Jude's Ferry in Forest Heath

We recently had a meal at Judes Ferry. The food was very nice and so were the staff which would normally make this would have been a 4 star review at least. Unfortunately the front door is left open which makes it cold and the whole place needs a refurbishment inside and out. I know everything cost money but a coat of paint would make it so much better

Excellent lunch to send Bob Sev off to Retirement after serving our company Gateway Inn for 31 years. Food was fantastic Off the lunch menu.

My husband and I went for the first time this lunchtime. The meal was lovely as was proven by the cleared plates ! home made chips delicious. The garden runs alongside the river and is a lovely setting but unfortunately the outdoor furniture could do with some cleaning and t lc. Really enjoyed our time there and will be back.

6 including 2 toddlers for lunch by the river. The whole property is lacking in investment and even basic maintenance. Small children's playground rickety and bordering on dangerous. Decking on river same. Loose boards rickety picnic benches. Food not worth reviewing, but edible at least. Staff friendly, but working with a very down at heel pub. Such a shame as delightful spot on the river, large garden, plenty of parking etc. Not sure how they will survive unless the mainstream customers are Americans from nearby Mildenhall

I love this place. Friendly professional staff and an amazing atmosphere. The place has been taken over fairly recently and I feel it’s unfair with the reviews I’ve seen as Lolly and his family (recent owners) have done such a great job taking over this place. I take my kids and friends here 3x weekly. Massive outdoor area/park, trampoline area, gorgeous riverside seating area, massive indoor dining/pool/darts/karaoke/pub quiz to name a few. This honestly is the best most friendly place I’ve ever been. I’d highly recommend.

3 of us went today with the intention of having the Sunday Roast. However, upon seeingt chunks of meat which looked as if they'd dried out under the warming lamps and carrots and green beans floating around in (presumably) hot water we decided to give it a miss and go for items off the regular menu instead. Unfortunately, the scampi or schnitzel weren't that great either. I suppose the fact that we were the only 3 in there when we arrived with only 2 other people coming in before we left speaks volumes as normally places are packed for Sunday lunch.

great location but the food is the worst i have had my friends said it was no good but I had to find out for me self it is such a shame just very bad Managment could be a gold mine if it was run correctly

My friends and I stopped at Jude's Ferry on the 1st of July for lunch. We had high hopes for a lovely meal but the reality was anything but. When our meals arrived we were shocked to see the state of the chips and our main meal. The battered cod was almost black it was so over cooked and the gamon and eggs were worse. The gamon wasn't much thicker or bigger then bacon rashers and was so over cooked it was near enough like eating shoe leather. The eggs were like greasy pieces of rubber and the chips tasted like they'd been cooked yesterday and left out over night and microwaved to slightly warm them up today. They were pale, soggy and inedible. We never complain about food, it's very Un-British but this was so dreadful especially the chips that we mentioned it to the staff. The server said I'm sorry. We've had others complain this week too but then simply walked off. It shows a real lack of respect and concern for customer satisfaction that they were told the food was dreadful and yet even with warning from others, they did nothing to fix it. No discount or refund was offered. I'll just add that this experience had notihng to do with them being short staffed or really busy. We were the only 3 people there. Very disappointed and won't be eating there again.

Awful carvery. Worse food I have ever eaten. Eyes in potatoes, old and dry inside. Everything frozen as far as I could tell. Beef weird taste, gravy tasteless. God knows what was being offered in the cauliflower/broccoli dish. It was full of a watery mess and the server was going to put some on my plate.!If they can’t cook a roast then don’t offer it. I was so disappointed because it is in a beautiful place. Good for a drink but steer clear of the carvery. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!

Attended pub on Sunday. The staff were unbelievably rude. We asked what the process was for the carvery and were told bluntly to sit down and someone would take order at the table. We were also told we'd need to pay before eating, fine but no one took our order. Other guests arrived and we're served before us. We were also told we couldn't pay for food at the bar, we had to stay seated and someone would take our order. No one ever came. We then left (without ever being seen too) and as we left other guest we're ordering food at the bar! So not only were the staff (two females) incredibly rude, they are liars as well.

Lovely pub, huge garden . Really friendly staff , thank you Alice. Lovely food, so glad to have a pub open post 2nd lockdown.

Came just before second lock down. Had lunch. A turkey and cranberry baguette. But it turned out to be like a deconstructed roast dinner - except with great hand cut chips. Loved it. Will be back when allowed.

Very nice atmosphere but the worker ruban has a small pen*smaking my meal of coq o van dissapointing with size frick you ruban gonna slash hard with my rambo

Very Good Carvery. Plenty of good food. We have been to other Pub Carverys in the area, this is our preference.

We walked through the door and some yobs playing pool stopped and stared, like one of those scenes in a wild west saloon. The staff were friendly enough but the whole place needs to be cleaned, our table was sticky and the walls were grimy. A quick glance around and we saw filthy black cloths and a spray bottle; this really puts you in the mood for eating. Food was okay - good except for the minuscule piece of shredded lettuce, yellow and trying to act like salad. Overall an unpleasant experience.

Wife has driven past alot when at work and fancied trying . As someone else said lots youngsters about five behind the bar. No one in restaurant . So we thought we give that a miss for tonight. Beer was good

We stopped by for Sunday lunch, restaurant about 1/4 fullThe carvery was average at best the chefs were attentive but the rest of the staff were just stood about looking bored, took ages to clear plates we were not even asked if we wanted dessert

we found this hidden gem on our way back from a long weekend with the grandkids we stopped off to let them see the jets take off, we went on to tripadvisor to find something in the area ,an we are glad we did . The food is good ,we had the roast beef yorkshire pudding mash veg and gravy the beef was cooked perfectly as was the rest off the meal ,scampi and chips, fish and chips ,and the pasta. All the food is a good size and the staff are very friendly ,we will be here that is for sure .

Countless times we have visited and at any time of the year it is a great time. When it is warmer the kids play outside and it is even possible to walk there from Mildenhall on bicycle paths and sidewalks. One of our favorites. Amazing food and the service has always been top.

A Thursday lunchtime for my first visit. This place is vast!Huge inside but the gardens are stupendous bordering as they do along the river Lark. Surprisingly for the school holidays there were less than a handful of other customers. Good choice is quite good and very good value (overstuffed fresh baguettes with chips for £7).Young staff were friendly and attentive and food came extremely quickly. Very impressed and already planning a return visit.

We went for a Sunday carvery lunch. The food was terrible. The cauliflower cheese was so over cooked it was soggy, the beans old and stringy, pigs in blankets were burnt and there was no crackling despite it being on the menu. There was very little choice of vegetables but worst of all they added the gravy for you and didn't listen when asked for not much gravy so the plate was swimming in runny gravy. We chose a carvery because we wanted to serve ourselves but this wasn't allowed.

We were travelling on the river Lark and moored up at Judes Ferry for an evening meal. Lovely pub, in a great position on the river Lark good moorings for boaters. Have to say the meal was very good and plenty of it, at a reasonable price so good value for money. Will come again

We came from Isleham via kayak, how many pubs in the area can you do that with? The garden is large and lovely sitting by the river enjoying a couple of pints in the sun. a family moored up in the large river cruiser kids reading on the front and not using the decent looking play area. We ordered the Ferry Burger from the rather chilled out staff. Given my dietary requirements usually causing confusion, in this case I was pleasantly surprised - no problems! The burger was tasty, chips were excellent. Feeling contented we kayaked back to Isleham. The inside of the pub is huge and so I imagine an atmosphere is hard to get in sleepy village pub and yes, one half of the pub is a bit dated and old fashioned, and yes we can't talk about the carvery as other reviews have, but for a burger at £10 and beer in the garden, couldn't fault it.

Déjà venu en hiver je reviens avec plaisir. Le lieu est calme, et s'il fait beau se placer en terrasse au bord de l'eau est très agréable.

Staff not seem too be bothered couldn’t wait too get home pressurised into ordering quickly feel sad as such a nice setting too have a meal

I always get the fish and chips. Pretty good. Always feel like an outsider here. Seems like they are used the regulars. Although the service is fine.

I can't fault their Chicken Schnitzels... I did find this a very random thing to have a full page menu on, but you can't beat them, the portions are generous, great chips, fantastic mushroom sauce and delicious (seemingly) homemade coleslaw - I have craved this a few times since we moved to the area and they get better every time I have one, never a bad meal.

Wonderful for families and very accommodating. We always have a good time here. I recommend trying any of their soups. Always satisfying.

My first impressions of the car in the car park sitting on blocks with the front wheels missing should have told me to turn around and try somewhere else, our starter and main where fantastic the only thing that let our experience down was the mould on my lemon meringue, the young waiter and waitress couldn't apologise enough and arranged for a different replacement, when it came to paying the bill at the bar the owner made no apology saying it should have been checked before taking it out, he totally over look the storage, use by dates and other obvious health issues and trying to whistle as he was ringing up our full bill (yes we had to pay for our dessert) needless to say we won't be going back and will not be recommending it.

Visité aquí el pasado jueves con un amigo, fue el punto medio en un paseo en bicicleta a la hora del almuerzo. Se ha mejorado desde mi última visita, pero eso fue hace varios años y el cambio es mucho mejor. La selección de cervezas era bueno y el personal era muy cordial. Teníamos schnitzel, tuve mi amigo el cerdo y el pollo. Ambas estaban bien hechas y las patatas fritas eran realmente bonitas. Inconveniente si algo era la salsa jaeger, aunque sabroso se un poco finas. El jardín de la cerveza por el río es genial y volveremos otra vez

Fuimos a Jude's Ferry para el almuerzo para romper un paseo y nos sorprendió gratamente.

The Sunday carvery is very popular and the food is fresh and tasty. Staff friendly good selection of ales and beers. Other meals a good choice but a little pricey.

Comfortable seating, not too crowded. Lovely and warm on a cold winter's day. Good meal and friendly staff.

Very well presented meals in a very popular Inn. Meals were average time to be served and freshly prepared. Very pleasant atmosphere.

The Judes Ferry enjoys an excellent location beside a river.It has a children's outdoor play area. Decking beside the river and ample car parkingUnfortunately the ambiance in the restaurant does not entice the visitorOutdated furniture, garish carpeting and covers for nearly 100 people when barely 30 max. are ever eating. It cries out for a makeover. For strategic plants to provide privacy and furniture in keeping with the 21st C. rather than the 1960sThe lounge has recently been updated, but to get to it, the traveller has to negotiate a pool table, and large screen television which always seems to be on, even if the sole patron sitting at the bar, is not interested.All-in-all an opportunity lost. What was once a great vibrant pub which made strangers welcome is now a sad old lady who couldn't care less if you stayed, or not.(A question prompt was: Q2. Is the restrautant good for large groups. Yes, it can accommodate large numbers, but that does not say anything about the food or service. Q5. Does this restaurant have waiters/waitresses ? --- I don't know any that do not )

Nicely presented ,lots of veg as well as 4 meats ..I shouldn't have had a starter as couldn't finish my dinner£10 for Sunday roast ...nice surroundings

Noticed the large car park and garden area, which must be a delight on a summers day, right up to the waters edge .We visited on a dull day, looked a little drab,with dead flowers in the hanging baskets outside and patchy, dated, decor within.Young bar staff seemed to be keen, although will benefit from further experience. The Carvery looked able to seat a lot of hungry diners including the two of us.Faced with a choice of four different meats or a sample of all of them we wondered if the portions would be sufficient to satisfy us. I have to say, ample even for a dedicated meat eater. there was a good selection of veg, fabulous roast potatoes and tasty gravy to load the plate with. Good value starters and desserts were available to those who could manage to eat more, but we left happy, full and wondering when we could revisit.

Paid a visit one balmy evening. Chose this pub by the river whilst on a motorbike ride with my husband. We sat outside which was very pleasant. I ordered the 'tapas' sliders, prawns in garlic butter. Plenty of it but overcooked. Shame. The calamari was good and so was the Greek salad. My husband had the burger and there was more than enough chips with it which he enjoyed. The staff could not do enough for you. Two young men more than willing to serve. The place tho was spartan. Just us and two other small groups. We would pay another visit maybe. Not overly disappointed.

This looked a very pleasant place to have Sunday lunch unfortunately it went from bad to worse - the starters - soup only luke warm - sent back but although appeared to be steaming it went cool quickly - the garlic mushrooms could have been used for bullets - could not get a fork into them - the prawn cocktails very small prawns plus lettuce - no sauce. We lined up for the carvery only to find all the veg had run out - we were asked if we would like to come back when they'd stocked up. On our return we found not all the original veg was available only peas, carrots and green beans. It was a lovely day with lots of people in the garden eating but serving the bagettes alongside the roast meals held things up considerably. We shall not return or recommend.

Lovely carvery! !! Gorgeous location on a summer day, nice inside and spacious. Good service! !! Definitely going to be going often

Have visited Jude's a Ferry many times, always excellent. Last meal in April was disappointing, meat excellent, but vegetables were soggy, Yorkshire Pudding rock hard. Assistant was in such a hurry to serve, no time to let water drain from veg, resulting in a plate with lots of water mixed in with the gravy. Very disappointing.

Read all the previous reviews that say how quiet it is, I'm pretty sure there's a reason. Lovely location but very dated inside. I appreciate food that is good value, I'm just as happy eating in Spoons as I am in a 5 star as long as the cost relates to the quality. My wife had Garlic Prawns slider starter which was basically king prawns in a bowl of water with a few chillie flakes on top, it smelt like a dirty fish market and made me feel sick while I was eating my prawn cocktail (defrosted jobbies with iceberg lettuce). Wife's fillet steak was okay but not representative of the £19 price, my rare sirloin was very well done. Even my wine didn't taste right.Best avoided unless you just fancy a pint and packet of crisps by the river.Staff pleasant enough.

We went there as we was recommended the food was great and the portions are really large I would definitely go there again if I was in the area

We went there for lunch on a Sunday after church and we had great amount of food. Good service and prices. Great atmosphere for families

a lovely place to have lunch overlooking the river, watching the boats, the revelation is that the food is HOME COOKED and freshly made - 10/10

This pub could be amazing - it has the most beautiful beer garden set next to the river Lark, ideal for outdoor events such as live music and beer festivals. From outside the building has character and charm. However once inside the decor is rather tired, the menu uninspiring and the food unremarkable. Such a pity as there is a large indoor eating area which could be fabulous with a sympathetic facelift and plenty of outdoor tables too.

It's a beautiful spot. You can't fault the bar. The menu could use a bit revamping to improve the quality. It's a bit overpriced for what you get. This place is great during their beer/cider festivals. Always a ton of fun.

I have eaten here twice now. The first time, I think, I was so excited to see schnitzel I didn't think of anything else. The second time, I ordered the fish and chips. The fish, I realized was frozen, and it wasn't cooked properly. I had to send it back. The young man that waited on us was nice and eager to please. There were no problems in that area. But, the more I thought about it, I realized that the majority of the food was processed here. The chips were frozen, they came out of a bag as well as the peas. The same goes for the schnitzel. (In Germany you could hear them pound the meat out in the kitchen). They do offer a cucumber salad and a tomato salad. Which pretty much was them cut up with some vinegar, salt and pepper, over them. I personally try to avoid a whole lot of processed foods since living in Europe, fresh is the way to go!

Had to wait half an hour after opening time for anyone to turn up. Chef and other staff member stood in the back garden just staring at us. Once inside no apology and the man started talking to another man and ignored us waiting to be served. I used the toilets, both were sprayed with faeces. I did not stop to order food. Walked my family straight out again, awful place, appalling service.

Good for large parties, has plenty of room to spare. Good home style food, very comforting. Very relaxed atmosphere.

Drove 45 miles for lunch. When we arrived the place was . empty (1300) weather was overcast. Staff was pleasant, service great, food was good. More people arrived while we were dining. Seating outside by the river was Great

I think we must be in a different place to most of the other people or maybe there has been a change of management? Served immediately by pleasant mature man. Huge choice of baguettes including pork and apple sauce, turkey and cranberry, Blt, brie and bacon plus loads of ham and cheese options. Our son had a wrap which was packed with fried chicken gougon pieces. All came with chips, at a standard charge of GBP. The garden area was well tended and there was a water bowl for the dog. Sun or shade areas - something for everyone. We will be back.

Generally unpleasant experience, unfriendly, unwelcoming staff, serving out of date vinegary wine, in dull, dusty bar, such a shame as riverside location could be a goldmine. Instead this pub lacks atmosphere, with its flat uninterested service and tired interior.

Arrived about 7 pm and the pub/restuarant were open but not one customer or member of staff to be scene. The place smelled damp and dusty. we waited about 5 minutes to be served but no-one appeared ( we could here the staff talking) so we went elsewhere.This used to be a nice pub but we will not be back

Visited for a evening meal. Lovely location, staff were friendly and efficient and the food was great, with large portions. Excellent value for money.

We visited recently for a midweek meal. The food was excellent, simple food cooked well with large portions. The location next to the river couldn't be better for a summer evening. Highly recommended!

Very friendly staff and lovely meal, good portions and piping hot - reasonably priced (recommend the pheasant soup & pork belly)

Mixed reviews on here but decided to give it a go and so glad we did. Lovely welcome, friendly service. The food was good especially the schnitzel, very generous serving. This is a local pub without the banjos !

Firstly I am quite disappointed by the negative comments on here about this place. I have been visiting here for many years and unfortunately as with most pubs in the current climate there have been struggles. Saying that I have never been disappointed with the food or the service.Now, the premises is currently undergoing improvements indoors. This does not mean you are walking into a building site at all, the work is being done bit by bit with minimal disruption. People that say that the pool table and dart board should go are being quite unfair. There is plenty of space for all tastes. If you want a quite corner away from the pool table and dart board there is plenty of room. There is a welcoming fire on cold days and a huge well laid out garden for when the weather permits. The outdoor area is well maintained and a great place to spend time in. Personally I have never had any issue with the food. I have been here for many a carvery (and never had a problem), as well as coming for lunch and dinner. The lunchtime baguettes are never a disappointment and a great option for a cheaper meal at £6 a head. And as for the staff, I have never come across any issues at all. They have always been great, especially the manager! I am looking forward to seeing this place when the works are finished and cannot wait for the beer festival in the summer. A truly lovely pub. I just wished I lived nearer and could visit more.

My son took me here today on mothers day carvary was really poor soggy food tiny portions and they were chucking food on the plate with thier hands. using child size plates for adults and bearly a meal id call a carvary for £14 this was very poor and when i complained the sarcastic rude manager told me "tough" basicly and started involving other customers I was HORRIFIED at his attitude and when i walked out he asked my son what my "bloody" problem was! MY PROBLEM WAS YOUR FOOD IS DISGUSTING AND YOU OVER CHARGE AND YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS DISGUSTING! i dont care you fed 200 people I had to pay for your mush you were serving and your attitude stinks. AVOID AT ALL COST

I have visited before and will return. The pub is beautifully located on the river. It is a large pub, with an outside bar. The food is delicious and a large range of drinks all at very reasonable prices. There are numerous events throughout the year which attract a range of people who share the same interest of live music and good beer. It is well worth popping in for a drink game of pool, watch sports and for something to eat.

The meal was off the lunchtime menu. The meal albeit edible was of a very low standard. I am all for good value pubs like the Hungry Horse chain, but this falls well below the standards set by them. Presentation was lacking and the pork in the giant Yorkshire was tough (obviously from the Sunday carvery). The handcut,homemade chips were anaemia and hard. The location and facilities are excellent assets, unfortunately the food let the pub down and we won't be using it for food again. The staff were very friendly.

Went for a meal last Thursday and it was very nice - had the vegetarian and the food was super all for tenner and it was a little spooky for Halloween !!!! would go again Sedonamoonshie

What was on offer didn't look appetising, I ask for pork which was said to be on offer, but none available. I was then told; "Gammon is pork" which I could only reply with a sarcastic smile! The lamb I then opted for was horrid, roast potatoes were probably the worst I've ever tried. The meal was very disappointing but thankfully the peas and carrots were ok. Service was actually quite good though.

Four of us for Sunday carvery - the meat was OK, and there was a good quantity however the gammon was so smothered in mustard I couldn't eat it and somehow even the turkey was fatty. The roasties were pale, with no crunch and even after asking for a few extra it was still a pretty measly portion. My Yorkshire pudding was burnt but still the highlight of the meal. For £9 a head we expected something better. The dessert "menu" consisted of 2 crumbles, cheese & crackers or ice cream so we went with the cheese option. 3 Jacobs crackers, some dried out brie and no butter/margarine - pretty rubbish. Staff were friendly enough but there were a lot of unaccompanied children running around outside and a few shouting matches between various customers. The setting is gorgeous but I would advise against their Sunday roasts, I might return for a drink but certainly not food.

Judes Ferry is situated right on the River Lark just outside West Row and is a real gem. My wife and I called on the Bank Holiday Saturday lunchtime for a pub meal and sat on an area of decking overlooking the river. The ambience was superb and the garden, with the weeping willows, made it a very enjoyable occasions. There are plenty of picnic tables in the garden plus a covered area should the weather be inclement.As mentioned in previous reviews the landlord was extremely polite and friendly and brought our food to our table promptly. The food was well presented, tasty and hot - if I had one small grip it is the portions are not the biggest and the salad is minute (1/4 of a tomato, a sliver of cucumber and a flake of lettuce)They have 3 hand pumps of real ale and the beer is kept in good condition, apart from the regular East Anglian ales there was one "guest" ale on tap.The interior of the pub is comfortable and could possibly be described as dated but you should not let you put you off visiting.

It's a real shame the food isn't quite up to scratch...The location is beautiful, and on more than a few occasions I have enjoyed sitting outside by the river, and it's been really pleasant. The staff (even when excessively understaffed) are always polite and very friendly!The interior of the restaurant needs bringing out of the 80's and into the modern day, and terracota and pink decor is really dating it and making the whole ambience feel a bit 'drab'.The food is sadly, quite underwhelming. We have eaten here on three seperate occasions in the past few months. Firstly, there was nothing in the menu available for vegetarians, without asking for a seperate menu (which makes that person feel like a hassle). Secondly, the portions are very odd, and when a friend ordered the fajitas, the tiny pots that the sauces on the side came in, were really hardly worth bothering with.. And the last thing, was the meat was unfortunately over cooked on two occasions, which is a real shame as I know that the Spinney Abbey meat is of a really good quality.I hope this review doesn't offend, it isn't meant as critisism, but rather would help you to improve on what is already, a very pleasant pub.We will definately be back soon, as the staff were very accomidating and area is lovely!

Went here when we were staying in the area with the family, 5 Adults & 2 young children we were catered for well by the friendly landlord, the starters we had was very nice Prawns wrapped in salmon parcels I would highly recommend that, the main course was chicken fajitas did not enjoy that so much, but all in all a nice large restaurant & friendly service, outdoor area was nice by the river, I would go back again if we were in the area.

I chanced on this little gem when my husband I were camping nearby. Setting is absolutely idyllic. Sit by the river enjoying a lovely meal. Landlord very friendly and attentive.Liked it so much went back the next night

I love this place!!!! My family n I love coming here to eat because the food is Amazing or just to chill near the river and have a beer while the kids are playing the view is Wow!!!! Pets are allowed. We love this place

Have been here on a number of occasions. The Sunday carvery is pretty good with the choice of a number of meats and is well priced at £9. Large restaurant area but also the option to eat outside by the river. Otherwise typical pub food.

Sorry, cannot comment on the food but as a destination location after a long river cruise this place takes some beating. The gardens are extensive and go right to the edge of the river where there are good mooring facilities. We just missed a beer festival which was a shame but the beers on tap were excellent. And, a rarity, the service was friendly, efficient and knowledgeable.

Situated by the river and having some barges moored in the river this pub from the garden could not look more idilic . A little isolated and hard to find it seems a wonderful place to stop after a country drive or visit . which if you are just going to stop for a drink in the garden it is . However stepping into the main restaurant / pub there is very little atmosphere and the decor is very dated , as for the food we was served no better that Cafe style food rather than something more that you would expect in a restaurant , the whole place needed a lick of paint and the toilets were disgusting , the whole place seems to cater for volume of people rather quality of your experience . Such a shame giving the setting of the place

Nice atmosphere. Pub food, a little on the heavy, greasy side. Must go back when it is summer and enjoy a beer by the river though.