If you’re looking for a holiday in Suffolk, you’ll be pleased to know that we have so many superb, dog-friendly pubs and restaurants to choose from!
Many have log fires, traditional decor and great food. Not to mention a range of fabulous local beers, ciders and wines from such brewers and vineyards as Adnams, Greene King, Aspall, The Earl Soham Brewery, St Peters, Hellhound, Calvors and Wyken & Shawsgate Vineyards, to name but a few.
Below, we’ve listed some of our favourite dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in Suffolk. Whilst you’re staying in one of our beautiful holiday barges with your canine friend, why not pop along to one of the establishments on this list? Many of these gems can be found along local walks – a great bonus if you want to rest your tired feet and enjoy a delicious meal and tasty beverage.
If you like the look of our suggestions, please check websites or phone ahead to confirm opening times and dog-friendly situations, as sometimes this can change. All of these pubs and restaurants were dog-friendly at the time of writing.
The Crown, Southwold
The Crown is just a stone’s throw from the sea. They have a snug ‘Back Bar’ where you can try out a range of fabulous Adnams famous beer. This is in addition to a more formal restaurant, so you get the best of both worlds.
The food is great and they have an extensive wine list, not to mention the well-known Adnams beers. 2014 saw them win Suffolk Dining Pub of the Year for the second year in a row by The Good Pub Guide, and a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence (like us then!)
Just 29 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Highwayman, Coddenham Green
A warm, friendly family pub/restaurant in a timber-framed Suffolk building dating back to the 17th Century.
Right on the A140, the Highwayman is owned and run by David & Olga Parry who have been there for over ten years. They specialise in good, home-cooked food courtesy of chef Olga, and a good selection of well kept real ales courtesy of David.
Dogs are allowed in the beer garden, so sunny weather is needed.
Just 4 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Bell, Cretingham
A real country pub serving fresh, home-cooked food.
A traditional Free House with local ales, open fires, and locally sourced, homemade food. What are you waiting for?
Just 6 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Shoulder of Mutton, Assington
A real old country pub in the Suffolk Countryside. You’ll find fresh seasonal food, much of which is from local suppliers. It’s a free house so they serve a selection of local ales and ciders. Here you’ll find a pleasant restaurant area and an open fire in the bar.
They have delicious pub favourites on the menu, like mixed grill, steaks, cajun chicken, scampi, and fish and chips, all cooked well and served with chips or salad.
Just 26 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
Scutchers Bistro, Long Melford
On the edge of the beautiful green in picturesque Long Melford sits this award-winning restaurant. They have a collection of Good Food Guide Awards as well as the Michelin Bib Gourmand, so it’s worth checking out!
Owned and run by Nick & Di Barratt, they serve a mouth-watering à la carte menu. They are dog owners themselves and will allow small, well-behaved dogs to sit under the table. If you’re ‘borderline’ it’s best to phone, but they are very accommodating.
Just 25 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Ramsholt Arms, near Woodbridge
A fabulous pub by the river, near Woodbridge on the Bawdsey peninsula. It’s miles from anywhere but worth the trip!
This pub was originally called the Ferry House and is around 350 years old. It has a large walled garden which has great views of the River Deben. It’s very dog-friendly, with a great menu including many fresh fish dishes. As well as offering the obligatory traditional Suffolk Adnams ales, they regularly offer guest ales too.
Just 21 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Regatta, Aldeburgh
A superb, well-known restaurant in the heart of beautiful Aldeburgh.
Co-owned for over 20 years by Robert, the head chef who trained at the Connaught Hotel and La Gavroche in London before heading to Suffolk to treat us to locally caught fish and seafood, as well as vegetarian, poultry and meat dishes. A popular destination with our guests.
Just 25 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
Pea Porridge, Bury St Edmunds
In the heart of residential Bury St Edmunds sits quirky, award-winning restaurant Pea Porridge.
Privately owned and run by a couple as passionate about food as you would hope! It’s got three rooms, lots of old timber and brickwork and a really imaginative lunch and dinner menu, with influences from all over the world. As well as lunch and dinner, they have a great three course set menu costing about £18.50 at the time of writing.
Just 25 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Red Lion – Veggie Pub/ Restaurant near Needham Market
This is a fabulous pub in the countryside just outside Needham Market. The Red Lion is East Anglia’s first and only exclusively vegetarian pub
The pub offers a great choice of homemade dishes using fresh, locally produced ingredients. Owner Jan Wise wanted to achieve her dream of serving quality, meat-free food in a comfortable and relaxing, 100% dog-friendly environment, and she has succeeded!
Just 11 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Lighthouse, Aldeburgh
A great restaurant, smack-bang by the beach in historic Aldeburgh.
This restaurant is a real favourite with Suffolk’s visitors for years, including our guests at Woodfarm. They offer freshly cooked, local, seasonal produce with a great atmosphere. I had the excellent meze and a superb duck salad the last time we went, followed by a walk on the beach afterwards.
Just 24 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Crown, Stoke By Nayland
The Crown is an extremely popular pub/restaurant in the heart of Suffolk. They change the menu every month or so and creatively use seasonal produce. They have a bar, restaurant and terrace, all of which are really relaxing. The pub boasts an extensive wine list and great beers, including that traditional Suffolk fave, Adnams.
I’ve experienced superb food here every time I’ve been. It’s well worth a visit. A real favourite with guests at Woodfarm!
Just 24 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Butt & Oyster, Pin Mill
Perhaps one of the most popular pubs in Suffolk and a real favourite with Woodfarm guests.
This pub is located in the most stunning location, almost in the water on the river Orwell. It’s well known for great Adnams beers and superb home cooked food, all in a rustic, proper pub with bare oak floorboards, pints pulled directly from the keg and wonderful aromas wafting from the kitchen.
Just 10 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Anchor in Nayland
This is a traditional countryside restaurant and inn, nestled in the stunning Stour Valley.
Offering superb food and local beers, The Anchor sits on the river, and I’ve arrived here several times in my Kayak as it’s very easy to pull up on the bank and stroll in for a bite to eat and a beer! Located in the heart of Constable Country, this pub is perfect for a picturesque walk with the dog.
Just 20 miles from Woodfarm – Check out their website here
The Black Lion in Long Melford
The Black Lion is one of my all-time favourite places to eat, drink and chill out. It’s a wonderful old restaurant right on the village green in the picturesque, historic Suffolk village of Long Melford.
With such lovely decor, you feel like you are in someone’s (very nice) home. It’s an deal location for a long lunch or dinner. There’s also a great bar with comfy sofas and a roaring fire in the winter, with board games.
Just 17 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Angel, Stoke By Nayland
The Angel is housed in a lovely, 16th century timber-framed building which has been selling beer and food since the 17th century!
It’s still very much a traditional coach house in the heart of this gorgeous Suffolk village. It has a superb reputation for its food, as well as its wide range of local beers and extensive wine list.
Just 20 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Four Horseshoes, Thornham
Reputedly the oldest pub in Suffolk, The Four Horseshoes is certainly a firm favourite of mine and many of our guests at Woodfarm.
Here you’ll find rustic oak beams, a thatched roof and a quirky interior, as well as local beers and freshly cooked homemade food from an extensive menu. What more do you need?
Only 9 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Star Inn, Wenhaston
The Star Inn is a cosy and friendly pub in Wenhaston that welcomes well-behaved dogs. Owned and managed by Carl and Virginia, it has a large garden and serves good food including pies, fish and vegetarian options.
Only 25 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Tollgate, Bury St Edmunds
The Tollgate is a lovely restaurant and bar in Bury St Edmunds and has a large garden and seating area where dogs are welcome.
A Greene King pub, The Tollgate serves burgers, steaks and other meat dishes, as well as pub classics and sandwiches, and Sunday roasts.
Only 24 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Queen’s Head, Bramfield
The Queen’s Head, Bramfield, is an award-winning pub and dogs are welcome in both the pub and the garden.
Enjoy delicious, locally sourced grub here, from roast pork belly, to fish pie, to Italian lamb cassoulet, as well as local beers.
Only 22 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Sorrel Horse Inn, Woodbridge
The Sorrel Horse Inn in Woodbridge are very pet-friendly and dogs are allowed in the pub and garden. Owned by Bridget, Matthew and Philip, the Sorrel Horse has been family-run for 28 years. Here you’ll find a tradition pub interior with exposed beams and antique decor.
Only 6 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The White Horse, Tattingstone
The White Horse is a 17th Century Grade II listed inn serving delicious food and real ales, wines and spirits. Outside the pub, you’ll find a large beer garden and campsite, while inside the pub is a homely interior with exposed beams and brickwork, and a log-burning stove. The whole pub is “dog and muddy-boot-friendly”!
Only 16 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
Bildeston Crown, Bildeston
The Bildeston Crown allows well behaved dogs in the pub and they have a lovely, dog-friendly, outdoor seating area. Owned by Chris and Hayley, the pub is housed in a 15th century former coaching inn, and features an open fire and a courtyard and terrace.
With quality, locally sourced produce, you’ll find upscale classics here alongside casual dining options.
Only 16 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Kings Head, Orford
An Adnams pub, The Kings Head in Orford is a beautiful 13th century pub which allows dogs in both the pub itself, as well as in their accommodation. The bar and dining room feature wood burning stoves, creating a toasty, homely atmosphere. Enjoy Adnams drinks and delicious homemade pub classics, sandwiches and specials.
Only 25 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
The Cock Inn, Polstead
Dog walkers taking a stroll around Dedham Vale will love The Cock Inn in Polstead, with its 17th century restaurant and tea room. Grab a beer in front of the log fire, or on a summer’s day eat a meal al fresco in its large garden. Here you’ll find a cracking fish and chips, as well as various meat and vegetarian dishes.
Only 25 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here
Some honorable mentions
The George and Dragon, Long Melford allows dogs in the pub, except when food is being served. The George in Cavendish has a terrace/garden area where dogs are welcome, although they are not allowed inside the pub and the same goes for The Brantham Bull in Manningtree. The Ship Inn in Woodbridge is dog-friendly, and so is The Angel Inn Wangford.
Please do check with any of these pubs before you visit with your dog as their pet policies may change at any time.
I hope this blog has been helpful in your search for dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in Suffolk. If you think we should add any other places, then please feel free to email with a little bit of a write-up, weblink and a photo if possible to carl@bargesdev02.wpengine.com
