The Carriers Arms in Babergh

This has become our go to pub when travelling home to the Netherlands via Harwich. Just a short detour from the main road will bring you to this lovely spot. The garden is pretty and usually we eat outside. Weather was a bit nippy this time so we found a spot indoors. Very charming and quirky. The food arrived quickly and was piping hot. We've sampled most things on the menu over the last few years but I have to say my steak and ale pie was particularly good this time. Such a shame that we can never fit in a dessert.

Nice food and ambience. Main courses great. Could have done with some more bread with the starters but a minor grumble. It was very busy so don’t be in a hurry.

A second visit in 2 weeks after being taken by friends on the first occassion So impressed we returned with other friends Good quality food attentive staff and reasonably priced Worth the trip from south of Colchester

Our first time here but definitely will not be our last. Service was attentive and our meals arrived quickly, sausage and mash, beef pie and Cajun chicken, all looked very appetising and were delicious. We managed deserts, which were just as good and reasonably priced, in fact the entire meal was reasonably priced including the drinks. We cannot think why as we live locally we have not been here before.

Havent been here since the passing of my beloved Dad, we really use to enjoy popping in here. Today I was with my sislaw and we popped in for lunch. Great selection on the board and table menu. I plunged for their potato and cheese pie with chips, sis had ham, egg and chips. The grub was really nice, thick sliced ham and very nice pie. Reasonably price along with good service. Glad we popped in brought back some lovely memories of my dad as well.

Popular country pub in East Bergholt. We stopped for a very good Sunday roast with all the trimmings. There is a good bar atmosphere and has a good range ales and lagers.

The Needham mob recently had lunch here and were very pleased with the service and the meals which were served hot. We all had a variety of dishes from the menu and all were very good. We would certainly revisit.

It was an excellent experience from start to finish. Very nice food and lovely atmosphere. The only issue was people on a nearby table had a yappy dog. Now don’t get me wrong as I’m a massive animal lover but every time someone went past it gave a high pitched bark which made me jump. I think people with dogs should be put in a separate room. Otherwise it was great and we’ll be back.

After a Christmas in bed poorly,we went out for lunch at this very beautiful pub. I had the chicken curry which was very tasty and had lots of tender chicken. My partner had steak pie with mash,veg and gravy which he said was very yummy. A couple of drinks and a nice chat with other people dinning there. Special thanks to Emma and Roberto. Very nice few hours thank you 😊

A late lunch stop on a long journey in torrential rain and through floods, this was a cosy respite with warming and plentiful food and friendly staff.

Came across this little gem by chance. What a find. A most welcoming start. A bit of banter and a table quickly found. The menu was pub grub but with a twist which suited my basic husband and my want of something a bit different. My hubbie opted for fish pie which was full of different fish and delicious. I had crispy pork with Stilton mash and spinach. Also delicious. I'd love to be able to get my crackling like that. Next time I will go for Hunters chicken with chorizo and smoked cheese. Or the vegetarian option. I don't know where the person went who left 1* review but it wasn't here. There is a slight wait for food but it's all freshly cooked. Can't wait fir a return visit. Oh and the wine is reasonably priced and good

I booked a reunion lunch for 12 of my relatives and we could not have been more happy with the service, food and ambience. This is a very friendly village pub with lovely staff who are very accommodating and efficient. Two of our party were delayed by an hour due to traffic and yet there was no problem with getting their meals when they arrived. The food was delicious and there is a great choice of dishes, including several vegetarian options. I can recommend the Stilton, mushroom, walnut and cranberry wellington. We are regular customers at the pub and we have always enjoyed the meals and the atmosphere.... that is why we come back! Thanks to Emma, Roberto and the chef!

The service person was ok, but I wouldn’t classify as friendly. I had kinder encounters with raccoons in the woods. The food arrived within 5 minutes from the purchase which should raise suspicions. It was far too quick and it became apparent when we tasted it. I had maybe 10 % of mine, I used mustard and mayonnaise, but I just couldn’t chew anymore. It was vegetarian nut roast, and my husband had beef. He had his as he was really hungry but was moaning all the way, and the food has started repeating on him since he had it, 30 minutes ago. Nothing tasted fresh, it was definitely frozen without any flavour so if this your thing, you will love it. The nut roast looked like came straight from holiday in Benidorm, dry and brown. It reminded me Madge, but no flavour though. The butcher who cut beef for my husband roast probably died 20 years ago, it was that fresh. There is one or two positives, it’s a lovely building and toilets are decent. Maybe they don’t know how to cook but they know how to clean.

Walked in to the most inviting pub I’ve been in for a long time. Manager was friendly and helpful. We had a cheese ploughman’s and cheese and ham ploughman’s with a side bowl of chips to share. This was a large plate with everything that you expect from a ploughman’s. Perfection. Local Ale was clean and fresh tasting On an added note, the toilets were so clean, never seen a toilet in a public house so clean, ever. Can’t recommend this pub more. We will return soon.

We hebben hier uitstekend diner gehad. De prijs kwaliteit verhouding is dik in orde. Ruime porties, goede kwaliteit en zeer vriendelijke bediening.

This pub is a great find lovely welcome quick service and good value food cant wait to return The carriers arms deserves to do well well done just wish we had more places like this .

Nice pub with great pub grub, I was told the pie was lovely with loads of meat. A little hard to move around the pub as a lot of tables, we had to ask someone to get up so we could pass when we came in from the garden. The Lasagna was very nice but asked for chips with it but got garlic bread. Definitely return when we are in that area

Another visit to The Carriers Arms, this time for Sunday lunch. We were with our aunt and had booked in advance after we realised it would be busy on the bank holiday. The staff are very friendly. Aunt and husband had the roast (one turkey and one beef). Both had empty plates. The roasties looked fantastic (although I wasn’t offered a taste!! I had the liver and bacon again; it was so good on my last visit. It’s a dish I rarely have as not many pubs offer it. Again, delicious and plenty of it. The red wine gravy complements the dish so well. We finished with the syrup sponge pudding and bread and butter pudding as they were both so good last time. This pub is now on our ‘must visit’ each time we come down from Cheshire to visit Auntie!

Had a great meal with friends at the Carriers on Friday evening. Food was excellent and staff very friendly and efficient. Couldn't fault them or the food. Well worth a visit.

Popped in for lunch with some friends Lovely Pub service was excellent food good too. Would recommend also fantastic garden when the weather is nice

We took my family for my mum's birthday - there was six of us. Not only was our table reserved, but we were greeted with a warm welcome and made to feel at home. The food arrived quickly and was very tasty. We all had the Sunday roast dinners and it was so great to have fresh roast potatoes and sit by a real log fire. We all highly recommend this delightful pub and it's friendly staff 👍

Think last review is missing the point - you pay £5 deposit per person for tables of 7 and over WHICH IS TAKEN OFF YOUR BILL at the end of the meal. You do not pay £5 extra because your party is over 6 people. This is a common practice and by no means unreasonable

Took my mum there for mother's day. One of the best pubs in this area. Service was excellent and the staff are very friendly.

This was a familly event to be charged £5 per head because there wer over 7 is discusting. Do not go there in a group.

Vegetable curry I would’ve been embarrassed to serve to friends at home. Big lumps of potato carrots and cabbage. Looked like leftover vegetables from yesterday with clumpy rice. Not exactly enhanced by the attitude of some staff, hardly a meet and greet. Fine if you...

Whilst in Harwich we were recommended to visit this lovely pub. With our aunt, we visited for lunch (having pre-booked) on a Saturday. The pub was busy. Husband just missed the last pint of a featured beer but was happy with the substitute. Our order...

Great place to meet for Sunday lunch. The food and service were great. Nice to see all the puddings being handmade as well

Just returned from an excellent lunch at The Carriers Arms, a traditional wood beamed pub offering a classic menu, but well done, good sized portions at a competitive price. Very dog and family friendly and with a couple of good beers on the pumps as...

Found this pub by accident and stopped in just before they stopped serving. The staff were welcoming and friendly and the found was great. Will be heading back some time soon.

The Ale pie was like dog food, gravy salty , warm chips , preformed scampi , all over priced for the quality of the food served up ....

Emma the lady that served us was very friendly and helpful the ribeye steak was perfectly cooked and the stak pie lots of tender steak. Lovely chocolate sponge and ice cream

We called ahead 20 mins before arriving, we were greeted and offered a choice of table. A lovely choice of food on the blackboard and menu all reasonably priced. The landlady Sharon was friendly and welcoming, the food was delivered really nicely presented and the...

My wife and I visited this lovely pub for our Sunday lunch whilst staying nearby. Was given a warm welcome by the hosts and we both chose the 'indecisive' roast dinner which was a bit of all 3 meats - beef, pork and turkey. This...

Really cute pub which we visited on a short stay cation with our dog ! Staff were friendly and accommodating to our doggy . Food was yummy ! The special of the evening was the most delicious pork stew with dumplings which we demolished !...

Our biker group 11 of us met for Sunday dinner at the Carriers Arms pub and restaurant East Bergholt Suffolk, we were greeted by the very friendly helpful staff , and the three hours of our stay was absolutely brilliant, the lovely staff, the excellent...

Good old fashioned pub food. Not a bistro, just really tasty foods served with a pleasant smile. I had a steak and ale pie, with veg and chips. Good good. The service was also friendly and fast.

Places that look inviting, are sometimes few and far between, but this pub not only looked good but was very good. Being a lovely day, we sat in the garden. A pleasant comfortable and, pretty space. Tables are well-spaced for privacy. Unlike some places where...

A gem hidden in the countryside. Great food, lots of choice and plentiful. Hosts are very welcoming. Recommend you visit to find out what I mean

My partner and I were squeezed in at short notice on a dull bank holiday Monday. The pub was warm and welcoming. The staff were all friendly and cheerful. Our food arrived piping hot obviously freshly cooked and was delicious. The Stilton mash with the...

Friendly staff, food was excellent and good atmosphere. Nice old pub type restaurant. Outside area beautiful.

We have visited this pub 3 times this week so far as we are holidaying in the area. Each time it has been so welcoming. The landlady is so friendly and even welcomes our barking dogs who think her beautiful garden now belongs to them!...

Walked through the door very hungry for dinner and greeted with a warm welcome. Quick service for drinks and food order. Great food with mains of pork belly and salmon dishes which were absolutely delicious. Great food for great prices. Pub full with a relaxed,...

Stopped for a drink in the relaxing garden. Friendly,efficient staff. Food looked good & good value although we did not eat on this occasion. Lovely village setting.

Fantastic food, great service and traditional country pub atmosphere. We came as two families of four, service was attentive prompt, food was terrific! Will be back before we leave the area for sure. 👍

We had a lovely family meal with eight people to celebrate a birthday. The choice of food is very good with a nice relaxed atmosphere and friendly and caring staff. We have been here many times before and always enjoyed the meals. Good value for...

I am vegan and gluten free and was catered for so well, I had loads of options. Staff always so kind and helpful. I do not live locally but come here when I visit family. Highly recommended!!

I have been to the Carriers Arms twice in a space of a year and every time food and service was excellent. The pub has a cosy feel, staff working there is very friendly and attentive and food is always really tasty (portions are very...

We were staying at Holiday Inn Express (Colchester) with friends from Dorchester who we wanted to show a superb part of Essex around Flatford. Needed an evening meal so wanted something not too fancy or pricey & found this lovely pub in East Bergholt. Staff...

Went to the Carriers Arms in East Bergholt for a long awaited family birthday meal. From start to finish staff were welcoming, friendly and during the meal attentive to any needs. Lovely country pub with relaxed atmosphere. Food was good quality home cooked meals which...

My first visit and sadly probably last. Unremarkable and average. Pros Friendly staff Nice beer garden Nice historic village location Cons Average & unions uninspiring food which lacked imagination. & character. They would benefit from a proper chef. Poor selection of real quality ales -...

Having not seen my brother for nearly two years, we decided the pretty village of East Bergholt was a good place to meet up for a Saturday lunch ( he being based in Essex, my son in Suffolk and us North Norfolk) We all arrived...

We chose this pub for the second time to meet friends that live in Suffolk, a halfway meeting point. Last time was Sunday lunch this time a Saturday night. The menu has some thing for everyone and a separate gluten free menu. It was nice...

We noticed driving past the Carriers Arms the car park was very busy, a good sign for a good pub so decided to go for lunch another day. We arrived on a Sunday and were welcomed and seated, drinks order taken and menu's given -...

Our first trip to the Carriers Arms was a delight! We were not an easy booking with a baby, large pram and three small dogs but we were made to feel more than welcome and had a lovely afternoon. Could have started all day! We...

First time visiting this lovely village pub.Beautifully decorated, very inviting. Food and service was excellent. Definitely be recommending to friends, and looking forward to going back.

Had a lovely meal with my husband. Absolutely amazing food was both very happy. Very friendly, helpful staff.

Visited for the first time when in area meeting friends, based on recommendation. Great, old-fashioned country pub with good friendly service (inc in email exchange booking table), lovely home-cooked food, and excellent value. Very well organised covid-wise. Shame we don't live near as it would be a favourite, but will return when in the area again. Definitely the sort of family-run place we should be supporting in these difficult times.

We had a very enjoyable lunch of cottage pie, apple crumble and treacle tart with 2 courses for £9.45. An absolute bargain for such wonderful home cooked food. It was good to see the Inn being well used and the service was excellent. We were served by two charming ladies who were friendly and efficient. We will definitely be back.

On way to our staycation we looked on tripadvisor for somewhere to stop for lunch, having read the reviews chose The Carriers Arms - it didn't disappoint. We ordered the ham & cheese ploughmans and a burger. Ploughmans was fabulous, burger was delicious unfortunately the bun was very dry and fell apart.

Stopping in Dedham for a week. Looking for somewhere to eat during Covid. What a find, good honest English pub grub. Please please do not spoil what you do here. There’s a gastro pub not far away Lobster for £40 forget it. The masses want good honest pub food at good honest prices and that’s what you get here. Keep up the good work.

Came across the pub by accident but food was excellent- just what a great British pub should serve. Have booked to go back again. Service excellent.

We booked to go here for a combined 50th birthday meal (delayed by the lockdown) and a birthday meal for my Mum. The pub were understanding about our need to social distance (as not in a bubble) and they put us on a large table. As our first meal out (post lockdown proper), it did feel a bit odd as well as look odd with the plexiglass-screens around the bar area but the pub seem to be coping with it all very well.They had hand sanitiser by the door before you enter and the toilets were very clean and well equipped (with soap and hand sanitiser).Not having been here before this was a bit of a trial run for more normal times ahead (we hope) but I am pleased to say that we all had a good time. The staff are friendly and attentive and the menu had something for everyone (inc. choices for the veggie and a good variety of desert choices). I thought the quality of the food was very good indeed as was the service and the prices were reasonable. We would have liked to have taken advantage of the chancellor's discount offer but were unable to time it right with other commitments. The beer garden looked nice and we were tempted, but we were glad in the end to have booked a table indoors as there were wasp nests apparently outside and the pub inside is very welcoming, attractive and clean. I would have no hesitation in recommending this pub as a place to eat and/or drink and I am sure that we will be back. The staff are friendly and the food is good and the location is nice as well.

First visit, although been past it many times. 5 people all thoroughly enjoyed a range of main courses and desserts which were all very well cooked, tasty and decent portions. Excellent value. Adnams top quality too, and friendly service. East Bergholt is lucky.

Atmospheric 14h century coaching inn, friendly staff, generous portions of above-average pub grub.Service was slow as restaurant was packed to capacity and tables are very close together.

Visited for a meal with colleagues even from booking staff helpful and friendly. Received a warm welcome, considering fully booked, service timely and efficient, food orders arrived in good time, food excellent. There was one incorrect drink order, but considering it was full to capacity and with a staff of 5-6 this was a completely acceptable blip!! would have no hesitation in returning or recommending, a really good night thank you.

A warm welcome with good honest pub food. Best treacle tart my husband has ever had! Highly recommended.

My wife and I, plus Vinnie the dog, stopped here for dinner on a Thursday early evening. We booked by phone the day before. We arrived at 6.45pm and the place wasn’t too busy. A table had been reserved for us inside but we were given the option of eating outside, as it was a warm evening. The place is a typical English country pub with low ceilings, wooden beams and a big fireplace.We chatted to a couple of locals, who were very friendly.The staff were very helpful, friendly and attentive. They made a fuss of Vinnie (he was brought a bowl of water and a treat) and made all 3 of us feel very welcome. Our drinks were brought to the table within 5 minutes and our starter arrived shortly after.The menu is varied and extensive (especially as there are reduced menus in most places during Covid times). It features meat, fish, pasta and vegetarian options. We shared a baked Camembert to start, with fish pie and lamb shank to follow. We also had a dessert. I had a local Adnams ale and my wife had one of the 28 (yes, 28) gins on offer.The food was excellent, cooked to perfection, nice and hot and the portion sizes were good.The service was also excellent. We were in no way rushed, but the plates were collected soon after finishing and the next course arrived promptly.The staff were friendly and helpful throughout (Sophie, our waitress, was lovely). Our 3-course meal plus 2 rounds of drinks cost around £60, which was excellent value for money.We would thoroughly recommend the Carriers Arms, it’s everything you’d want from a country pub/restaurant.

Really great place to visit with a lovely garden. Excellent service, really helpful and serve a gluten free/vegan menu. Will definitely go back

Lovely friendly atmosphere. excellent home cooked meals from an extensive menu to suit all tastes. Our favorite Pub/Restaurant. I would fully recommend the Carriers Arms in all respects.

We had a nice lunch here with friends recently. The landlady and young waitress were friendly and accommodating. Food was good and decent portions.

Went for a cheeky lunch today. Lovely home cooked food and welcoming staff. Lots of choice and all looked very tasty.

Tried the Carriers Arms due to reviews as we were in the area. We were not disappointed. We had not booked but were welcomed by Emily (her first day) and can not complain about the service or the food. Well worth trying, Not far off the A12.

We were on our way to Suffolk for a weeks break and stopped off here for lunchNice quiet pub with huge garden Meal was lovely, and the landlords spent time chatting to us.Would recomend to anyone, thankyou for a lovely time as this was the first pub we visited since lockdown and felt very safeGreat job guys

What a gem we found!!! Visiting friends, lovey pub!!! Great staff food excellent . Lots of choice on menu and we had a lovey roast!!! Highly recommend!!!!!

We went to the carriers for dinner with friends. All the measures were taken to ensure we had a nice time. Food was home made and great selection. Staff are friendly and welcoming. Deserts tasty and naughty!! We had the "Eat out to help out " deal which was applied to our bill automatically without any quibbles. Excellent Thank you.

We visited here today after popping to Dedham boathouse. A short 5min drive and a very warm welcome.Food was amazing, service was amazing and we just can’t fault it at all. And especially a huge thank you to the landlady for the taking the time and offering my little girl the opportunity to feed the koi Carp In the private garden, it made her day.We hope to be back soon. The Eatons

We found this on trip advisor when looking for something to eat, liked the reviews so went for it.Staff were really pleasant and nothing was too much trouble. The food was excellent and good value for money. We had the Sunday lunch and it didn’t disappoint, lovely. I would definitely return.

This was our first meal out since COVID-19 ground everything to a halt and we had a lovely time!We've eaten here a few times before in "normal" times and always enjoyed the food and service. We had a lovely 3 course dinner with a bottle of Prossecco and really enjoyed the evening.It's a well run pub with marvellous friendly owners and staff.To make customers feel comfortable they are socially distancing tables and have installed locks to the main toilet doors, so that only one person is in them at a time.

So pleased to be back post lockdown. The socially distant rules were strictly adhered to and the experience, ambience and the food were brilliant. It so feels like a well oiled machine providing good food at great prices. Everything about this list was lovely, taste , portions and service. Highly recommend here

This was my first time out from lockdown so was feeling a little anxious, but didn’t need to worry very well done , antibacterial gel on the door lots of places to sit ,well spread out, food was fab as always just a lovely atmosphere and everyone taking the time to chat to others, will be back soon.

This is an establishment offering a good value "pub" menu.They are more geared to serving their very good value meals than being an out and out drinking establishment.You are most welcome to sit at the bar and just drink byt it is more of a restaurant than its neighbour .

First time we have been here today with 3 adults and 4 children for mine and my husband's birthday treat. The atmosphere was lovely, the staff very friendly and the food was perfect. The children's meals were great and really generously portioned. We will definitely be back!

Dropped in for lunch on a whim and was not disappointed. Great food, steak and Ale pie to die for and the veggie wellington was top notch. Piping hot, freshly cooked and oh the chips!!! Friendly service too. Excellent value.

My friend researched this venue as a halfway meet for us both. First impressions were it looks picture box pretty from the outside and quaintly olde worlde inside. I had the roast beef Sunday lunch followed by gf Baileys bread and butter pudding, both were delicious. It was so nice to have a good choice of gf options and not be stuck with a brownie. All five of us were happy with our meals and I would definitely visit again.

Fabulous lunch - lovely food - so friendly. We took our large puppy with us who is still very much a work in progress. Made to feel very welcome - even brought her a sausage! Relaxed atmosphere - just really pleasant place. Will definitely visit again.

We had a meal for 4 of us to celebrate our 54 wedding Anniversary .the pub was lovely and warm with a big log fire (a change from the weather out side. ) the welcome from the staff was as warm The meal was excellent and well presented there is a MENU to suit most peoples tastes prices are good , real ale is on tap and a wine list is available for those who wish to see it .I would highly recommend the pub for a drink or a meal in a typical village inn with a lovely atmosphere.

Staying in colchester in holiday inn in the middle of nowhere so we googled the nearest pub and it threw up the carriers arms . What a find the meals are first class and the staff are very friendly here for 2 weeks so we'll be back in for more excellent meals . SPOT ON

Lovely little Pub with beamed ceilings and open fire in the village of East Bergholt just off J31 on the A12. Friendly Staff and tasty home cooked food: between us we indulged in a Steak&ale pie, Fish pie with cheesy mash topping, Scampie&chips and a plate of their Sweet chilli prawn stirfry - a big thumbs up to all these but alas we were too full to even entertain the idea of any dessert as their portions are a fair size (definitely not complaining here!)We have been recommended, by family members who have visited numerous times, to try their Sunday roast lunches so are looking forward to booking a table for that when we are next in the area - can't wait.

This pub is great the landlady so nice and friendly we had lunch here was really cooked well proper chips with our meal was lush well worth the money lovely garden to sit outside would recommend this place will be back

There were 12 of us for lunch and the food was delicious. One of our party has very specific diet requirements, which were catered for perfectly. The pub is lovely with a great atmosphere. The staff friendly and the service excellent. We're all booked up for another get-together very soon

We chose this restaurant as it was mid way between family members for a pre- Christmas get together on a Sunday afternoon. The car park was quite full which is usually a good sign but of a sufficient size not to be a problem. We were very pleasantly surprised, the food was basic but very tasty and generous portions. The staff were friendly, welcoming and efficient. This combined with some good ales what more could you ask for. We will definitely return in the future.

We had a lovely Chistmas meal with friends. The staff are so friendly and can't do enough to help out and make it a enjoyable evening.

Lovely roast dinner, really cosy, welcoming staff, dog friendly... what more could you want! Thanks so much

We had a great meal here tonight - food was really nice, staff so friendly and kind - I’m gluten free and there was a special menu and helpful advice - we will return ! Thank you

Having recently moved into the area we have "toured" all the pubs and eating establishments. Without doubt The Carriers is the best, a menu that caters for all tastes excellent home cooked food, friendly considerate staff and a real friendly atmosphere .

Great food, great service for 16 of us, with us all getting our food at the same time. Food is great pub grub, and puddings even better. Excellent friendly staff, who managed everything so well. Thanks so much.

perfect location for a great meal out,very friendly atmosphere,perfect for couples or family and friends,great british pub food,not over priced.

This is the second year we have celebrated November family birthdays at the Carriers Arms. (17 people and a dog) Both times we have had excellent service, delicious food and good value. We do not live locally - a half way house for a get together- but have been given a great welcome on both occasions. This year we were given a private area which meant we didn't have to worry about the noise levels, which meant we all had a great time. Thank you, we will be back next year!

Met up with friends today for lunch at this lovely cosy pub. We enjoyed our meals and the friendly service we received. Good choice of dishes and yummy desserts. Can recommend. Thank you! X

Stopped at The Carriers Arms for a bar lunch en route from Sussex to Suffolk. Lovely cosy ambience with welcoming log fire, and dog-friendly. Pleasant service and delicious sandwiches. We'd found pub on the web and emailed first to check, got immediate helpful response. Will be back.