The Common Room in Suffolk Coastal

Character place just yards from the castle. Friendly, helpful welcome. At lunchtime there are huge sandwiches and inventive, flavourful sandwiches. Owner is clearly a music fan, with loads of classic vinyl playing on a record deck. Fantastic.

Another phenomenal, and I don’t use that word lightly , Sunday Roast . One of the last things I missed as a vegetarian was Sue’s roast , and now she has a delicious vegetarian gravy . I had a vegan sausage as a replacement for the meat and it was absolutely blooming fantastic . A triumph - I am a happy woman .

Worth the queue. Nicely decorated, a little quirky. Excellent range of specials. New menu and a very big increase in drink prices. 75p for oat milk. Ls rethink. Can't be justified. Food freshly prepared.

Top quality food and nice vibe. Great eggs Benedict. Really good ingredients. Quite busy even on a Monday morning. Will definitely return next time in area

This has quickly become one of our favourite breakfast places, having recently moved into the area. Food is excellent (great sausages and bacon - probably local), service is friendly, relaxed and efficient, and the decor is interestingly quirky. Definitely a solid recommendation.

Clearly The Common Room isn’t going to please everybody, but I love it . My partner and I have visited on many occasions for breakfast , lunch and for the monthly quiz night and each time not only has the food been great but the overall experience including service has always been very enjoyable . It’s a small but comfortable place and ok yes sometimes customers do have to wait until a table becomes available because fortunately it is a family run, busy and popular place to be , with bohemian, eclectic art adorning the walls and often music more suited to the discerning playing in the background . Also, NO DOGS ( except guide dogs) allowed , which is good news for reasonable people who have just had enough of being surrounded by drooling , yapping animals while trying to enjoy a quiet meal.

Called in over a busy lunchtime but we were fitted in without a wait. The food was utterly delicious (I can highly recommend the crab quiche) and the staff were delightful! Very reasonably priced for quality home made food

Had the fish finger sandwich and pancakes with bacon. Good sized and nice atmosphere only let Dow as it was a busy Saturday and felt hurried out once we had eaten, hence 4 instead of five stars

Perfect brunch; we both had the full English: high quality ingredients, beautifully cooked and served with a smile. We didn’t feel rushed at all, even though the place was full. They were starting to serve Sunday dinner just as we left, which looked really good. Highly recommend

We had a really nice lunch at this cafe. The menu was surprisingly large and wot coffees and alcoholic drinks this cafe seems to cater for all needs and times of the day! We had sandwiches and some fresh fruit juice and all were lovely, the sandwiches were great sizes and came with a nice salad garnish. Our daughter had a high chair which was set up for us, and was extremely clean/in good condition. Would highly recommend

Could be a nice place to meet up with friends but not very relaxing as you feel you have to drink up and eat quickly and get the hell out! Nevertheless nice selection and most of the staff are friendly

Wow! The cafe of dreams. Fantastic food, friendly staff, wonderful decor, In fact I can’t think how you could make this place better. I came here for the first time today with my dad, brother and sister. The owner made us feel welcome instantly, found us a nice cosy table near the window. There is so much to look at as you sit waiting for your meal/drink. The walls are covered with interesting pictures and photographs. There are books to look at, comics, magazines and much more. The high point for my brother and I was the large collection of records. As a customer you can choose and play an album of your choice. The service is really good, our food arrived in no time at all. It was hot, absolutely delicious and most importantly the plates were full. So many places today offer trendy food lost in the middle of an ocean sized plate. Not here, a good portion is the order of the day. All four of us left full of wonderfully cooked, presented and enjoyed food. It was excellent value for money too. Go and search out this wonderful place, you won’t regret it.

Closed on our previous visit, we were happy to find it open today. Relaxed & friendly atmosphere with an attentive team. Menu was well priced, and service was unhurried but efficient. The food was excellent - tasty & generous. The kedgeree was good, & my other half cleared the plate of vegan breakfast only letting me taste the bubble & squeak. Delicious! No issues with cleanliness at all. Place was clean & tidy which made it easy to relax & enjoy the mid century xommon room vibe. Recommend this place for food in Suffolk.

Went for a cream tea. Was very disappointed to discover the scone was warmed - which I have never experienced before in a cream tea! The scone was very soggy and when the jam and cream were added, they melted and was most unpleasant.

Excellent food, quality ingredients, good service, however hygiene was frankly the most disgusting I have ever seen. As we sat down, the owner cleared away the previous customer's pots and wiped our table down with the previous owner's USED napkin which presumably had been used to wipe around their mouth. Yuk. Fortunately I had some wipes with me so I cleaned the table myself with one of those. I thought that this could just be a one-off oversight but I watched him do it again on another table. Great place but please take your own wipes with you!

We moved to the area 2 years ago and George's place is our go-to venue for any chill-out meal. Our 20 year old son loves it too. - and it's his first destination when he's back from uni. Vegetarians and Vegans are really well supported, and it's the best breakfast in East Suffolk. George leads a welcoming and efficient team, but with no fuss or airs and graces - we love that. Try the vegan sausage and veggie breakfast with really tasty welsh rarebit, and often there's a special with asparagus in season, a must with hollandaise sauce and bubble and squeak. The Pall Mall club style is a hit with a regular 'breakfast club' I run monthly with a friend, we try other places but it's joy to come back.

Absolutely rude owner! Ordered a milkshake to go but was only going to give us half because they didn’t have the right to go cups. Milk shake was just milk, sauces and ice. When we asked if have the other half in another cup but was told I don’t care do whatever you want. Was huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf while taking our order like it a chore. Don’t own a cafe if you don’t want to serve people 🤷‍♀️. Sandwich was nice though.

Myself and my Wife popped into the Common Rooms for lunch. Both had the bacon, brie and onion chutney sandwich. It was delicious , service was fantastic. Next time we are in Framlingham we will certainly be visiting again

We visited for lunch....3 adults and 2 children. What can I say apart from it being excellent. The BLT sandwiches were huge. I had the sausage and mash with onion gravy and a generous bowl of mixed veg. Wonderful stuff. Full marks, especially to the hard working staff..

We stopped in for lunch on our day out in Framlingham. Service was great and our lunch - we both had the quiche was really delicious. Definitely be back !

Great food attentive freindly staff. A great atmosphere for a boozy lunch enjoyrd by our hole department i’ll be back

We had to queue to get in and that’s a good thing as shows it’s busy. Not too many tables. Nice scones and lovely decor. They seem to be busy

Met with a friend for a meeting over breakfast. Lovely to see a business like the Common Room and adjoining workspace/community hub in the town. Had previously read some negative reviews about “service” and “staff attitude”, all be it in previous years nearer to the...

I went for breakfast last week on my birthday with my Mum. We both had a Sausage, egg and bacon bap which was AMAZING! The staff were lovely and efficient. Later that day, after we had left I realised that my gold signet ring was...

Top notch Kedgeree, when ordering we added to this, which was not a problem. Love the tea pots which have loose tea in a deep strainer. Owners sister served my son and I on one visit, great banter about choice of music, chose our own...

I have been to the Common Room a few times, meeting up with friends for coffee , cake, food and a chat. The coffee, cakes and food are very good, BUT it is not a place to linger. A frequent question, ‘are you eating here,’...

We visited The Common Room this week after reading reviews and was really looking forward to trying it but unfortunately were left disappointed. We received a warm welcome and the tea was nice but the food was under par - we had pancakes that were...

We came in here today, for the first time, ordering breakfast and two drinks. As well as a lunch for a child. First off when we were trying to get our buggies in the front door we were told "we were letting the heat out"...

Wow! Great food, great service and prices to match. Love the interior retro design. I've recommended this place to others.

Excellent food and dining area which the wife and I've used several times, and would definitely return. Be aware the cafe isn't open on Mondays

My husband and I have eaten here a couple of times now, for breakfast, when visiting Framlingham in the morning. We have found all the staff to be friendly and accommodating as well as efficient service. The food has been very tasty and the atmosphere...

My wife and I popped into the Common Room after wander round Framlingham. It is close to St Michaels Church and the website stated Gluten Free food available. We had a short wait before securing a table as it was packed in there. Sure enough,...

Prompt friendly service. the four of us ordered and were served without fuss. Huge teapot was refilled on request. The staff checked with me to see if I was ready for my additional Welsh rarebit (excellent flavour). Our family guests asked to be brought back...

6 of us visited the here last night and we all thought it was super. The staff were friendly and welcoming, the service was great and the food brilliant. Loved the Steak and Ale pie and the Salmon fish cakes were superb. The ice cream...

Not interested in guests, unbelievably rude when asked questions. (Maybe it's a vanity project, not run for the customers?) Dogs and children are thoroughly disliked; the former aren't allowed in, the latter seem to be tolerated only because they produce income. I don't want to...

I have eaten here for several years now and wanted to say how wonderful the food, staff and atmosphere are . Nothing is too much trouble , the menu varied and the food always fresh ambience is perfect .thank you for being a little slice...

Visiting friends in the area - had an excellent lunch, great food, great service, very friendly and quiteb quirky. Wished there was something similar in our area. Definitely up for another visit when we are in the area again.

Lovely spot near Framingham Castle, and a delightfully eclectic mix of decorative objects themed around a common room. It’s a relaxed ambience, and clearly a popular place. The service is excellent; friendly without being too casual, and attentive without being distracting. There’s a good selection...

Friendly, local, independent and they try hard. This cafe moved from smaller premises because it was so popular, lovely atmosphere, wholesome food and reasonable prices.

This was my second visit here and this time I bought my extended family who I had told all about it. It did not disappoint. Such lovely welcoming stuff even though we were a party with 6 children. We all had breakfast and once again...

Greeted and seated as soon as we arrived, drinks served very promptly and orders taken. Food was excellent and some might misconstrue the efficient service as slightly cool but the lady delivered everything to six of us promptly and with care. This was our second...

A lovely venue with good food BUT! Every time I’ve visited we are always made to feel that we have overstayed our welcome! The table was cleared before we were finished and it was made pretty clear we needed to get a move on so...

As soon as I heard the music and saw the memorabilia I knew I was in the right place. It was busy with constant comings and goings, but staff who were busy, but friendly did their best for the customers. So looked forward to a...

Reasons to visit the Common Room: 1. They don't say "enjoy" when the food arrives 2 They don't come out whilst you are eating asking "is everything okay with you guys" (even of we are not all 'guys' 3. The ketchup comes in bottles NOT...

The Common Room is a really lovely cafe. Beautifully decorated and truly delicious food. We were treated appalling by the owner/manager (all other staff v welcoming). I understand that he was frustrated by us taking a table and ordering coffees for adults and only food...

Lovely food and would have been a lovely atmosphere to the place but unfortunately the staff and owner were not very friendly and most notably not child friendly at all. A real shame. Our visit ending in accused out children of messing about all they...

I have never been treated so badly in a cafe before! We waited patiently for our table and in fact let others go before us as we were waiting for a friend to join us. The two of us ordered drinks once seated and our...

Nice food, until we were kicked out for staying for 90 minutes - even though we ate and had a couple of drinks. Exceptionally rude proprietor. ****er!

Visited this place and can highly recommend. We only popped in for a coffee and couldn’t resist having cake too. It had a great feel to the place and the staff were very friendly. It’s a must x

The owner is rather rude and rushed us out. But it is a place with character and good food. I’m not sure I’ll rush back though I’ve been many times in the past

We visited the common room yesterday for Saturday supper with my brother and his wife. The four of us really enjoyed classic prawn cocktail starter… Utterly delicious, refreshing, tasty … The steaks that followed with perfectly cooked, and there was a great selection of home-made...

Found this place while visiting and thought it looked lovely, popped in and was directed to a table in the corner, this was a table for 6 and we are only 2 but hey thats the place they wanted us to sit.

 From then on...

Came across the Common Room by chance on a stop in Framlingham. Loved the look and vibe, funky pictures, books and vinyl and friendly staff Fabulous breakfasts with tea/coffee included. Veggie breakfast comes with 2 chunks of amazing rarebit, makes a great change from the...

Called in after trip to castle. Fabulous sandwiches. Lovely and tasty. Quick and friendly service. Would highly recommend.

The Kippers were absolutely fabulous and the staff were very friendly. The whole atmosphere was great and if you ever in Framingham, would definitely recommend you trying it out!

We visited today, for an impromptu breakfast, and what a choice! Loads of breakfast options, including vegan and veggie stuff. And kippers. And kedgeree. Friendly staff, good coffee, who could ask for more?

A fabulous meal of a classic Greek dish Pastitsio with a starter of sweet chilly crispy chicken bites…perfection on a plate

Food we saw looked nice, but we walked out as we were ignored. Seated at a dirty table with no menus. Menus eventually thrown at us by the man who seated us. People who had walked in after us had been given menus and their...

My husband and I had a great lunch here. He had beef and ale pie and I had smoked haddock kedgeree. It was all delicious, all clearly homemade and great value. I would definitely recommend

We enjoyed another delicious evening meal at the Common Room. Our favourite place to eat by far. For starter we had prawn cocktail, bombay potato cakes and hulloumi sticks which were lovely. For main We had steak pie and the salmon with dauphinois potato. Beautiful...

Excellent cooked breakfasts and very friendly service. Each item was top quality and perfectly cooked. This is how a full English should be.

Thankfully all the pubs were busy so we had to turn back to see if this odd little cafe inside what looked like a council building had any space. It did. What a gem! And what cooking! Got to be the next Master chef finalist....

2 adults 3 children aged 3-5 late lunch 2pm ish. food arrived quickly, was ok. service awful. kept telling us they were in a rush to clear tables, disturbed us so many times but not the other tables and some new customers being served. we...

Great full English breakfast, good vibe and friendly staff. No problem in recommending and looking forward to going back.

We first went for coffees and cakes, which were fantastic, but then came back for lunch, my eldest really enjoyed his smoked mackerel pate, as me too, but my partner had a kedgeree, which looked amazing and tasted amazing too. Very good menu and great...

We called in at 2.30 not realizing they shut at 3 but no problem. Some lunch specials were sold out but husband had the chicken and chorizo pie with mash, vegs and cauliflower cheese and I had the quiche special with salad. Both huge platefuls...

A much awaited return visit for lunch. Wonderfully satisfying breakfast (even at lunchtime) followed by a magnificent plum sponge and hot custard! Comfortable atmosphere, pleasant but unobtrusive background music (note the stack of LPs and a turntable). Excellent service - very efficient and pleasant without...

We stumbled across this cafe on the way to Framlingham Castle today and I feel so lucky we did. I had lunch there with my 3 children. George and the team there took such wonderful care of us and I couldn’t thank the staff more....

Wow! What a fantastic place to have a meal, spotlessly clean, lovely food (great menu) with a knickerbocker glory to die for). We’ll return!!

Absolutely wonderful! Staff So friendly, brilliant food, amazingly cosy lovely atmosphere. A real gem! Gave the kids a basket of toys which was brilliant too!

Framlingham is a nice little town but it was very busy - we were lucky to get a seat here. We were inside but felt well spaced from other diners. I had pie (tasty), potatoes and veggies. I said 'no butter on the potatoes or...

Wow was lovely! What a find. Gluten free options. Milkshake lovely, wide range of cakes. Lots of lunch options (we didn’t have.)

Visited three times in our week stay, lovely food all home made, great atmosphere and friendly service

Spotlessly clean, great atmosphere, warm and friendly reception from very pleasant staff. The breakfast food was delicious and plentiful and came with free coffee.

Called in for a meal on a Sunday. The food was hot, tasty and very good. The coffee was also good, as was the dessert. The staff are all friendly, attentive and welcoming. it makes a change to find somewhere that ticks all the boxes,...

Excellent for both lunch anytime and evenings (Friday and Saturday only). Even better now they are in the Ex-Con Club.

The Common Room in Framlingham was recommended to us by a couple of locals we met whilst walking around the castle. They were so right. What a gem of a restaurant with a unique and creative decor, genuinely welcoming owner with friendly, efficient staff and...

The food is always absolutely scrumptious. I’ve had everything. The breakfasts, the chicken piri piri sandwiches, macaroni cheese, kedgeree, lemon posset, sticky toffee, Sunday lunch. Met and made lots of friends here. Just love love love this special place.

Popped in Framlingham for a wander round and found this very pleasant cafe. Not overly big inside but certainly not cramped. Initial thoughts were to just have a quick coffee but decided to eat instead, we both had the full English (served til 3pm) and...

Called in after a long journey to Suffolk feeling tired & hungry ( first day open 17th May ) What a find friendly welcome excellent food quality produce My husband had the sausage cheese bap l went for the bacon egg bap & pot of...

Having visited Framlingham Castle, we decided to find somewhere for Lunch. Looking on Tripadvisor, the Common Room is ranked No1 but we we gutted that is said it was closed on Monday’s. However when we walked passed we were delighted they had decided to open...

We have treated ourselves to Saturday night take away meals from the Common Room and they have all been excellent. As I need to be gluten free I have always found something delicious on the menu. Husband struggled to finish his delicious Venison, steak and...

The food is superb and just what one needs during these times - the portions are incredibly generous and the food delicious. It's easy to organise and collect and impeccably clean. We will be ordering again and again! Thank you for the takeaways on Friday!

Good food, nicely presented. They know how to cook. Lightng is a bit bright and some tables a bit small and or wonky.

We were in Framlingham during mid-September on a sunny day. We spotted the Common Room Cafe and ordered two sandwiches to take out as it was such a nice day, and we could eat them sitting in the sunshine outside the church. Whilst waiting for...

Can’t think of a better way to celebrate first day of freedom after 14 days of isolation than lunch at the Common Room. George and the team make it feel like you’re at a friends house having a bite to eat and a catch up....

A superb Saturday night meal. Great steaks and loads of lovely chips. Super sauces and reasonably cheap lovely house wine. Excellent, friendly service in a fabulous atmosphere: vinyl tunes and cool decor! All boxes ticked. Can’t wait to get back!

Lovely place and waitress was great but who we took to be the owner was not so. Although he “allowed” us in for drinks close to lunch time we were rushed out when a larger party came as they wanted food. I have never before...

Recently moved to a new location, it has an interesting and invigorating interior design, a stack of vinyl played on a prominently displayed turntable, intriguing pictures on the walls – a great feel to it. Food? Oh yes, the food. Absolutely delicious and lovely! Service...

We were visiting for the morning and hadn't been before the refurb. So welcoming, staff really friendly and working to strict covid policy without it intruding. Hubby and I had fish finger sandwiches and a portion of fries. Beautiful fish in soft fresh bread, super...

The Common Room is back!! Had the pleasure of eating there on their opening night on Wednesday 16th September...the food did not disappoint absolutely delicious and the service was impeccable, a lovely relaxing and safe place in these weird times.

A real find, for those who love a fabulous veggie breakfast, very friendly staff and swift service and I must point out the amazing atmospheric experience helped by the a amazing musical experience, I recall lots of The “Moon Dance” album being played and the...

Now in bigger new premises and with all the cosy feel of the old place. Delicious quiche and salad for me and kedgeree with perfectly cooked egg for my husband. Ginger beer and a pot of green tea to drink. Groovy tunes playing on the...

I have been twice now when visiting my sister who lives in Framlingham. On both occasions I haven't been able to look beyond the kedgeree which is just so delicious. This is a wonderful place - hope it continues to thrive for many years.

Came in here after reading favourable Tripadvisor reviews and they were right! Great breakfast freshly cooked with very friendly service. The full English was delicious and the eggy bread with crispy bacon was sublime. Shame we don’t live closer - we’d be in there every...

Popped into this place for a coffee meeting on very wet and snowy morning after our original choice of venue was closed (neither of us know Framlingham at all). I was very glad we did, enjoyed a delicious dairy free coffee (choice of non dairy milk offered) in what is clearly a very popular hot spot in this town! I wish we had been able to sample the food, it looked and smelt amazing from the plates we saw being brought out to our neighbouring tables. Apologies to the professional staff who despite us occupying a precious table just for coffees still served us with a smile. My only regret is that had I realised how popular it is and how few tables there were I would have ordered some food too rather than just a coffee. Next time for sure, if they will have us back again! :-)

Fantastic food and service, without question definitely a weekend must😊 My Daughter just loves the pancakes! We love the breakfast and especially the macaroni cheese, so yummy 😋 X Would always recommend a visit

The reviews looked good and we weren't disappointed! I had a generous portion of delicious, hot, cheesy macaroni with salad and my father had a very generous bowl of excellent kedgeree with a perfect poached egg on top. He only managed about half!Attentive and friendly service tooI recommend this little cafe to anyone.

Fantastic cafe for lunch. Busy and cosy but good atmosphere and welcoming staff. All our meals were excellent - brie and bacon sandwiches, scrummy macaroni cheese and a delicious kedgeree (had more Indian spices in it than I'd use when I make kedgeree but all the better for it). Great choices if you don't eat meat.

Great breakfast. We all enjoyed our breakfast (good vegetarian option). Loved the record deck! Best eggybread I’ve ever had (even better than my mums!) will definitely return. Good to hear they’re moving to larger premises as we were lucky to get a table, very busy.