The Castle Inn in Suffolk Coastal

Very disappointing meal, 4 adults, 3 children. Only one of the meals was enjoyable, pizza's under cooked, jacket potato sent back as it was Luke warm, prawns in Marie sauce was in a pot as requested but they were warm 🤢 a very long hair found in the minced beef and a in a portion of chips. We were told no one has that colour hair in the kitchen! The lady behind the bar was lovely and very apologetic. I'm a cook in a pub kitchen, so I know how food should be presented, we won't be back for a meal sadly!!

I am not sure how to respond to this establishment. The food is not good and dies not make it up with the atmosphere.

Once was great and now a shadow of its former self. Really needs a clean, both inside and out. Toilets grimy, courtyard covered in cigarette ends and dog poo under one of the tables - which we had to clean from cigarette butts before eating, despite there being No Smoking signs by the booths. Real shame. Love coming here and returned for first time since 2015 only to be severely disappointed. Staff still nice, they’re just fighting a losing battle at the moment.

Nice warm welcome by staff, very friendly and helpful. We ordered 4 meals and they were lovely, large portions so couldn’t eat it all. The reason I’ve put 4 not 5 is the amount of flies flying inside while you’re trying to eat and also the gents toilet is not nice, two urinals, one was full up of urine and the other had a leaking pipe with urine all over the floor.

Great spot with very friendly staff. We’ve had many meals here. The fish and chips are one of the best I’ve ever had. Great Sunday roast as well

I think this place could do so well under the right team of staff and front of house. It brings down what framlingham needs and they rely on the tourist passing by and being dissatisfied with the food but they won’t come again. Left with bad food and another terrible establishment. I give it one year but if yiu are reading this the food is not good abs I feel embarrassed if you think this is what Suffolk has to offer.

We had a really lovely lunch here just after having seen the castle in Framlingham (it's right next door beside the castle car park). I had the prawns in Marie rose sauce on a jacket potato and my sister had the soup. My JP was excellent! Very friendly staff and great vfm.

Friendly staff, and nice food. Is handy if visiting the castle for a better lunch alternative. Good variety of food and yummy desserts. Plenty of outside seating. Dogs welcome.

Absolutely thrilled to have discovered this inn. Lovely and warm and friendly. Great ales and superb tasty food. We will definitely return when we are next in the area. Highly recommended.

6 of us visited a couple of weeks ago. I chose the Sweet and Sour pork off the Specials menu. Well, everyone else's meals arrived but not mine. Apologies and assurance it would be a few minutes. After a few more minutes, it arrived with apologies and a blame on the ordering system. What arrived was sad. It was cubes of freshly cut, but old, cold pork quickly dumped into a commercial sauce, heated up and served in a rush. Cold pork takes on a definite taste when left for a while or even days and this pork had this taste. Everyone else's meals looked fine so why pick on me?. I think this was a way of using up leftover pork, maybe even from the previous weekend's Sunday roast. I didn't complain because someone else had picked up the bill. I would have welcomed an admission that the S&S pork was not available and I would have been very happy with ham egg & chips. My advice to customers and owners alike...Just stick to more usual pub food. .

We were happy to find a table by the fireplace in this cute looking pub which is very close to Framlingham Castle. The fire was dead food was average and service was poor. Got a bit embarrassed in front of my partner because the place was much better with previous owners and I promised a nice experience to her based on my previous experience. Hope they will improve.

Had lunch in The Castle Inn and it was a very enjoyable experience. The food was very good quality and we were welcomed with hearty bonhomie by the landlord. You can watch the footy if you like or sit by the fire. Cracking pub.

Could not get into any other places in Fram, and I am a local, so thought I would try out the Castle as I knew there were new owners. They were really welcoming, had decorated for Christmas really tastefully and had sandwiches and coffee but all very fresh and tasty. Do give it a try and help a local business

We ended up here after being given the elbow from The Crown Hotel. Inviting and welcoming, no mildly concealed snobbery, good food, friendly staff. If your not a local, and have traveled to Fram to see the Castle, this is the place to go for a spot of lunch afterwards.

My partner and I went to the Castle for a Sunday roast and we were not disappointed .. the meat was cooked to perfection .. the roast potatoes were lovely and fluffy on the inside .. the portions are very generous.. food came out hot and prompt .. The staff are friendly and efficient.. I would most definitely recommend the Castle Inn.. Keep up the good work...

We called in for lunch after a rainy walk with two dogs which was no problem as sign outside showed we would be welcome, it was quite quiet in the bar which was basic but clean and tidy, I wouldn’t say the barman was the...

Was recommended by Hammonds Cars & English Heritage staff. Was very disappointed it was fairly quiet but had to wait at the bar to be served. On drinking our drinks 40 mins later & no food to be seen- it was only a sandwich &...

Really nice food. Exactly what I was expecting plus better. Will definitely eat there again for sure. Can't complain at all.

Booked a table for roast dinner The choice Roast turkey Roast beef Roast pork Roast gammon Nut roast all £12.95 We had roast pork lots off diffrent vegetables tasted delicious highly recommended 😋 we will definitely be coming back thank you .

Lovely pub in a lovely village. The new people running the pub are very friendly and certainly know what they are doing. We look forward to going back.

Three of us visited last week at lunch time on a busy Friday, The friendly staff quickly served our drinks and took our light-bite food ordes which included garlic musrooms and fishcake. All our food proved to be hot and tasty and just what we...

Visited this pub with my adult children. Youngest of whom is 20. Barman allowed us to order and pay for alcohol and then decided to challenge us for ID with an embarrassing and unskilled approach. Subsequently we didn’t order any food and left . Surly...

Horrible food, the most disgusting pub burger I've ever seen, burnt on the outside pink on the inside. Staff didnt seem to know what they were doing even with basic stuff, all very slack. We were made to feel really uncomfortable by kitchen staff who...

Very unwelcoming atmosphere. Stood at the bar for about 5min before I was even acknowledged. Behind the bar didn’t look particularly clean. I was nothing but courteous and polite to the staff and made no complaints but they were completely disinterested in welcoming us or...

We live locally and pop in quite often! Great location, always a warm welcome and plenty going on. Welcoming to families, children and dogs. Haven’t eaten here recently but the in-laws often go on a Saturday lunchtime and are always happy with their lunch. Amanda...

Disgusting food Chios cooked in old oil, gravy tasted as salt pit been tipped in it , mash potato lumps terrible food would nor recommend to anyone

Located right next to Framlingham Castle this lovely little pub can get very busy. When we visited part of it was booked for a private function (wedding), but we sat out the front in a table in the warm spring sunshine and whilst they were...

We called into the Castle Inn and as they were still cooking food ordered three roast dinners, my son's treat for mother's day. Unfortunately, we had to wait for approximately 45 minutes to be served cold parsnips, gloopy gravy, tasteless meat and warmed up potatoes....

Popped into the Castle Inn today, after looking at the menu on the website. The menu available is nothing like what is actually on offer. I had a tuna Mayonnaise Baguette, which came with salad and chips. It was dreadful. The baguette was not crispy,...

Nice atmosphere in the pub and friendly staff but unfortunately had to wait over an hour for 2 fish finger baguettes. Long life bread which tasted stale, no tartare sauce and very soggy. No manager in site and would be a busy afternoon with nice...

This afternoon we visited the castle inn with some of our students, these students have special needs and after a cold walk around the castle they were in need of a nice hot drink, we were welcomed into the pub and given the best seats...

A cozy pub with a fireplace and warm staff. Right next to it's namesake the local attraction. Friendly customers both locals and visitors. Didn't eat there but what I eyed being served looked delicious.

The Castle Inn is a quality place for a pint or two, either staying indoors or outdoors at the pond, nice staff, good selection of alcohol, perfect.

A dog friendly place to eat is always welcome with a good selection of good quality food. The staff were also kind and friendly. All in all, not really anything to complain about. Didn't blow my mind but should I return to the area, I...

What bad experiences - no third chance from us or our friends. Treating customers this badly will only damage business. Our first experience was on 18 June. We knew they had a football special menu - £5 for a burger meal - so thought it...

Wanted a snack and drinks at lunchtime. Ordering at an outside table and "pay as you go" by contact less. Sliced granary bread with sandwiches wss dry at the edges. Ham mostly fat. No cutlery supplied and no condiments offered and as no one came...

Waited an hour for a small portion of oven chips, fried scampi and a salad I only discovered when I moved my knife. Poor service, dirty tables…expected more…

DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME if I could give zero I would Wish I read the reviews before I went there today, got asked while waiting if I was ok (the only positive interaction we had) and we said we were just going to sit on...

Been waiting for my drink for 2 and a half hours now. Staff keep serving other tables and every time we ask to get a drink they say they are coming to us. Overall very disappointed and will not be returning in a rush.

Ive been to the castle a lot and it’s been a lovely experience but recently the new staff can’t keep up they’re rude and also don’t listen to the customer. And when we get told by staff to sit inside then outside we get old...

I am leaving this here because I have to. Based upon the location my expectation would have been that this was a family friendly well established pub. However, this could not have been further from the truth. Due to eating outside we had to pay as we ordered. When the food arrived there was an additional item that we hadn’t ordered, but then realised we had been charged for. We raised it with the waitress that we had not ordered what had arrived, who took it away.We were then greeted by the hostile manager and the original waitress who took our order. Who very rudely informed us it was our mistake and they were unable to refund us. At this point although disappointed we did not want to ruin our experience any further and just asked them to take the extra meal away. However a few minutes later the waitress returned with the item and refused to take it away as requested as she had been told ‘to leave it here’. Overall, this felt very petty and their approach was felt to be passive aggressive. We will not be returning and would not recommend this pub to anyone. AVOID.

Booked a table here for my wife and I following a visit to the castle. Arrived at the pub an hour earlier than booked and the staff were most accommodating. All table service as per the COVID regs. Staff really friendly and nice. I had...

Staff are lovely. Food out fast and nice. Outside needs bit of clean ash from smokers everywhere. Whole pub could do with upgrade but in these times guess that's not possible. Clearly relies on castle trade and prices are a bit high. If they wanted...

Fantastic food,the whole family were stuffed,atmosphere was great ,friendly staff,can't wait to vist again,highly recommend visiting x x

This is a pub very close to the castle at Framlingham. Inside, the tables are sensibly laid out for social distancing, there's a large beer garden with private booths which are quite nice. The staff are pleasant and the beer is good. We didn't eat...

Just what the Dr ordered after a day of walking around the castle. Pleasant staff and good Covid measures

Very nice and fresh seafood platter and white bait. Reasonably priced and friendly staff who provided a quick service. Nice outdoor seating area at the back with private booths.

Taking COVID-19 measures very seriously Excellent specials board Cold seafood platter - salmon,crab,crayfish,smoked mackerel with salad garnish and granary bread £13.95 Drinking Corona Happy days

Very friendly staff and locals, wide selection of food and drink great way to end a perfect day. Great specials board and great range of Suffolk produce

Went in the morning for coffee out in the courtyard at the back. Track and trace on arrival one way system. Friendly service and good coffee.

Lovely spot & nice enough pub, but the food really let it down. Southern fried chicken & chips were fine, but burgers & chicken curry were hard & tasteless. Guessing it’s either deep fat fryer or microwave. Saw on their Facebook page they need a chef. Hope they find one & the food improves.

Having explored the castle, we wanted something to eat. Credit where it is due, the young lady who greeted us was personable. However, as we followed her to our table, a member of the barstaff (an older female) followed us and challenged our presence. Later, we unintentionally entered the wrong door to access the bar. The same member of the barstaff mocked this mistake, whilst overlooking two others who did exactly the same thing. Born and bred locally, I appreciate that this area isn't cosmopolitan, but I do hope that the fact two of our group were black had nothing to do with this hostility. This one interaction spoilt our visit and left me embarrassed to be a local.

So today 18.7.20, nice hot day so I ordered a tuna salad. £9. It arrived, a salad bag of leaves with some cucumber round the edge and a pot of tuna and mayo sandwich filler or baked potato filler. No dressing, bread, or interesting salad. I was with a friend and didn’t want to make a fuss and spoil their lunch ( a nice looking fish n chips) I would be embarrassed and ashamed to serve £2 max food to someone if I was a cook/ chef. I had to go and buy a cake I was so hungry afterwards. But as the saying goes, I won’t go back! Tourist spot so they won’t care!

We visited this pub after a walk around the castle and were very impressed. They have excellent measures in place for social distancing and take them seriously but you still feel welcome. We sat outside in brilliant cubicles, safe from any inclement weather. The dogs were made welcome and the menu just right for lunch or dinner, nothing overly special but all the normal pub food items. We had fish and chips and it was good, fish was cookedfrom frozen but it was perfectly edible and the peas were especially tasty ! I had a lovely pint of Cider, it was really good. Totally recommend this place for a meal or just a drink after a visit to the castle.

Lovely traditional pub right next to the castle. We all had a fish finger sandwich for a snack. It was like eating a meal, freshly prepared and great value. Good beer too and lovely staff.

We popped in whilst waiting for the fabulous jousting at Framlingham Castle. It has a nice relaxed atmosphere and a good mix of families, old and young, locals and visitors.We were a fairly large group without a reservation and the staff did a wonderful job of finding space for us. The service, food and drinks were great. Recommended.

Not sure why such negative reviews, but we did visit on a Sunday tea time. Given that it is based next to the castle and attraction, this was a cosy pub. Friendly staff, lovely food and local beer and great wi-fi. It was a welcome haven after a day of walking. Thanks to the pub and Framlingham public wi-fi - what a find! We honestly wished we had booked accommodation in Framlingham as we wanted to come back to this pub/place.

The staff were friendly enough until we had a complaint. As a 'booked in' party of 11 the food orders were taken efficiently. We waited quite a while for our food but it was a very busy Saturday night. Nine meals were brought out and two people waited for theirs... and they waited. The servers hadn't noticed that not all the meals had come out. When they were challenged, we got apologies and further apologies when we had to wait another 5 or 10 minutes for the remaining meals. The plates began to be removed before we had all finished. All in all disappointing.

We visited the inn following our trip to Framlingham Castle (the inn is adjacent to the castle). We found the staff very friendly and welcoming and able to handle my wife’s dietary limitations well. We enjoyed the food which was tasty and well served. Highly recommended.

Don’t know about the food but was introduced to a lovely cider called aspall which we don’t have up north liked it so much went to local coop and bought 6 different types to try. Spoke to nice barmaid who was friendly and informative she made a big fuss of our dogs. I would definitely recommend having a pint here.

Stopped of for lunch after visit to castle. Staff very friendly and food was delivered promptly. Prices were as expected for a local pub and food was well cooked and presented.

Over 50 minute wait for food, not even busy. Food quality was dreadful, with gelatinous sauce over cannelloni. Tables dirty and had to ask for a cloth to clean it. Outside tables covered in cigarette ash from previous evening. This pub relies on visitors to the adjacent castle who will not be visiting again and they couldn’t care less.

Terrible customer service, indecent clothing worn by staff, I shown my ID and they still turned me down the staff were very rude about it, having to wait over an hour for food that only takes 10 minutes too cook (I know from working in a pub kitchen previously)There were flys flying around all the time as I was eating and was really putting me off my food and drink. No refund was given for my drink that I got taken away absolutely terrible.

Although this is in a town it has the feel of a countryside pub. The food is excellent and the service very good. Took a party of 23 there recently and we turned up earlier than expected that was not a problem and with 15 minutes we were eating our meal. Various meals ordered and all served within a reasonable time. There is good range of food on offer at reasonable prices. the staff are friendly and polite and can't do enough for you. Nice seating area at the back of the pub for anyone who likes to eat outdoors in the summer. Would suggest ordering in advance if taking a coach party.

Called in here for a pub lunch before visiting the Castle. Seemed a friendly pub though the girl serving food was a bit grumpy. Didn't affect the food we had. Younger children in the party were welcomed as well. Would use it again.

Very nice for drinks, bit of a wait for food but was told this, food was about average .will be back when next in area hope to see improvement on my return.

Popped in for a couple of pints while wandering around the town. Great selection of well kept beer, friendly staff and friendly pub.

Fabulous little pub, we stopped here after a 6 mile dog walk! Perfect place to sit and relax with a drink and some chips. Very good service, friendly staff and dog friendly! Great location for a quick stop before getting back into the car.

I went here with friends for lunch. Ordered fish and chips and was not disappointed! I had asked if the fish was fresh not frozen and it certainly was fresh. The beer batter and fish were cooked to perfection. I can thoroughly recommend.

If you’re looking for pub grub then look no further. A group of us visited for a get together and had a variety of food from the menu. From starters to desserts there were no complaints and we had an enjoyable meal. If I had to be critical I’d say the plates are a little on the small side to hold the burgers.

Popped in after visiting the castle.

I visited this pub on a Saturday lunchtime with a friend who had mobility issues. I phoned ahead to book a table and sorted out a car parking place too. All was in place and I was pleased to receive friendly and prompt service. The food was good too and I was really pleased with the trip. I know my friend loved it too. Thank you to everyone.

A Suffolk pub that serves food all day! What a rarity. We enjoyed great value meals, in a friendly and characterful setting. The atmosphere was welcoming, with speedy service and splendid food. It’s our fourth visit and we will keep going back. Can highly recommend.

Great location to sit outside in the. Sun and enjoy pub fare or warming tipple. You can park in adjoining English Heritage car park during the day for £3 and take opportunity to walk around castle and mere or down to town market before or after visiting the pub featured on the detectorist series. The landlord and landlady are friendly and helpful with pool tables at rear of courtyard alongside a sunny location. You can buy an ice cream or your dog can have a drink from dog bowl provided whilst you watch the ducks in pond. The pub is home to jewellery made for charity made by mother of world famous ed Sheehan which is a great opportunity to buy limited available gifts for the family or mementos of where the singer grew up in the knowledge that the sales are supporting local charities. Get your self down there!

Visited this establishment whilst stay away with friends for the weekend. A good location close to the castle and close to our cottage tempted us in one evening for drinks.

The staff were super friendly and helpful (we had a toddler) and the food was second to none. We had the King of the Castle Burger, and the sausages and mash, both were perfect. Local cider on tap was equally as amazing. A decent pub lunch here is probably the same price as a meal reheated by teenagers in the castle cafe, so would take this any day of the week! Nice courtyard garden and clean toilets, would definitely recommend.

7 of us visited as we were staying in the village for the weekend and must say we were disappointed...

we visited framlingham with family who live in suffolk for a lunch we had the ham sandwiches have to say it was fabulously tasty and my hubby reports the nicest pub chips hes ever had, crispy on the outside but fluffy in the middle served promptly and hot we really enjoyed out imprompto stop here also dog friendly will come again on our next family visit to suffolk

After going to the castle and doing lots of walking distance we needed a pint of ice cold lager delicious. Although they serve hot and cold food to a high standard we really couldn't fit one in after relaxing with a pinta.

Stayed overnight in Framlingham and decided to have a drink here, made famous by 'The Detectorists' !!!. Was drinking outside when my wife commented that my beer looked flat, funnily just as the manager (think it was him !!!) was getting out his car. He must have overheard us and came up and asked if there was a problem, when I explained he did not hesitate in getting it changed - sign of a good landlord who know their beers. I have drunk and eaten here before and find it better than the others in the area, more of a proper pub. It will always be my first choice when visiting Framlingham.

Unspoilt, well kept beer , nice atmosphere , nice decor , don't change a thing , very much enjoyed visit, helpful staff

Lovely courteous staff. Great food and very good value too. Brilliant place to eat would recommend and visit again. Thankyou

Situated just outside the castle. The staff were friendly and efficient. The food was delicious,especially the Cromer crab with new potatoes! The beer, by Adnams brewery,especially Ghost Ship was a summer refresher!

I visited with 5 other family members and we were immediately helped to find a table and put a parasol up for us outside. We all ordered different dishes and all were presented nicely and they were all lovely and hot. I had Gammon - which was more like ham - which was nice but the eggs were a bit over done. Everyone else enjoyed their lunches and the service was amazing. Great to go after a visit to the Castle. Price wise also reasonable. Would recommend.

great pub serving good food and local Southwold beers. Perfect for visiting after the castle and relaxing to sit outside (or opposite by the village pond)

We popped into the Castle Inn for lunch after visiting the Castle. It was busy but we didn't have to wait long to be served. The meals were good although on a Goats cheese and beetroot salad I would have expected the beetroot to be fresh, not pickled. But on the whole, good food in a pleasant pub garden.

The other pubs in framlingham are definitely better but this pub does have a good location for bike riders or motorbikers. Yet the food is a let down and so is the atmosphere. It is very quiet and not a preferred pub.

Came here to kill some time after going round the castle. There was a swingball set in the courtyard which entertained my kids while I enjoyed a lovely pint of cyder. The chips were fantastic too.

We visited on a lovely sunny Sunday with a view to a relaxing lunch and stroll around Framlingham. However, although all looked ok from the outside, the interior was very disappointing. I tend to rate an establishment, not just by the welcome and food, but by the state of the toilets and they could def do with a clean and a spruce up, as could the whole place. The young staff were friendly enough although they looked rather miserable and uninterested. A family close by ordered lunch which looked like it had just been shown the oven and seeing that they left almost all of it, was as unappetising as it looked. The music was far too intrusive and the place was almost empty Therefore we decided to stick to just a cold drink and left vowing not to return, sadly.

We happened to visit Framlingham on Gala day. The weather was fantastic and the village was absolutely heaving. The pub was working flat out to satisfy demand and despite that the service was obliging and friendly and the food, which came as quickly as you could expect in the circumstances was very good . Very happy to recommend this place !

Dropped into the Castle Inn on a long circular walk to Dennnington. The pub is cask mark listed and the choice of real ales was not disappointing - guest ale was Exeter brewery's 'fraud knot' a lovely ipa

Right adjacent to the car park for the castle, the pub presented a friendly atmosphere and a goodly fare of home-cooked food. I opted for the steak and ale pie and it came with an ample supply of new potatoes, cooked to perfection, and steamed carrots and shredded steamed cabbage. Tasty and filling.

Only had a couple of pints with friends it was a very nice pub with a good atmosphere and friendly staff.

Visited this pub today with my husband and daughter. Ordered two belly of pork roast dinners and a dessert for my daughter. The roasts were not cheap at £10.95 each. The portion was very poor the plate was taken up by a third by a gravy boat! Meal was cold and belly of park was like rubber. A couple of ladies sat next to us and ordered the same and theirs came totally different to ours. Steaming hot, full plates. Different vegetables, apple sauce and a separate gravy boat. We complained to the waitress and asked if it was a superior roast, she had no clue! She saw we had finished eating and then offered us a bowl of swede and told us the chef had only just finished the vegetables that's why ours was different.

Visited this place on route back from The coast. One of the main reasons for choosing was that it is very dog friendly so you can eat while dogs are in....... that is a huge bonus. Well done.

We visited the Castle Inn twice in February and both times the ambiance, reception, food and drink were spot on. Lovely people running the place. We will keep returning.

I left my father and disabled brother in this establishment on NY day whilst we visited the Castle. On entering via the front door the overwhelming smell of urine was vile.There was no discernible heating on in this establishment. A rubbish bin lid sat on one table and a load of chocolates sat on another. Eventually these were cleared, neither table was wiped. We returned to collect them an hour later, we had considered at least looking at the menu but when I went back in the smell of rotting fried fish made me very nauseous. The have a prime position next to the Castle on the Hill, surely at least not smelling like a public lavatory at a fish market is not too much to ask for.

One of us is vegetarian and has a milk intolerance and a life-threatening allergy to nuts and peanuts (her sister died of the same alllergy). We mentioned this when booking, and on arrival we were warmly welcomed, and without our having to remind anyone of our special dietary needs, were told of the three dishes which were veggie, milk free and nut free, and of two others which had small amounts of milk/cheese in the recipe. This had already been discussed with the chef, and at least one of the proposed dishes was not on the normal menu. This, believe me, is well beyond the treatment we would expect to receive even from much more expensive places. The food was good, and one of us had to leave very quickly, and so that meal was served super-quick. We will certainly be going back!

Very happy I stumbled upon this place. Very friendly and helpful staff and service was great. Extreamly cosy and kept...

Stumbled across this gem of a pub, Had a great fish and chips and lovely Pint if Cornish Doom Bar!...