be a problem if you intend to eat out as there are plenty of Family Friendly Restaurants here to choose from.
What could be a bigger hit with the kids than fresh fish and chips on the beach?! The award-winning
Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop situated on the High Street, is open 7 days a week for lunch and tea and offers Cod, Haddock, Plaice, Scampi, and more with chips made from locally sourced potatoes. Or try The Golden Galleon for a variety of pies and burgers and The Upper Deck upstairs, which offers an eat-in option and desserts. All offer children’s portions.
Perfect for lunch or dinner after a busy day at the seaside, The Sail Loft in Southwold is a trendy café-bar and restaurant situated near the Harbour just opposite the beach. With its own parking, a warm welcome, and good hearty food, The Sail Loft is a great choice for families. They have a children’s menu, and the kids will love the quirky features, like the menus in bottles and the ‘Gulls & Buoys’ restrooms. They are open all day from 10 am and serve a range of delicious locally sourced produce, as well as homemade cakes, tiffin, and coffees, plus a selection of juices for the little ones. Click on the link above to see their What’s on this week.
Visit the historic Emmett’s Stores, tucked away in the delightful village of Peasenhall. Enjoy award-winning Suffolk produce, including the shop’s very own artisan ham and bacon, plus many other natural food products and delicious drinks. The cafe and beautiful courtyard garden are very child-friendly, and dogs are welcome too. Open 6 days a week and situated a few minutes from the A12. To find out more about the shop’s interesting history and renowned products, see – Emmett’s Stores
Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich, is a fantastic restaurant for a family meal out at any time of the day (great for early dinners before bedtime!). The Children’s Menu has a choice of 4 starters, 8 mains, and 4 desserts and Kesgrave has a large lawn where children can let off steam, plus there is a goal, footballs, and rugby balls available to use, as well as an Etch A Sketch, Rubik’s Cubes, colouring pages & crayons/pencils all available in the restaurant. There are also highchairs and nappy-changing facilities.
If you are visiting Felixstowe with the family, then you’re spoilt for choice! Enjoy the sea views from the patio and relaxed atmosphere at The Alex Cafe Bar & Brasserie, which has a great children’s menu. Stroll along the Landguard Peninsular to The View Point Cafe and enjoy a tasty Fisherman’s breakfast or some traditional Fish & Chips. The little ones also have their own menu. If you fancy something a bit more Mediterranean, head inland to Café Bencotto and enjoy pizza, pasta, plus daily specials and, of course, a children’s menu.
And, of course, you can’t visit the seaside without having fish and chips, so check out Forum Fish & Chips on the seafront, right next to the Amusement Arcade – perfect! They also have indoor seating if the weather is being a bit too British.
Also on the seafront is the very reasonably priced Sands Diner which offers locally sourced, freshly prepared food, a warm welcome, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Suffolk Inns and Pubs are great places to dine out with the family for a number of reasons – they are friendly places, often with an extensive menu but also offer snacks and light bites. Many have gardens where the kids can let off some steam while they relax in the sunshine, and they offer a variety of food that suits all tastes – especially family favourites like fish and chips or a Sunday Roast. The following Inns & Pubs all welcome children, and many offer children’s menus or portions
The delightful 16th-century coaching Inn The Walnut Tree in Thwaite is a Vegetarian Haven! The menu offers boasts a diverse range of fresh, homemade vegetarian dishes and vegan food, along with fantastic daily specials. All dishes are prepared with fresh, locally sourced produce whenever possible. This impressive eatery offers an elaborate wine list in addition to 2 real ales on tap, as well as local lager, cider, and refreshing soft drinks. The comfortable sofas and warming fires make this lovely location cosy throughout the chilly winter nights, and visitors can enjoy a delightful enclosed beer garden throughout the warmer spring and summer days. They are dog-friendly, and they welcome children, there is a children’s menu also.
Set in a listed 16th-century building, The Red Lion in Woodbridge is a modern take on a traditional pub. For the grown-ups, there are traditional real ales, locally roasted coffee, fine wines, and craft beer, and the lunches and dinners using homemade, locally sourced ingredients where possible should keep all the family happy. They also offer Children’s Meals, and there’s a great beer garden to enjoy in the Summer months. And, of course, a traditional roast dinner with all the trimmings on a Sunday. Well-behaved pooches are also welcome, so you can take the whole tribe.
The Anchor, Walberswick, has plenty of space inside and out as well as great food, children’s portions and a range of organic soft drinks. A stone’s throw from Walberswick beach, this is a great choice for family dining, whatever the time of year.
The Westleton Crown is a true delight to visit, with a terraced garden and a family restaurant serving delicious, home-cooked food. They have a locally-sourced ‘Sticky Fingers’ menu or ½ portion of adult main meals. Children can run around in the enclosed rear garden or play with bar and board games during wet weather. There are also high chairs, booster seats, and baby changing facilities available. Westleton’s philosophy is to treat children like small adults
The Ship at Dunwich is a 2-minute walk from the beach at Dunwich so when you’ve worn the kids out building sandcastles and spotting seagulls, bring them across to The Ship for a great meal. All food is made from fresh produce, and smaller versions from the main menu are available for kids with adventurous taste buds. Three separate dining areas are available for families to use, complete with high chairs, games, and lots of pencils, paper, and crayons. There is a large enclosed garden where children can play, and the beach is just a stone’s throw from the front door!
At The Brudenell Hotel and Restaurant, children are very welcome. There is a “Just for kids menu” which features a variety of child-friendly dishes that kids will love. As kids are always hungry they are conveniently open all day long from breakfast to bedtime and serve food throughout. Overlooking the beach and sea at Aldeburgh, the views give the kids plenty of incentive to eat up and get out there! Book now via The Brudenell Hotel, Aldeburgh
What’s your favourite family restaurant in Suffolk, and why? Please let us know at [email protected].
