The Bank Eye in Mid Suffolk

Pulled off the Norwich road to find a coffee stop and the town of Eye was the nearest. Free parking in the street so that was a good start then walking through the town entered the first café and asked if they were dog friendly since we has a tiny pup with us, No was the reply. Walking a few yards more and crossing a street we cam across "The Bank" now it seems an art centre and café so in I went to ask the question, are you dog friendly YES the lady replied welcome. On the counter a selection of home made cakes a proper coffee machine crisps etc. Inside the spacious building plenty of seated and nice and warm, four artists painting and drawing. The table had a menu of which is in the photos we chose apple pie and custard.

This is a lovely place for lunch - there was a real community buzz, with a craft club at one table. The food was great and reasonably priced and the people who ran it were kind and friendly. So nice to see local, independent cafes like this doing well.

We stopped here on a rainy lunchtime last week with our Standard Poodle. This is a really friendly cafe. The menu is limited but the food is very good. Our Poodle was offered a fresh bowl of water when we arrived. Very good experience.

They do lovely home made soups, cakes and paninis here accompanied by good coffee or tea. They also have interesting exhibitions from local artists and photographers as well as a small gallery of local crafts for sale.

Came in with friebds and had an lovely time, great atmosphere, the staff who served me were very kind polite and chatty. Gentle music in the background was very suiting to the place and the goodness was amazing- would recommend !

A gem! Old fashioned atmosphere and home cooked food.. great combination! Mostly sandwiches and panini s, made with home made bread, modern but fresh combinations. I had soup made the vegetables grown in her garden.. wow! Original (courgette and basil) but so so good! The bread with it, was baked by her 84 year old mum.. years of baking experience to make a modern well flavoured sour dough. I was so glad we went to Eye for lunch!

Although the lad serving was very polite the selection of cake was poor and the cups etc were pretty tired looking.The whole place needs a good tidy up and clean. I would not go again.

Great place, great and polite staff for a great price! They offer a variety of food ranging from toasties to soup! Also an art exhibition which has many great images, along with a store!

Popped in for morning coffee when passing through Eye. The young man who served us was very friendly and helpful, not only did he make very good drinks, but also told us all about the history of the building and even invited us to look at the old bank vault downstairs which is now used as a recording studio. Nice mix of coffee house and art gallery in an informal setting.

Excellent place for a small group business meeting. Service was prompt and courteous. I had a delicious bowl of the award -winning soup. The pancakes looked delicious also. I noticed that you could also buy art materials and gifts in the shop, and art work from off the walls. A gem of a place, in a picturesque town, hidden away off the beaten track.

On a freezing -4 day what better than a warming heat ting soup. A very large bowl was produced with not one but two rolls and more than enough butter to cover them for less than £5. The art work on the walls was a pleasant distraction from the weather topic and with very pleasant and welcoming staff/owners a great place to eat and defrost. They also host open mic nights and bands. Look forward to returning on my next visit to Eye.

Recently revamped, tea and coffee high quality with sumptuous home made cakes and cookies. Worth a visit for other events as well; music, yoga, pottery, shop, exihibitions etc. a social hub for all ages

I went into the Bank and enjoyed a delicious bowl of hot soup for a reasonable price. As a lunch time stop I found it pretty good, I must say however that I have been to the Bank for one of the evening live music venues,and this is when the Bank really comes to life. I think anyone visiting has to consider that the majority of the staff are volunteers and might not have the same experience as other more established places, it is a community project and a work in progress. Go for a visit and if you like it tell them and if you don't tell them, that way they can grow into something great.

Had an absolutely fab meal at The Bank today. Really enjoying the new menu. I visit the Bank on a regular basis and always enjoy good coffee, super cakes and good food, surrounded by lovely art exhibitions and friendly and helpful staff. Thank you to all of you and keep it up!

This establishment is a former bank and a new Community Group have turned it into an arts venue keeping all the beautiful wood panels etc that were originally in the building! I have been here to see a stage performance where the cafe is transformed into a Theatre - Magic! I've been here to a knit and natter group but this time I came in for tea and cake with my husband! There was a lady enjoying a late lunch whilst sketching, there were another couple having lunch and another couple came in as we were leaving! There is a special board which has some tempting meals on it. A very special unique place in the centre of a dear little town!

Squash and lentil curry with naan and colourful sides ... woweee! Hope amazing! The flavours burst on your palette and the portion was perfect. They atmosphere is devine .... if you go on your own you are never alone theres always someone to chat to but if you dont then thats fine to. Art work is fantastic and changing often.

Was recommended by a friend. Waitress failed to acknowledge our arrival. The whole section of panini on the board was not available as they had none. The menu and blackboard instructed us to look at the specials board, once we managed to engage with the waitress she said there wasn't one. Food took ages. Once we'd eaten we were left looking at empty plates that were never cleared. Won't be returning. Some much could be improved with a little effort!!

This is the only place I know where you can get an egg and bacon sandwich, pot of tea and have a two hour pottery lesson for under a tenner.

Used this as a venue for a community project for adults with an acquired brain injury.

I caught up with a friend at this community run café / arts centre and was pleasantly surprised by the ambiance and service. It is to say the least somewhat unprepossessing but on Tuesday afternoon there is not much else open in Eye! We had cappucinos which were great and flapjack which was very wholesome if a little unluxurious. We were not bothered for a good two hours while we caught up and it was only at 5pm when they wanted to close that we became aware of the friendly waitress smiling at us!!

Think of a former bank, owned by the community and stocked with nice art, super cakes and excellent coffee. I can't think of a better place to be in Eye, or Suffolk for that matter, when you seek good conversation, stimulating surroundings and free parking!