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4.5

Based on 113 opinions finded in 1 websites

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Nº 143 in 507 in Suffolk Coastal

Nº 31 of 152 British in Suffolk Coastal

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH..cheeselemoncreamcakeoldpatemackerelcoffeebeautifulcrabchocolate
Score
OpinionsNoteTripAdvisor1134.5

comment_iconOpinions

Tucked away at the end of the Deben a short walk from the little ferry. Well worth the drive through the country lanes. Great tasting tea in a tea pot that pours with out leaking ( so impressed we bought one). A view of the river with its little sandy beach, huge scones, tasty specials and cakes. A pleasant place to be. On the balcony binoculars are for customer use. What a good idea.

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Judi E Spadger . 2024-07-01

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A rainy day but sat at the cafe on the balcony in the dry. Lovely cheese scone with chutney. Both lush. Water and snack for my dog was provided. Nice view over the river. Best cheese scone I've had in a while. I'm a cheese scone conaser. 😆. Thank you.

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Natalie b . 2024-05-07

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Lovely place to relax and enjoy the views across the river. Excellent cheese scones with chutney and our hot drinks were great. Nice staff and service. Recommended

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sandykstan . 2024-05-05

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Beautiful place. What a find. So polite and friendly and gorgeous food and drinks. Beautiful view! Nothing bad to say except fabulous!

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Jayne200047 . 2023-09-30

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Popped into the Boathouse cafe after dropping off the children at the PGL camp and was pleasantly surprised but the quality of the food and service. The external area was a little underwhelming but the internal setting was cozy. I had a cheese scone with chutney and it was simple delicious - highly recommended.

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Emily D . 2023-08-19

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Sitting in courtyard but excellent COVID friendly setup. Just had the most delicious mackerel pâté & crusty bread, followed by one of the best scones you will find. Excellent value for money & friendly staff too.

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FrenchCol . 2021-06-10

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A lovely little cafe right on the river front selling tea, coffee, hot chocolate, homemade cakes, light lunches, fentimans bottled soft drinks and ice cream in tubs. Fabulously spaced out for social distancing.

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agdthols . 2020-10-29

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Lovely cafe, friendly service, and v clean. The sausage roll was amazingAs cafe closed for sit down, we had a take out which we brought back to our motorhome , parked on the front outside and enjoyed the beautiful view down the Deben.Would highly recommend

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MBTREETOPS . 2020-10-10

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Visited on a lovely late summer day. Outside seating well spaced out due to current situation. Perhaps a limited menu but it was fine for what we needed. Sausage Roll with onion marmalade superb and my wife had smoked mackerel pate on crusty bread and said it was superb. ea in disposable cups due to the situation but no problem.

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Neal192 . 2020-09-10

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My husband had hauled me on a long explorative walk along the bawdsey coastline. It was raining and windy and every other type of weather imaginable. We were very pleased to find this little oasis of rest, despite the inclement conditions for August.Nice chocolate cake too!Well done!

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ECAb85 . 2020-08-30

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It is a great little place, I love the box on the pulley rope when they send down the ice cream. Delicious lemon pollenta cake and the staff are just fab.

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Happycaravaners123 . 2020-08-23

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Tables outside at ground level. Clean and spaced out. Great tea and cake in a sheltered suntrap spot

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Anne P . 2020-08-02

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Excellent lunch, lovely sausage rolls, scones and coffee, reasonable anti Covid precautions and helpful friendly staff...

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IanfromTempland . 2020-07-31

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Called in for a quick lunch, nice to see table downstairs now, food arrived quickly and was very good.

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Albert E . 2020-07-14

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Found this little cafe quite by chance, really lovely with a great selection of homemade goodies ! We had cheese and sundried tomato scones which were the best we’ve ever had ! I would definitely recommend a visit !

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Janderson23 . 2019-09-30

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A little tricky to find but go through the big wooden gate and you're there. Lovely home made snacks on the terrace looking over the ferry. Cheerful friendly service. Only snag is it doesn't open until 11.00am.

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John O . 2019-09-04

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A lovely cafe with a good menu and range of drinks. Impressive views of the river crossing and small beach.

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carolbN8021PC . 2019-08-30

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Cute little cafe with wonderful views from the veranda. Binoculars were supplied on each table which is a marvellous idea. Indoor seating as well if needed. We'd had an enormous lunch elsewhere so only had room for a coffee and an ice cream. The latter unfortunately came in a very small tub but was very good quality. Will go back for food when next in the area.

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LandSd . 2019-08-13

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We enjoyed some freshly made sandwiches for lunch. It was very relaxing to look out over the river towards Felixstowe and watch the ferry crossing.

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cath b . 2019-08-06

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We came down to Bawdsey for a quiet walk on the beach which is a quiet place and quite rugged too. From the beach there are views of Bawdsey Manor.We stumbled on the Boathouse walking back. The staff are really friendly and couldn't be more helpful. There is a balcony to sit and enjoy the views with a pair of binoculars on each table. As to the cakes / scones etc - they were excellent, especially the lemon polenta cake - yum! Well worth a visit after your walk.

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Speedbird747 . 2019-07-15

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We each had excellent home-made mackerel pate that we can thoroughly recommend. It was a great and imaginative touch to provide binoculars to look out over the river.

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Oaky_10 . 2019-06-13

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Coffee and cake stop today, friendly attentive staff, lovely views, menu looks great so definitely will return.

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wavey600 . 2019-04-14

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This cafe was surprisingly busy, on a pretty miserable winters day. I really enjoyed my chocolate cake and the coffee was probably the best I’ve had during my weeks holiday in Suffolk.

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mikebQ6024IZ . 2018-11-24

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Good food with a lovely view over the estuary , A nice selection of drinks both hot and cold , Service was polite and friendly .A nice place to finish a walk whatever the weather,

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Phil C . 2018-09-18

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The Boathouse Cafe is quaint, has beautiful views a decent menu. It is a lovely spot to get a cup of tea and a scone; gaze out over the river and take a moment to reflect in a spot that is quintessentially English.

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Matvl . 2018-08-18

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Boathouse Cafe is the perfect place for a cold drink or a cup of coffee while watching the yachts come in and out. The staff are absolutely excellent and the vibe is relaxed and friendly. My favourite was a pair of binoculars on each table outside. It's such a small detail but added that special element. We will definitely go back.

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Luzanne F . 2018-08-17

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Bawdsey can be described as off the beaten track but down by the quay we found the boathouse cafe. We got there before the lunchtime rush and managed to park for free by the ferry and also managed to sit outside on the ‘terrace’ which like the restaurant is on the first floor after climbing some steps. View was fantastic looking across the river Deben to Felixstowe Ferry and also upriver towards Woodbridge. Tide was coming fast which added to the enjoyment. Food and service were really good. Special mention to the hot sausage roll and cake. Service was friendly and prompt. Cafe is slightly faded but this added to its charm As we left they were baking bread. Really enjoyable visit and can’t wait to return.

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bluehat64 . 2018-08-16

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I was visiting the radar museum nearby with a friend and it was a very wet and rainy day. At first we intended to catch the foot ferry and walk to Felixstowe but as the weather got progressively worse we gave up on that idea in favour of a snack and warm drink at the Boathouse Cafe.

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Polly H . 2018-08-14

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Locale un po' trascurato che ha come punto di forza la grandina esterna con una bella vista, tanto che sui tavoli potete trovare dei binocoli da utilizzare a piacimento. Non servono alcolici, servizio alla buona...

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igordeb . 2018-08-12

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We came across this cafe during a walk from Shingle Street. We stopped mid afternoon and had coffee, soft drinks and a fantastically light scone, jam and cream. It’s only a small cafe with limited tables on the balcony (where we managed to sit) but the service was very prompt. Binoculars provided on the tables which was a great touch. Reasonable menu although not the biggest cafe. Worth a stop if you’re at Bawdsey Quay.

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MarkA221 . 2018-07-31

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We enjoyed sitting on the balcony overlooking the quay, having a drink. There were plenty of light snacks to chose from, scones and cakes. All the tables had a pair of binoculars on them to admire the views across the water to Felixstowe.

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cath b . 2018-07-17

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This is a nice little cafe right next to and overlooking the River Deben and Felixstowe Ferry. The facilities are basic but they have toilets and are dog friendly in all areas.

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Peter G . 2018-07-13

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Very good café in a raised position right on seafront. Pets allowed inside and out. Simple menu but really good quality and value.

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Andrew B . 2018-07-13

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Just wanted a light bite and a coffee. Didn't disappoint on both. Nice view if you sit outside with a complimentary pair of binoculars to see across the river. Very recommended

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SESAL1960 . 2018-07-08

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Bawdsey Quay is a long way off the beaten track but it's worth a quick visit (note: policy as to dogs on beach is unclear). The Cafe is very cute. Lucky with the weather, we sat outside. The menu is quite limited. Unfortunately they had run out of the home made pate so we settled for sandwiches which were very nice indeed. However with no change from a tenner we would have expected crisps and/or a hint of side salad. I do like a packet of crisps with my sandwich!!

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juliaplynn . 2018-06-07

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Visited the Boathouse Cafe at Bawdsey, Suffolk today. Fantastic views across to Felixstowe from the balcony and lovely home made food. Scones baking in the oven. Crabs being delivered fresh. Excellent friendly service. Recommend it!

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Hilary S . 2018-05-31

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Got the ferry over from old felixstowe. Had never been before. Lovely little place with a nice balcony overlooking the beach. Very reasonable prices and lovely warm scones. Friendly staff and a good selection of cakes and sandwiches. Can't wait to go again.

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Julie A . 2018-05-29

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This really is a gem of a place- out of the way and you have along drive from Felixstowe if you come that way.

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Valettaboy . 2018-05-20

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We stumbled upon this charming little café. In an elevated position with a small outside decking area the views across the river are really lovely. It being quiet we managed to sit for an hour taking in the boats & scenery.

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lynne j . 2018-05-14

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We've been to Bawdsey Quay before, but never this café. Luckily today was a quiet sunny weekday. I had coffee and scone with cream and gorgeous damson jam (£2). The scones were delicious and home made and warm. The cakes looked very tempting too. A friend had the hot chocolate, she said it was good and served nice and hot, unlike many places.

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annieSuffolk . 2018-05-11

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We went on a wet and windy day - and this was a haven of warmth and good food. A particularly nice touch was the binoculars on the tables. There are steps up to the cafe so not suitable for anyone with limited mobility.

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Rogeroos . 2018-05-03

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So often we fancy going on a spontaneous drive to find a tea shop somewhere only to find they close at 3 or 4 so what a welcome surprise to find that this ones stays open til 5 so we could relax over our hot chocolate and cake! Because the cafe is elevated - access by steps - The views across the bay are amazing and there are binoculars on each table for you to use. The staff were friendly and the cafe warm and cosy even on a late November afternoon! Unfortunately they close for the winter the last week of November but open again in March and for when the nearby museum is open! We’ll definitely be back in the spring to enjoy this cafe, views and walks!

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R P T . 2017-11-20

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Here on a bright day- spectacular location- looking out over the water. Coffees ace - lemon polenta cake very good and moist- what a place on a nice day- just out of this world and good food to boost.

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Valettaboy . 2017-09-18

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Home made cream scones with ham and cream. Lashings of hot tea. Spectacular views. Binoculars available to use. All for less than £8.

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nicolaann44 . 2017-09-11

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Lovely views across the river and the moored yachts to Felixstowe Ferry. Easily reached by the foot ferry from Felixstowe Ferry or a longish drive from Woodbridge. Great cycling and walking route. Nice sandwiches, light lunches, bottomless pots of tea, "real" coffee. Great cream teas and cakes. Indoor and outdoor seating. Well worth a trip, views so much better than from the cafes on the other side although for hot lunches stay on the felixstowe side.

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paulm2101 . 2017-09-05

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What a system the staff have in this hidden gem, five staff all seemed so organised behind the small counter,everything...

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sallystranix . 2017-08-29

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Our second visit this summer to this great café. All four of us sat on the covered balcony looking out...

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Leanne C . 2017-08-25

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Disfrutamos de las vistas de este Café, especialmente como en cada mesa en el balcón son prismáticos. Perros. Deliciosos scones cálido paramos con mermelada sabrosa y crema. Personal amable sin duda recomiendo una visita.

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Rosemary W . 2017-06-29

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Vert bonito lugar para parar y tomar un café y tarta. El personal es agradable, buena comida y buenos precios. limpio. Carga de buena comida caliente en el menú. volveremos.

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Colin E . 2017-06-26

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Este café realmente precioso con una vista sobre el río. El aparcamiento no es un problema, y es el lugar perfecto para detenerse y disfrutar.

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Yeray P . 2017-05-28

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La comida aquí es caseras y caliente, el café es estupendo - Las vistas en la terraza exterior son fantásticas. Creo que por el momento este café sólo abre los viernes, sábados y domingos - teléfono para asegurarse. Esta es una pequeña cafetería que sirve...

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Valettaboy . 2017-05-14

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Visiting friends in Ipswich, they took us to one of their favourite places, the Boathouse Cafe in Bawdsey. After a bracing walk along the shore line in old Felixstowe we caught the little ferry over to Bawdsey. Locally it's known as Di's cafe!Being dog friendly is a bonus and we soon found a table to seat us all. Hubby and I had two piping hot Hot Chocolates whilst our friends shared a pot of tea, the waitress offering more hot water and milk if needed. I chose a cheese and chive scone served warm with butter and chutney, two others chose the home made mackerel pate with crusty bread and the last one of the party chose gluten free lemon polenta cake. Lovely photos on the walls showed Bawdsey in its heyday when it needed a big ferry for its tourists. All in all a real gem, limited menu but all very fresh and tasty, courteous service. The bill came to just over £22 which was very reasonable. Well worth a visit!!!

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Clachangirl . 2017-04-16

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With sunset views of the River Deben and towards Felixstowe Ferry this is an absolute gem. Di and her team excel at making you welcome with home cooked treats. There are rumours that the Boathouse is closing - yes and no! So check with them as they may be open on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Gregspray5 . 2016-11-09

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Lovely cream tea, the scones were fresh from the oven which is always a bonus. The menu looked very interesting and as we were looking at the photos on the wall the owner (I think) produced two albums of photographs of Bawdsey for us to look at. Views across to Old Felixstowe and down the river are excellent, binoculars are provided on the verandah. Everyone very friendly.

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bungay . 2016-10-25

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We visited on a blustery afternoon and sat on the raised balcony so great view over the Quay. The home made scones were delicious although in my mind a little on the small size with not quite enough cream and even less jam (which was very loose). Staff were pleasant. I would imagine the building will get a rub down and lick of paint soon to enhance the look. Perhaps some rugs on offer to pop over your lap on the cooler days would be a nice touch. Can't knock the cakes though very tasty.

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Kelbth . 2016-10-05

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A couple of minutes too late, as were four others in front of our four... on a mid week... looked nice... but not very friendly...as a business owner, personally, however long my day had been, 8 potential folk on the doorstep and I would have been jumping around serving them.. goodwill and all that.... at the end of the world that is Bawdsey .. perhaps we caught them on a bad Thursday...

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Countrymousie . 2016-09-11

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Lovely little cafe, dog friendly and gluten free cake. Very sad we missed the smoked prawns.

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Lizzybp . 2016-09-08

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We only went in here for a coffee (which was very good) but then ordered a scone with cream and jam - this came straight out of the oven and was heavenly! The cafe is a bit on the basic side but the food seems to be excellent and the views are great!

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Susanner_11 . 2016-08-26

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Several visits during August, with family. Great location, fabulous coffee and even more fabulous lemon drizzle cake.....wow!Prices are fair, service efficient and friendly. Would unhesitatingly recommend.

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suffolkbirdie . 2016-08-23

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Took the ferry over from Felixstowe to Bawdsey to have a lunch at this café, lovely views from seated balcony, food was lovely and so were the staff.

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rachel w . 2016-08-17

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Suffolk countryside on a sunny day cannot be bettered anywhere ( believe me I have travelled the globe). There is nothing I enjoy more than a Sunday cycle ride to Bawdsey for a coffee and a bun. Sometimes , if there are people in front of you, you may have to wait a few minutes. At times if other people have the same idea of popping along to the coast and having an afternoon rest and a cup of tea, the balcony may be busy - get over it people. This is Suffolk - not a metropolis. It's slower pace of live, relaxed approach and friendly but not intrusive manner is what it is all about. If you want instant service, don't like the person in front of you getting the service you expect meaning you have to wait a few moments then there is a KFC at Martlesham. If you want a good cup of tea or coffee at a less than townie price, a smile and a homemade cake that really is home made then this is the place to go.

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spessy . 2016-08-07

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Lat week we sat on the wall in the car park, overlooking the view of the river and very stupidly left our camera behind. We were on our way home to Sussex and didn't realise this until the next day. A very kind person took it into the Boat House Cafe and we telephoned them in the hopes that this may have happened. Evidently they had looked at our pictures and correctly deduced that we were staying at the campsite in Shottisham and drove there and went around the tents to find the owner! Luckily our son was still staying there and brought it back to us. It's wonderful to know that there are such lovely caring people still in this unpredictable world and we can't thank them enough.

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878christopherg . 2016-08-06

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Stayed in Snape last week and went to Bawdsey beach most days when the sun was shinning.Eat at the café three days.Great place to sit and have a bite to eat!Lovely quiet beach for the family.

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PHILIP W . 2016-08-01

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A fascinating spot. Great prawns and the smoked pate excellent. But the locals when it comes to getting on the balcony are vicious! Perhaps a raffle ticket system of sorts could be better as its first come first served and even if you have been waiting the locals jump the queue. Disappointing as the staff work hard and the food is good.

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Simon S . 2016-07-27

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We five grumpy old men were having a day out in and around Old Felixstowe mulling over the past 50 years of our friendships.After a morning's walk, we took the ferry over to Bawdsey for lunch at Boathouse cafe where, with a pleasant view across the estuary, we enjoyed excellent sandwiches and coffee.The staff were pleasantly friendly and offered good advice on our planned walk around Bawdsey and then provided us with decent pots of tea when we returned later, before returning to Felixstowe

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TobyNorwich . 2016-07-11

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Excellent cuppa not able to say that about sandwiches, brown bread dry around edges would have been helped if edges were buttered, very ordinary I had Ham & chutney husband had cheese & chutney with lettuce not even a few crisps orsalad garnish thought they were expensive, has a stunning view from terrace

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Valerie F . 2016-07-07

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Ate here for lunch- lovely home made scones and first class coffees.The view is spectacular- binoculars on the outside table to look out over the water- truly awesome and so peaceful.This cafe is out of the way but worth the time and the drive- lovely home made food and the most brilliant views over the water.

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Valettaboy . 2016-06-15

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Lovely fresh sandwiches, home made quiche and cakes. Lovely terrace with views of the river and boats. Came here after a morning's diving. Sadly on each visit service is very slow so don't be in a hurry (or famished)

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Carol W . 2016-05-29

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Very popular worth the journey as you can walk the beach but most of all have a lovely pot of tea and a great choice of local produce this is a cafe so expect home made scones sandwiches mackerel with bloomer bread etc,the view across the river looking over Felixstowe ferry is great check opening times when you go they vary through the year,I was assured crab sandwich will be on the menu this Sunday 29th may freshly caught! Had them last year very tasty,to give you an idea what this place is like an elderly lady who looked about 90 after several huffs and puffs on the stairs sat down looking for her breath and said lovely look at that view I will have one of your cheese scones,the only shame is the place is on stilts ,the place is crying out for a downstairs garden sitting area where they could serve your food on a summers day if you couldn't make the stairs but most of all a very enjoyable visit we love this place and will be visiting on a regular basis during winter and summer to watch the seasons change ,oh and did I mention free use of binoculars to use to look across to Felixstowe or watching the local yachts sail up the river mouth,thanks to the very friendly staff who always makes us feel welcome.

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leolion123 . 2016-05-24

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Pleasant surprise to find a cafe open in quite a remote spot in March. Good coffee and well filled sandwich. Not cheap but good quality.

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Sue J . 2016-03-22

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After years of living in Suffolk, we'd never gone all the way to the end of the peninsula to Bawdsey Quay. We normally got as far as the Ramsholt Inn or maybe the Martello Towers on the beach up School Lane in Bawdsey Village.This is a nice little quay, especially on a cold but sunny Sunday in March, but it's worth going that little extra way after that seemingly endless drive from Woodbridge down the peninsula...The cafe is in a 'shack' (a well looked after one mind) that sits atop the storage area for sail boats and kayaks that are for hire. It's decked out to look like, well, a ship's deck, and has a nice balcony complete with free to use binoculars to check out the wildlife and activity on the water. If you're a bit cold, there aren't many seats and tables inside, but plenty for this time of year.They serve a small menu of deliciously sounding lunches (though we didn't try them) as well as a selection of cakes and coffees and cream teas. We settled for cappuccino and ginger cake which was very nice and a decent proportion. The cappuci wasn't exactly Italy standard (but then it rarely is outside of Italy) but perfectly passable for this side of the Europe...The servers were pleasant and helpful and service was quick even though they got quite busy for a moment.Well worth a quick look in if you fancy a stroll and some refreshment. I might go back an try the Fish Stew at some point too.

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Romablade . 2016-03-15

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What a beautiful setting. We sat out on the balcony and looked across the river, and what a sight. It's easy to lose yourself looking at the scenery whilst tucking into locally sourced and fresh food. I just wish there was a bigger menu with a little more variety, but everything is delicious. Also, it is important to note that anyone with mobility difficulties may find it hard to access the cafe, as there is a big set of steps to climb.

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Hale-the-Bop . 2016-02-08

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Enjoyed another delicious afternoon tea of scones and pot of tea on a rather dull and rainy Saturday afternoon. Being out of season, we were pleasantly surprised at how busy it was. Three lady waitresses were kept very busy all afternoon and the service was prompt and efficient. No problem asking for extra milk and hot water for our tea. A very good choice for afternoon tea and during the summer season, one can take a ferry boat ride from Old Felixstowe to Bawdsey Key and back...well worth a trip, especially for the children too.

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Heather Q . 2015-10-26

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Sitting outside peaking through the complimentary binoculars was a great way to enjoy a perfect cup of real tea.How on earth have we never been to this adorable place? Down a country lane we stumble upon the quay at Bawdsey. Parking up and walking around down by the sea we find The Boathouse cafe... Wooden stair lead you up to a plain front door. We sat out on the verander and discovered the binoculars kindly placed on our table. Ordering tea and scones which duly arrived promptly. Real tea, hallelujah !,,, leaves to those in the know.....scones mis shaped indicating freshly baked and still warm.Great view, great tea, great scone and a great little find. We will return .....

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ljcuk01 . 2015-10-25

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A lovely little cafe overlooking the quay. Great food and really accommodating with children. We quite often visited the cafe for a warm drink after spending the morning crab fishing on the beach.

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charlene859 . 2015-10-02

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Went here recently- the view is the best you will find anywhere from the balcony. All the food is home cooked and fresh- the lemon drizzle cake is the best I have ever had, coffee is first rate.Staff polite, go outside and sit on the balcony with the binoculars provided and look across to Felixstowe ferry, boats sailing past, people on the beach - on a sunny day this place is as good as it will ever get.

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Valettaboy . 2015-08-21

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We needed some food after a long drive and the Boathouse was an obvious stop. I'd only ever had scones or cake on previous visits but something savoury was what we wanted this time. Although the smell of baking scones was very hard to resist! I had a cheese and pickle sandwich and my husband had the ham sandwich. Both were completely delicious but at nearly a fiver each and with no garnish of even a few crisps - a bit on the pricey side. There is no doubt of the quality of the ingredients - great mature cheese superb Suffolk ham - but just a bit more on the cost that I would want to pay. Earl Grey tea was excellent and extra points to the young serving staff that came out to see if we would like our tea pots topping up with hot water. The views from the balcony - are exceptional of course - and the addition of binoculars on every table is genius. I think the cake and scones are best value - but the sandwiches are good quality if your willing to pay.

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Shoebattymell . 2015-08-11

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This is a lovely place to be on a sunny day. Sit on the terrace overlooking the river, with a pot of tea and good value cake - perfect. They even supply binoculars for a closer look at the boats.Our tip is to ask for weak tea, it's proper leaf tea here and pretty strong!

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Simon J . 2015-06-28

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Nice sunny day so we drove to the end of the road at Bawdsey Quay. This Cafe is a real gem, the food and drinks are very good quality and the prices are very reasonable; what stands it head and shoulders above the rest is the view across the harbour. They even provide binoculars for you on the table!! Loved it and will return when we are in the area.

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Wiltshirefolk . 2015-06-23

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We stopped here late morning whilst trying to find our painting class. We had excellent fresh warm scones with cream and jam. Nice sea views, and reasonably priced.

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DrSarah62 . 2015-06-15

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My family and I visited this hidden gem following a recommendation, we were not disappointed, just as the road runs out, there tucked away is the café, friendly staff, decent pot of tea, great fruit cake and super views.....go on try it!

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Paul R . 2015-05-04

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Lovely coffee and scones with home made chutney- smiling service and good specials board- very clean kitchen and the most fantastic views outside on the balcony.This is a very special place to be on a nice day.

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Valettaboy . 2015-03-18

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We only had a couple of coffees but they were reasonably priced and of a good quality. This is a little 'shack' perched up beside the harbour. I think this is closed for the end of November until the spring. They had cakes and meals which looked lovely.

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Lighthousesweeper . 2014-11-18

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Really well made food, considerate service, excellent views of the quay. Some welcome changes thrombosis the normal fare as well as some classics like the scones. Coffee was good and tea pots refilled without needing to ask.

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Julie W . 2014-11-02

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Sat outside to enjoy the best of the amazing view. Really enjoyed my homemade soup and cake. There's a good selection of soft drinks - locally produced juices, and quirkier brands. Staff were lovely - would definitely recommend.

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Rebecca T . 2014-10-17

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We chanced upon this brilliant cafe whilst exploring this part of the coast. It was a lovely day so we sat on the small terrace (binoculars provided - how about that) and watched the boats sailing on the river and the ferry plying to and fro to Felixstowe Ferry. The sandwiches were fantastic too!They have limited opening hours mainly around weekends I think so worth checking before you go but certainly worth a detour.

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John T . 2014-09-18

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Great cakes home-made on the premises. Excellent smoked prawns from Felixstowe Ferry. Proper leaf tea and teapots. And the Deben in front. An absolute gem!

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Gregspray5 . 2014-09-15

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Sitting on the balcony, looking out over the Deben would be treat enough...but then there are also Diane's cakes, or the smoked mackerel pate, or the crab sandwiches...and the tea is always topped up as a matter of course - and may I draw your attention to the teapots, which pour better than any I have met?! It's all truly delightful. Even better if you cycle there and work up an appetite on the way!

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tanya k . 2014-08-06

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We came here in Early August 2014 and had tea in the Boathouse. The cakes are home made a delicious and the sandwiches are made from local caught fish. The staff are friendly and welcomed my dogs without a problem. Binoculars are supplied by the cafe so you can sit and watch the boats go by.I would recommend an afternoon here with a cream tea.

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moocow10 . 2014-08-02

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Delightful 'proper' pot of tea on their veranda. Cheerful service and spectacular views of the Deben Estuary and Old Felixstowe. Recommending this!

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Paul B . 2014-07-30

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Found this cafe when visiting Bawdsey- excellent coffees and scones- good smiling service and very clean kitchen.The views are beautiful and they provide binoculars at the tables outside.

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Valettaboy . 2014-07-19

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The kitchen on full view was heaped with washing up and tea cloths, very close to scones on the draining board. We didn't take tea!

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colchesterain . 2014-06-16

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On first floor above sailing club with balcony overlooking a fascinating part of the River Deben and Ferry. Superb views of the river.Excellent home cooked food and drinks

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EnglandD&B . 2014-05-26

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Out for a drive with no particular place to go, we found this cafe. A beautiful sunny afternoon, we sat on the balcony and enjoyed a cold drink, one of us had the quiche (very very nice) and the other the gluten free lemon cake.....just lovely, extremely moist and a generous slice. We will be back now we have found you!

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SteveFoss . 2014-05-19

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Looking for a cuppa on a cold and windy Sunday afternoon (2/3/14) whilst driving around and happened upon this gem overlooking the quay. Cheerful ladies behind the counter who produced excellent tea and hot chocolate. Plentiful fillings in the ham/chutney and in the cheese/chutney sandwiches and a knife to cut them into managable portions. All reasonably priced.Some hardy souls were seated on the balcony but we, being less hardy, enjoyed the comfort of being inside. Binoculars are provided on the tables for customers' use.

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boromover . 2014-03-05

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First drizzly day of September so we happened in for refreshment. So pleased we did! Lovely ladies on duty, super pot of tea (which was refreshed when it ran low!), tip-top prawn sarnie for me and home-made mackerel pate for Wendy. Not the cheapest but worth every penny! Don't know why we haven't been before.

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Paul B . 2013-09-09

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If you go to Bawdsey and do not go to the Boathouse you have missed out big time. The crab sandwich had loads of filling and was freshly made. The cream scone was a dream, it was a case of quality rather than quantity which meant you appreciated every crumb. The view was amazing and the staff really friendly. I felt more relaxed that if I had had a spa day

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Jac S . 2013-08-25

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Not the most attractive little cafe from the outside, but get up the stairs and out on the balcony and it is a little haven. The bustling dock area, the ferry steadily crossing the river, help to while away time. As noted by others the waitresses are very polite and friendly.Proper leaf tea and good quality tea was excellent value. The piece of cake (sticky ginger) was divine, light and tasty. In all the years we have visited Bawdsey for a stroll we have failed to go here, until now. Our loss completely.It cannot really be faulted.

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NAJB . 2013-08-05

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A super little cafe next to the estuary mouth with very friendly staff. They have a small menu, but it was all lovely and fresh with a real home made feel. The view is just great for whiling away a few hours. If crusty bread, olives, fresh makeral pate etc are your thing then head here. The coffee is great too but take cash as they don't have a card machine. We will be back!

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Joe D . 2013-08-02

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What a great outing, first parked at Felixstowe, Bawdsey Ferry end, caught the Foot Ferry across the River Deben, £3 return, and went to the Boathouse Café. Try to pick a table outside on the balcony overlooking the river, binoculars provided at each table!, and whilst eating enjoy the spectacular views. All the food is home made. I had a cheese scone with chutney, absolutely wonderful!. The Café opens normally at 11.00 am and I fully recommend it.

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wonderfree41 . 2013-08-01

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