One Suffolk seaside town is the undisputed capital of the county’s burgeoning food scene, with a range of independent restaurants, cafes and shops to suit all tastes
Home to a nationally acclaimed food and drink festival, one coastal town draws food enthusiasts from across the country to sample traditional East Anglian cuisine. If you love eating, this is the place for you.
Fish takes centre stage, as you’d expect from a town overlooking the North Sea, but its independent dining scene caters to every taste. Fortunately, thanks to its pebble beach, the crowds are considerably smaller than at busier Suffolk neighbours, allowing you to savour your meals in comparative tranquillity.
Consumer guide Which? named it the culinary hotspot of East England this year, awarding it a perfect five stars for its food offerings – and equally importantly, five stars for peace and quiet – based on a survey of 8,952 experiences from 3,872 members.
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Each year, Aldeburgh is transformed by visitors who flock to celebrate Suffolk’s culinary heritage at the annual food and drink festival. Its 20th anniversary takes place in just a few weeks on September 27 and 28, a few miles inland from Aldeburgh at Snape Maltings, reports the Express.
This contributes to flourishing eateries, as they benefit from a growing clientele with an enthusiasm for quality cuisine. For a more luxurious evening, The Suffolk is a highly regarded restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide with a spectacular seaside setting.
Despite being on the pricier side, celebrated food critic Jay Rayner hailed it as far superior value compared to cities like London. “This dinner was its own sweet celebration, aided by perfect execution,” he said, writing for The Guardian. “My dinner took me to a whole bunch of very happy places.”
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Its seasonal menu serves up locally sourced fish and the head chef, Luke Truelove, who creates daily specials “inspired by the best produce he can source”. Fish and chips are essential for any British seaside getaway, and holidaymakers can tuck into crispy, salty, vinegary portions at the family-run Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop.
Brasserie The Lighthouse boasts nearly a flawless rating of 4.8 from over 700 diners, whilst Regatta, which specialises in seafood and operates its own smokehouse, also enjoys glowing reviews.
Yet Aldeburgh is far from a one-trick pony. The Suffolk town is an enchanting coastal retreat, featuring vibrant houses, an extensive pebble beach, and seaside rambles.
The roads are also packed with art galleries, independent boutiques and heritage attractions, including The Red House, the former residence of composer Benjamin Britten.
Aldeburgh also has no train station, which again lends itself to fewer crowds coming across from London, but if you opt for public transport, can catch a connecting bus from Saxmundham station.