The Alma Inn and Dining Rooms in Tendring

On our first visit to a charming pub for my birthday, we were greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere right from the moment we stepped inside. Not knowing what to expect, we shared a delightful mackerel pate, fresh and homemade, accompanied by bread and black olives—plenty for the two of us. For my main course, I chose the fish and chips, while my husband enjoyed a sea bass crab and lobster risotto. For dessert, we indulged in an apple and peach crumble with custard and an almond tart served with ice cream. The total bill came to £67, and as a careful spender, I can confidently say it was worth every penny. The food was extraordinarily fresh, the service was impeccable, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Overall, it was an excellent dining experience.

I was here for 4 nights because of work and honestly speaking, it felt like I was at home. Staff are absolutely amazing, breakfast was super and I had the veggie burger which was super hot and delicious. The room that I was in (room 11) was nice and cosy and the bathroom (which had a wet shower room) was really good. Thank you team Alma for the hospitality and for making me feel as if I’m at home! You guys are the best!

I have to be to honest was so looking forward to our family get together and lunch, What a disappointment we went for the roast the meat was so under cooked at one point i through it was going to walk off my plate, I then dropped a carrot on my foot and broke two toes they were so hard, i tried to poor the gravy on my food and it took an hour to hit the plate it was so thick, dont get me started on the spuds they were harder than Vinny Jones, The best bit was the deserts has I didnt have any complete waste of time, Would rather have given my money to save the Jimmy Saville grave stone fund.. please dont try this unless place shocking

Brilliant place. We walked in having decided not to eat at The Mayflower where the staff were totally useless. The Alma Inn was friendly, inviting and clean with a great menu, great staff and Gemma; Gemma is simply wonderful

Lovely warm ambience, my his had crab bisque and said it was delicious and he kept raiding my fish and chips! Lovely place, lovely staff, we will be back.

Dropped in here for an early dinner before catching the Ferry for Hook of Holland. Mrs M had the crab linguini, my son had Nuss (dogfish and I had the pork belly. The food was amazing, served hot and required no seasoning. The bar and waiting staff were very pleasant and the beer was very good as well. Will certainly eat here again when next sailing to the continent. A good start to the holidays

Wonderful pub, dining and rooms! It’s a cracking little, quirky pub, with a lovely terrace out the back. All the staff were really friendly, attentive and made us feel very welcome. The room we had was very tastefully done, very comfortable bed and a large bathroom. Both Dinner and breakfast kept up the high standards, with local produce and wonderfully cooked. We had a great time and will definitely be back and thanks to all the lovely staff!

Stayed at the inn, had a very good night sleep, unfortunately two minutes into my shower the hot water stopped witch wasn’t great, and when I went to watch TV it kept getting stuck every second. Apart from that it was very relaxing, food downstairs was great. lovely old building.

We came here for an evening meal before boarding the ferry to Rotterdam. I had read the reviews and they were right: this is an amazing inn with a great atmosphere, delicious food and excellent service. The outside is deceiving, my hubby wasn’t sure… However, once inside we felt very well looked after and our food was just second to none. My hubby‘s filet steak looked and tasted amazing. The onion rings were out of this world. I chose the cheese board and it was perfect. Highly recommended x

Booked a table based on the excellent reviews but was bitterly disappointed. My Dover sole was served black, dry and stiff. The waitress looked embarrassed when she gave it to me. I wish I wasn't so British and had complained at the time. Definitely will not be returning.

Absolutely great atmosphere, wonderful service, super friendly staff. Gorgeous manager lady. Will be back for sure.

Fabulous welcome . Great cheese platter. Recommended by our taxi driver for a pre theatre drink . Was fabulous place . Lovely staff lovely wine lovely cheese .

We had a lovely 3 night stay with the hound. Room was fab, bed was enormous, plentiful supply of tea and coffee too. Breakfast and evening meals were delicious and served by the most fantastic and friendly staff. A real little quirky gem.

Stayed here a few times for work, I could choose any of the hotels around the area. I was recommended The Alma by a friend who lives locally, this is the best for atmosphere, accommodation and uniqueness. The staff are so welcoming and the food is second to none. The bar has a great selection and is busy. A special mention goes out to Maria, an absolute asset to The Alma, I'm recommending to anyone who visits the area, this place is a well deserved 10/10.

Standout for us was the no fuss friendly treatment and good food. Dogs allowed and again no fuss. Brilliant. Service was truly excellent and fast.

Had two visits only , both times had lobster, which is beyond tasty , will go again 😋 very easy 5 stars from me for delicious food and friendly staff, I'll be back 🦞

Very good meal. Cosy warm atmosphere. Helpful staff. Had a variety of dishes all cooked well. Fish hanging over the plate. Cheese at end nice too. Broadside beer very nice. Dog friendly. Fair price.

Happy landlady, warm fire - on a bitterly cold April day- and a great ambiance even when busy! Excellent menu - what more could one ask.

This could be a great pub for a drink and a spot of lunch. I was disappointed with my fish and chips. I got very few chips and the piece of fish (haddock) wasn't the chunky flaky fish I was expecting...it was more slithery and thin. My husband had the burger which he enjoyed and my daughter had the macaroni which she enjoyed. Nice beer and wine. On very busy days parking might be difficult as it's down a narrow street. They also encourage you to book online where you pay a £30 deposit. The website booking system was also a little frustrating with pop-ups getting in the way.

Never fails. Great hospitality and food. Dog friendly. Very flexible with the menu. My favourite place. Fabulous lunch with family. 💜

We went here for some dinner with no reservation. Staff where very accommodating and fitted us in evening though they was very busy. The bar is cosy and classic, which is very homely. Unfortunately, we waited just under an hour for our food to arrive and was told “the order didn’t go through to the kitchen” once they waiters realised and put our order through properly the food was out in no time, and hot! We ordered fish and chips, and Sausage and mash. The food itself was fantastic, with lots of flavour. We were both really pleased and would definitely be coming back again.

This pub has lots of charm and traditional features which make it a pleasant and interesting venue in which to enjoy your visit. The atmosphere was very welcoming. The menu has an emphasis on seafood alongside traditional pub classics. We had a starter and a main each, all of which were very enjoyable. The produce was of good quality and you could tell lots of care and attention had gone into the food.

A charming old pub, great food, friendly service. Oozing with history. Children's menu had loads of options and even said a small portion of the 'grown up' menu might be an option. Good selection of draught beers. Dog friendly.

We just had a great lunch time here. Some of our table were a bit late. No problem . Food service and ambience perfect. Thankyou

It was our first stay at the Alma Inn and we will definitely be back. It’s a lovely, friendly pub with an excellent beer and gin selection (we didn’t get a chance to try anything else). Our room was lovely and comfortable and despite being part of the pub, we weren’t bothered by noise. Our breakfast perfectly cooked and I particularly appreciated the offer of marmite to go with our toast (not being a jam person!)

Lovely lunch on Saturday. We went on the recommendation from a friend and were not disappointed. The staff were very friendly and the food really good. The pub itself was steeped in history and very welcoming. We will return when next in Harwich.

When someone asks how your meal is before you’ve really started and from 10 feet behind you , then you can imagine they aren’t really interested in engaging with you! When I paid later and casually mentioned that my wife found hers to be cold I was told I should have mentioned it earlier! And that was it! Having irked me I thought to say to you all beware ! I had planned to book a table here for 6 for Friday week but we’re going somewhere else now. Having been visiting The Alma for over 30 years we’ve decided to cross it off our dining venue list which is such a shame. My Plaice was tiny, as was the cup of chips and salad with it, nice as they were. See picture!

Have heard and read good things about this restaurant , sadly reality did not match it. To start : burnt toast , lukewarm , bland and unseasoned sauce , anaemic mussels --- at the time was unsure if they were cooked properly, 24 hours later my stomach still confirming that they were not. Main Course ; small skate wing , lettuce leaf , what should have been 3x cooked chips but texture and taste as if they had been through the fryer at least 2x too many Dining Area : cold ; feet only just thawed out Service : reasonable , the only thing that elevated the meal from 1* to 2*

Amazing atmosphere. Really cozy old fashioned pub atmosphere with great staff and the wine by the glass was far superior to the usual pub wine.

The Alma is great for a fish and chip lunch/fish platter the staff are great and very welcoming. We stayed in room one, which was very dated and overnight there was a very bad smell of drains. Too late to ask for a change of room.Breakfast was disappointing. Half a sausage, half a mushroom, half a black pudding. No tomato, no jam or marmalade offered with toast, all very bland. A bit of a shame as the breakfast used to be really good, but it seems cut-backs have now been made :-(

We came for dinner… then we came back for lunch, then dinner again, then lunch again! I was honestly googling local houses for sale by the time we’d finished the first meal. Such an incredibly warm friendly vibe, awesome staff, beautiful Christmas decorations (who doesn’t...

I came here last Cristmas the food was delicious, nothings changed, delightful experience. Lovely ambiance

The pub was very busy and the staff, I have to say, were lovely. I ordered crab linguine, but what I was served I can only describe as looking like a spaghetti bolognaise with mince. I started to eat it, but it tasted strange and...

Superb food; locally sourced skate wing, cooked and served simply with a caper and burnt butter sauce, chips and salad: sublime! 😋 Great service, friendly and attentive staff: the best food at very affordable prices - what's not to like! 😄

We just love it at the Alma. Been several times since I read in the EDP it had won awards for pub and B&B of the year. The food is sublime, the staff are brilliant and so helpful and friendly. Nick has added 4 new...

We had great food, good drinks and a friendly atmosphere.....but oh so long waiting for the food. We were told that none of the food is cooked in advance which caused a delay but it certainly was quite a wait But I shall no doubt...

Wonderful dinner this early Evening, the starter was excellent endive, walnuts and blue cheese salad followed by cod and chips. Lovely atmosphere as always

This is such an amazing place. The beers are great, the atmosphere is fantastic in both the inside and outside and the staff friendly, quick, fun and great. However, the best is the fantastic food of the pub. The local fishes like the dover sole...

Shanty was amazing 🤩 Great food great atmosphere great staff a great night had by all of us! Lovely to see the staff and landlord enjoying themselves too A lot of hard work I’m sure but we’ll worth it and looking forward to next year!...

Lunch meal again and as always superb. Food fantastic and staff brilliant and so friendly and helpful. We visit family in Harwich few times a year and always eat at the Alma Inn and always have excellent experience. Definitely recommend.

Excellent as usual. We went for lunch, friendly greeting as soon as we entered. Decided to sit outside, pleasant seating area. Beef and ale pie and pork belly . Very good portions, well presented and cooked. It must be popular, bar was very busy and...

The Alma Inn was booked for a cheeky birthday weekend away, it offered sea food, BBQ night, Boats, Sea Side, Beaches and accommodation that essentially was dog friendly enabling me to celebrate getting old with the puppy :) The Alma Inn publicised a BBQ/Steak night...

This restaurant had been recommended by a number of people and rightly so it seems. Apparently the Southwold bitter was about as good as beer gets and I had a choice between Pepsi (on tap and no thanks) or Diet Coke bottled. We selected the...

Very disappointed after previous reviews. Waited a long time for our meals, our 2 year old toddler was very Hangry, as we're we. When food arrived it was bland had to add lots of seasoning.

I love the atmosphere and the staff, bit of banter, friendly. Love the skate wings with caper butter... only disappointment is not opened until 12noon hehe!

Booked online for an 8pm meal but on turning up at the pub there was no booking. The staff were very good and found us a table after 5 minutes.However, on ordering the main course, 3 out of our 4 choices were already sold out. Leaving us with 2nd, or 3rd choices. The skate wings came with far too many Capers (in our opinion), the Steak and Ale pie was plentiful but bland and the accompanying mashed potato was lumpy and bland.Very disappointed with the food.

Great service, amazing food. Famous just ask to return there each time they visit. Best to book for evening meals. Pop in during the day for a fab lunch

Sunday lunch for the whole family myself, wife, children and grandchildren with partner, (9) had to book early as they are so busy, large dinning room inside as well as to the side and back courtyard ,we had a massive great table to one side which sat possible ten, a bit of a wait for our meals, and it was hot and well presented when it arrived all together, staff checking if we were alright with the meal ,the same with the desert a bit of a wait but it was very well presented when it arrived, loads to eat and at a sensible price, the only two down full's were that it was steps everywhere, with the toilets up on a high step with no support handles to get up the step, the other is there is no parking area, you have to park by the sea wall or in the local council car park, both paid for by useing your phone.

Friendly, clean, comfortable. Great food, beer, breakfast. Interesting location in the oldest part of Harwich. I had a wander on the seafront and read a few of the information boards. Nice seafront on the sea side, runs southward. Good for a morning run.

Great food served by a very efficient and pleasant staff, nice to find a pub that can deliver this level of quality and service.

The Alma Inn is a great find and a total treat. The staff could not have been more helpful, the atmosphere was great and the food was fresh and delicious. Our room was super clean, comfortable, spacious and had everything you need. We stayed in a room at the front which was quiet and beautifully decorated. I only wish we had stayed longer and will definately be going back. The breakfast in the morning was perfect. The overall ambience and size of menu and wine/dinks list is pitched just right - and the pub is clearly very well run. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Came to visit after recommendations andFor a special occasion. Unfortunately the staff were not great with the service or greeting you and making you feel welcome. They were more interested in talking to locals then serving. Infact we was asked to move aside whilst greeting locals :( We asked for a drink 3 times. Finally we got served, then that Took 20 minutes to arrive. The glasses smelt bad :( but the sever did replace to be fare. 3 tables around us were asked constantly if they wanted anything or were they ok. We was ignored :( had to keep calling out politely for anything we wanting to order and that felt like we was putting the staff out. The fish platter although I must say was very tasty but small and the smallest amount of salmon & cockles on the plate, the crab had nothing in it, I mean a teaspoon full :( the oysters were great though. We eat a lotof seafood was tasty but not the best. Kids had sausage and burger meals which was ok although sausages burnt :( To be fare the food was ok but the service was extremely poor.If you are not a local Person they are not interested in talking to you, which was a real let down as we had been wanting to try this place for many months. For that reason We wouldn’t return. Our Bill was well over £100 and not so much as a thank you when we left. Even when leaving a tip. We was just looked at when we left :( Very shocked at the staff and poor service :( and truly gutted it wasn’t a great experience :( Definitely put us off

Don’t be put off by the outside. This was an excellent find. The food was marvellous. We had the seafood platter and for two of us it was fantastic and a real bargain. Really nice bedroom and the hosts were wonderful. Thoroughly recommended can tell that it is popular as we’re having to turn away the locals as fully booked on a Wednesday night so do book ahead.

First class accommodation. Good range of beers. Great pub grub. Friendly staff. Close to town centre and amenities. Can recommend this place.

I had fish and chips, almost as good as a specialist outlet, nicely presented. Looks like a good old pub.

Excellent food and local beers, bedroom full of character, spotlessly clean and the staff were just lovely! Harwich was the perfect location for a short break.

A wonderful small family-run hotel. Excellent personalised service. Very tastefully redecorated rooms with all modern comforts hidden under a traditional look. Great restaurant. The seafood platter is huge and very tasty, great wines. Highly recommended.

We stayed at the Alma Inn for three nights, and enjoyed dinner on two evenings. The Inn itself is centrally located, and with free(!) parking easy to find. Our double room was spacious, comfortable and very clean. The Dining Rooms (pub) offer tables inside and outside in a small central courtyard. We tried some eight dishes in all, from the grilled lobster to the cheese plate, and the food was always well-presented, fresh and delicious. Compared to Cambridge, the prices were also very reasonable. Finally, the service was friendly and professional. We’d be very happy to return!

We had a lovely two-night stay at the Alma Inn. Perfect for exploring old Harwich. The room was spacious and done up beautifully, and despite being above a pub, was very peaceful.

The Alma always makes us feel so welcome each year. We come up the river on our kayak and stay the night. And then paddle back. The bedrooms are really comfy, the food and wine delicious, and the staff are always so kind to us. We always have a really great time. Its extremely spoiling. Thank you Alma Crew.

Absolutely brilliant. If you like fish and good beer give it a go. Really nice little dining courtyard at the back.

Excellent stay at the Alma Inn where the staff were amazing and the food and service first class. Stairs will be steep for some and the floors, as you would expect in an old building not always level but the rooms are lovely and comfortable with modern en-suite. We stayed for two nights and will definitely be back.

We visited on an until then cloudy day and then enjoyed a lovely lunch on their sun trap terrace. The seafood platter and cheese platter were delicious and also all other food coming out of the kitchen looked absolutely fab. Would recommend heartily for a long boozy lunch.

We had a very warm welcome on arrival. We stayed in Chambers room it was very comfortable with a lot of character. In the evening we celebrated our Wedding anniversary with a fantastic Sea food sharing plater in the bar. We had a lovely breakfast, all the staff were very friendly and made our stay so enjoyable, can’t wait to return.

This historic establishment is an excellent choice for a break in Harwich in a good location. The food is to a high standard, the rooms lovely, and the team supporting the whole Alma operation are excellent. We were made so welcome by the very happy team. We will be returning as soon as we can.

I've used The Alma for many years, but this is the first time I've actually stayed there. I stayed for 5 nights which were wonderful; a good sized clean room, very comfortable bed and good sized bathroom. The team were all efficient and very friendly and observed Covid hygiene and safety standards at all times. All this plus an extremely large vegetarian 'Full English' in the mornings (they do cater fully for meat eaters too); what more could you ask for. I know I'll be back soon.

Very Friendly staff and atmosphere. As for the food it was STUNNING and reasonably priced. A good selection of drinks including real ale and real cider. Thoroughly recommended!

Had dinner and a few drinks here on Sunday evening. Ate in the courtyard garden. Table service was attentive and the pub was busy enough to create atmosphere, mostly with locals it appeared.The seafood platter to share was very enjoyable. Lobster, anchovy, prawns, cockles, oysters, mackerel pate with fresh bread (more bread supplied on request). Lovely. Followed up with a cheese plate to share.Please note that taxi services seem very poor. Could not book one anywhere. Had to walk back to our hotel, around 2m away after. Not the pub's fault obviously.

We stayed two nights at the Alma and we ate there both evenings (and had breakfasts).The restaurant was well managed and the people were efficient and friendly. The food is really well presented and delicious (that's why we wanted to stay there). Even during England's Euro Quarter Finals we were well looked after and could enjoy the game and the craik.The rooms are comfortable and well maintained and very clean.We will definitely come again.

We have often eaten here at lunchtime, but decided to treat ourselves to an overnight stay. We had lunch, dinner and breakfast - all of which were delicious. We're looking forward to our next visit.

Got the ferry over from Felixstowe with my husband and doggy, we were welcomed by a lovely young man who was as handsome as he was attentive, Rowan I believe his name was, and were recommended some lovely local beers, but instead we decided to go for a bottle of Picpoul, also recommended, which was delightful! We took a chance on the seafood platter followed by steak and lobster and WOW! The food was fantastic! Best meal we've had in a long time! Especially the lobster (what a steal!). All the staff so friendly, we really felt at home. Cannot recommend enough. Will be back very soon to sample the rest of the menu! Thanks Alma, good food, good prices!

It had been a while since my last visit to the Alma, however, thankfully there has been no drop in quality and service over this time. The food, ale and atmosphere were still very good and provide excellent value.The staff could not do enough for you and the “banter” flowed.A most enjoyable evening was had by both myself and better half.I look forward to my next visit

Recently had an over night stay and meal. Staff were really friendly and helpful, food was fantastic especially the seafood platter. Nice clean, comfortable rooms and overall fantastic value.

This is the nicest place I have stayed anywhere in England for a very long time. Independently owned and run, this is a proper pub with great beer and excellent food, comfortable, well equipped bedrooms, full of character, brilliant friendly service and stupendous value! Highly recommended

Highly recommended. We stayed at the Alma in Old Town Harwich for the night.Arrived Saturday afternoon, staff were friendly and helpful and all safety measures taken during. Pub is authentic and cosy with lots of interesting decorations and nik naks. Also a lovely little courtyard outside is available. Our room was a delight, everything we needed, really comfortable and clean. Room was traditional for the building and with a modern decorated bathroom and showerWe had booked a table in advance for our evening meal. Service was courteous and again friendly, food was delicious and we both chose fish as our main meal which was presented and cooked to perfection.Slept really well, it was a hot weekend and fan was available but not needed as a lovely breeze.Breakfast in the morning was so good in the back room and we would difinetely return and look forward to our next visit.

We booked for a family lunch after a seal watching trip and I had been recommended this little gem! Myself and my partner had the seafood platter and it was amazing, a total feast of seafood! Harwich crab, the best oysters I have had in ages, cockles, rollmop herrings, gravalax prawns, the list goes on! And a special mention to a beautiful mackerel pate! A big stash of bread and butter and offers of more if needed! The menu really has something for everyone and I have to say the Sunday roasts that the table next to us had looked fantastic too! (I will definitely be back for one of those!) There is a great child's menu too, my little one enjoyed cheesy pasta and garlic bread as a side, it was really nice to see Heinz ketchup in glass bottles too (her favourite!) We were given a choice of places to sit, the football was on in the bar for those who don't want to miss out on the action this summer! We sat in the courtyard garden which is under cover and there are also little electric heaters so don't be afraid of going on a colder day! The staff were very friendly and the whole place had a welcoming vibe, we will definitely be back now we are in the area!

We've been regular visitors for food and have stayed a few times since we discovered this gem of an Inn five years ago. The food has always been wonderful - great seafood, steaks and specials board, but what makes this place extra special is the staff and the atmosphere - always friendly and fun.

The Alma is a great place to stay with a great team. Top beers, food and rooms and a v hearty breakfast to start the day.

We needed a few days by the sea but didn't fancy the hordes or prices of the west country, so we came here for three nights, eating in. We were not disappointed. The Alma is a great old English inn, with a great friendly atmosphere and a high percentage of local clientele, and very good home-cooked food. Don't expect impeccable decor or cordon bleu, and I'm not sure whether breakfast fare extends to continental, but it's good, great value and served with a smile. We had a comfortable and spacious old room with good bed and all the required mod cons. Harwich is an ancient maritime town with plenty to see and do for a long weekend - the Redoubt in particular. But we also did two very pleasant 8-mile walks (see Walks in Essex website) and enjoyed the area.

Good food, average service. Overall an enjoyable meal. The provision of Small crab forks, finger bowls and slightly improved service would have made this a five star experience. Having said that wouldn’t hesitate to visit again as food was good.

This was our 3rd time staying overnight and yet again it was superb. Check in was easy, all staff are friendly and dinner was absolutely delicious as always as was breakfast and lunch. The rooms are clean and well kitted out and the beds comfy. Staying here is always fun and we will probably return as the town is lovely to visit.

Excellent home cooked food and great friendly service at the Alma as always. Even with covid regulations you still feel welcome comfortable and safe.

We booked to eat lunch here while staying in Harwich. We booked a table due to the great reviews and how dog friendly it was supposed to be. When we arrived we chose to sit outside so walked through the pub out to the garden. We were seated and asked for a couple of minutes before ordering drinks, but we didn't see the bloke again for about 10mins. When he came back we asked to move inside as the wind was blowing straight past us and there was no sun due to the gazebo over the garden. We were abruptly told "Not with the dog", and we both wish we had left then. We ordered the sea food platter which was really bland, and definitely not worth the £32. A portion of chips was £4 and they weren't worth that either. The cockles on the platter were really gritty, the crab was bland, prawns were okay, the mackerel pate was nice and you cant do far wrong with a rollmop. We often eat sea food out but this was not great. The lady who brought it out was lovely and polite though. No one came back to check how the food was and if they had I would have mentioned it. Unfortunately we were sat next to a very loud table too which didn't exactly lift our spirits. Someone came to clear the plates and we asked for the bill. At this point we were cold, disappointed, couldn't hear ourselves think over the noisy table next door and just wanted to go somewhere else to warm up with a drink! We paid the bill and left which was a shame as we had planned lunch and a few drinks there. We wont be coming back here and i'm very disappointed that our dog wasn't allowed inside despite other reviews saying they were allowed! Did put a downer on our weekend away but luckily other venues made up for it. Big shame!

Excellent as always, even under Covid restrictions. Always a warm welcome, rooms are great and the food was 1st class again. I believe this was our 5th visit and already looking forward to the next one. Thanks Nick and the team. 'return visit free pudding'

It is so nice to be able to travel again! With many trips booked and taken, our visit to the Alama ranks in the top two, if not the best. Why? For the following reasons..We already knew the food was excellent and, the rooms are lovely, clean and cute. It has all the most lovely things about the place and is run professionally and calmly so you feel part of the place rather the just a guest. We just relaxed and shared drinks while dining and, around us the night moved on gently with many many people all having a great time. The best thing about all this is also the welcome. I would say that Helen and the team make you feel so good about being there. It has a warm and happy atmosphere, nothing is false. It all just moves along like a place that has all its wheels oiled slickly and a smile is as natrual as can be. We loved it here and would say to anyone who has not tried it, please do. Pack your bags and walk in to relax and have fun. We have stayed in many more expensive places and they could learn from this setup. From food to warmth. Thank you all and we look forward to the next time we get to share a night in the Alma.

Can't recommend the Alma highly enough! Shared a seafood platter (with lobster) with my grand-daughter at lunchtime yesterday and it was excellent. The service was first class too..

Truly excellent food. This place has no frills. It would had meant nothing to us just passing by, it looks like any other regular pub. But the food in here is delicious and comes out greatly presented too. The oysters have to be the best we have ever had in the country. The sea bass with prawns and risotto was fantastic and my husband is still raving about his fish and chips, cooked on a very thin and perfectly crispy batter. This place is a hidden gem.

Had a first visit to this restaurant and had very positive experience, ordered lobster, taste out of this world, very friendly stuff and for those who loves dogs I can tell that is dog friendly restaurant, only good people love dogs, so yeah, amazing tasty lobster, definitely I'm coming back again to try other food too, 5 easy stars from me

We had two lobster fish platters to takeaway. Wow. Food was amazing, beautifully served and so fresh. So yummy. Can’t wait to come along and eat in the garden. Big thanks. And well done for all your hard work

Missed the Alma food so much since our brief lockdown relaxation last year. Quality takeaway yesterday with some superb seafood and a burger to die for. This might have to be a weekly thing....

Doesn't appear to be a great restaurant but looks deceive fantastic meal great service hidden gem enjoy

Whether you’re looking for a good bottle of red beside the fire, a sharing board and a few drinks or a fantastic three courser, the Alma has it all covered.This cosy pub has tonnes of atmosphere and plenty to look around at while you relax and enjoy top quality, fresh food. Lovely staff who always provide a warm welcome and an ever changing menu, really recommend their seafood platter, charcuterie board and juicy steaks. Have been here dozens of times and never had a bad experience.

After missing out on a trip during last lockdown we grabbed the chance to stay again the past weekend and, I did wonder how things may be with all the new rules and the current situation. Well, it was perfect and thank you so much. The staff at the Alma are different league to many other places I have stayed and thats quite a few as I write and relax. The food was first class which is not unusual here but, the setting and attention to detail around us beat all other places I have stayed. Add the that the great room we had and the 5* breakfast and there could be nothing not to like. The other point which makes the Alma special is, that it is still The Alma, which has that almost timeless feel and normality in a world that is so not normal at this time of writing. We will be going again at next oppurtunity and the place is simply good for the soul as well as the smile. So, thank you Alma, Helen and all the staff for running such a brilliant operation and being so human and warm. Don't judge this reviews, go and judge for yourself. 10/10

So lovely to be back. Very careful measures in place to keep everyone safe. Lovely staff as always. Mulled cider and a super meal. Breakfast fab😎🎄🎅✌a joy.

We chose The Alma for our Christmas party for two plus our old Jack Russell, Bentley. Our room was very quaint and clean, with a new bathroom. Our meal was excellent, mackerel pate and cod cheeks to start, with the wild mushroom and winter squash pie for main. Dessert was pear and fig crumble all washed down with a bottle of red. In truth we got carried away with the delicious food and ate too much!The bed was comfortable so sleep came quickly. Next morning after a lovely shower we went down for our cooked breakfast which was also very good. It rounded off an excellent stay. The bar staff were very friendly and it was quiet midweek so easy to book. We would thoroughly recommend The Alma for your Christmas booking. Bentley enjoyed himself too!

Booked tables on different dates for my birthday this year with trepidation. However I had nothing to worry about, outside one night and socially distanced on our own tables the other. I cannot thank the staff enough for being so brilliant; we felt very Covid safe, looked after,the food was excellent and all in all, it was a birthday to remember in a year of horrible things. Thank you all so very much. Ps The Tempura Sprouts are a triumph !!

So this was our third night of 3 in Harwich and despite covid we were looking for an enjoyable safe last night out. Greeted by the front of house as 'darling' (which always, jars) was not the best start. 'What did we want to drink?' before we had even sat down was also overwhelming. ' A beer and vodka and orange we replied.' Said drinks arrived but there was no taste of vodka atall in the v and orangesi we queried it with the waiter who said he may have been a bit heavy with the orange juice.We let it go and carried on with the Chilean chardonnay which was lovely. The starters arrived my husband really enjoyed the mackerel pate but unfortunately I opted for beets 3 ways. I was hungry and could have scooped the whole dish onto one spoon and the added jacobs cream crackers had no place on the plate! Then came the main,we both opted for the linguine. It was overcooked gloopy and underseasoned with a round of half baked garlic bread? Not really sure what it was supposed to be ! 'Was everything OK?' asked the waiter, no not really we replied, did we want dessert, no thank you. The place was busy, actually too busy. We felt socially distanced but a young couple came in at about 9 pm and were sat back to back with a family of 4. If it had been next to us we would have asked to move. When it came to the bill, despite the fact the vodka less vodka orange was left untouched and we had indicated that all was not well with the linguine there was no apologee or compensation on the bill. We let it go as these are hard times for the hospitality industry and as a rule we go out of our way to offer our support. However, the bottom line was the meal was poor,and despite our complaints the problems were no acknowledged and there were serious concerns about the lack of social distancing. So,sorry you guys but for us, it really wasnt worth the risk!

Well, after being released from the 2nd boring Covid lockdown, my husband and I jumped at the chance to escape and chose The Alma. Quirky, full of character and wonderful staff; we chose well. Covid safe, good food selection, and great beer. What's not to like!We stayed for two nights, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Our room was lovely and comfortable and breakfast was excellent both days.We would highly recommend and will definitely return. Many thanks to you all.

You have to search far and wide for a pub this good. Its charm, its authenticity, its history, its quirky vibe, the outstanding food, the staff, the wonderful bedrooms, make it one place that should be visited whether you live locally or further afield.We have stayed at the Alma twice now and each time it’s been amazing. The steak and lobster are out of this world and the breakfast in the morning is what they call, ‘a proper English breakfast’. We also have to drive 40 mins to this pub but consider it our local as there is nothing that comes close to it where we live.But by a long way, the thing that makes this pub the best is the atmosphere.... you can’t force a feeling like that, and the Alma has got bucket loads.If you want character, a fun evening, something a bit rustic and charming, but cool in a quirky way, then the Alma is for you. If you want shiny, faceless, tasteless, out of a box experience.... don’t go here and leave it to those in the know.We LOVE the Alma. Well done Alma for being so brilliant.

We justified our second sleepover at The Alma in as many months by calling it our “Christmas Do”. After all why should retired people miss out on this important tradition! We arrived on a freezing cold Friday to a hot fire & a warm welcome & a festive atmosphere Alma style. There’s nothing ordinary about this place and that includes the Christmas decorations.Even following all the rules hasn’t spoiled the atmosphere and it’s done with a light touch, effectively and with the usual Alma humour. There may be a more limited menu than usual but there’s still a good selection. My other half had oysters & lobster which he loved. I had Tempura Sprouts - sounds mad but I liked it! Then the blackened brisket starter & the croissant bread & butter pudding both of which were yummy. I chose 2 starters & no main so I had room for pudding. There are some really nice new additions to the afters menu including a coffee, Brandy & shortbread combo and a more “dainty” cheese option for if you can’t manage a full cheese platter. The rooms are genuinely quirky (not just an odd quirky item in a bland room) , comfortable and immaculate & the bathrooms are the best mix of old & new ( ie the plumbing and fittings etc are new but there are beams a plenty) The Alma staff are just the best - warm, efficient and good humoured - they care and it shows. It’s also great value for money!If I loved The Alma any more I’d be like one of those weird people who marry a bit of the Berlin Wall.