The Cretingham Bell in Suffolk Coastal

Proper tasty home cooked food. Eaten here 3 times during our weeks stay in the area. The downside is the road from Debenham to Cretingham - it’s very narrow but nowt Yorkshire folk can’t handle. Although my hubby was a bit disgruntled that you only served Roast Pork as a roast on a Sunday lunch and no Yorkshire Puds - he’s a Beef and Yorkshire Pud chap!! the food has been exceptionally tasty and the staff amazingly friendly. Highly recommend a visit

Visited pub for lunch with parter. Lovely pub with friendly, attentive staff. Food was amazing, with very generous portion sizes.

We visited this pub on Saturday night for dinner and we had a fabulous meal. The food was excellent and portions were generous but what really makes this place is the staff. We were greeted by the landlord the moment we entered the bar, he was extremely friendly and welcoming, as were all the other staff members who served us. It has the feel of a family run pub, a place that needs to be visited if you are in the area.

Although it was busy when we arrived without a booking we were soon seated and ordering and did not have to wait long for our lunch, quiche and gammon, which was delicious. Service was attentive and pleasant, good atmosphere and lovely old building, plenty of seating outside as well should the sun shine. We will be returning, wish it was my local

The Needham Mob took lunch here during the week and first impressions were not good. Distinct lack of staff and many people at tables clearly waiting for food. One has to to order own drinks and collect from the bar and after 40 minutes no menus received we had to go to the bar to ask and wait another 10 minutes for them to arrive. To order more drinks again up to the bar and often no one was behind the bar serving. Had to ask for orders to be taken. A couple on an adjacent table had clearly had the same experience and walked out. We persevered. Eventually orders were taken and it was along wait for starters to arrive. Another long wait for mains. The food was good although one member of the party had the fish cakes and commented they were tasteless. Had to ask and wait for the bill and then again to the bar to pay. It was not an enjoyable lunch time and as this review is titled seemed just one level up from self service. Suggest the establishment employs more staff as they clearly lost custom on the day by people walking out.

Fabulous. Live nearby but never visited. Will now be a regular spot. Fantastic roast and great options for kids and vegetarians. Service was superb. This is a proper local pub, the kind to be treasured.

Whilst over from Wales, We as recommended this place by the owners where we were staying. So decided a visit for Sunday lunch. They were full when I phoned but managed to squeeze us in early provided we were clear of the table by a certain time. No fear in that because the service was fantastic. We had the roast beef dinner which was absolutely amazing almost homemade. The cauliflower cheese came out bubbling on a side plate. I'd decided not to have a starter so I could have a dessert I love a crumble. Luckily for me the chef had decided to attempt a new crumble and I was 1st to try it Let's just say it was like Christmas in a bowl Apple sultana brandy and cinnamon crumble If I'm over this way again I'll be visiting here that is for sure

Lovely friendly pub, great menu and food. Nothing was to much trouble Watching the antics of the black and white cat was hilarious. Made our evening. Will definitely return.

Attended the Stowmarket Striders trail run here and had a meal and drinks afterwards. Great food and beer, and friendly staff. Lovely location and great pub with character.

Had the pleasure of visiting after a family wedding the day before. A large party of 30 plus people., inc children.Lovely staff, friendly and polite. Fabulous Sunday lunch various startes, the prawn cocktail was lovely and fresh, fantastic rareish beef and other options. Fabulous yorkies, proper home made ones, superb proper roasties, great fresh veg, even greens (very rare to get) green beans, carrots and superb cauliflower cheese, with great proper gravy. Couldnt manage dessert, but the ones i saw looked lovely. Topped off with a lovely coffee. Was so impressed, been looking for a good roast locally and have found it at last. Highly recommend, thank you so much

I was with a party of approx 30ladies for a lunch on Thursday 15th June. The food, service and ambience was amazing. Thank you The Bell we will be back Barbara Walker

Great pub with delicious and reasonably priced food. Dog friendly. Gorgeous location with lovely garden. 5 stars from us!

Family of four just had one of the best meals we’ve had in quite a while and at reasonable prices. The Sunday Roast was so good, good selection fresh veg and plenty of lean tender meat. The puddings were delicious, and I’m sure they were all home made. Very good, fast service. Highly recommended, we will be back. 😄

We went there for lunch with friends (party of 4). The staff were friendly & the menu had a good choice. The food was delicious & served on hot plates. Nice choice of desserts which were delicious.

Always super friendly. Excellent service and a proper village pub. There is a base of traditional pub food very well cooked and everything arrived without a delay, hot at the same time. If you want something a little more distinctive there is a rotating menu of specials including lighter dishes. We love it here.

One of the best pubs in suffolk for a meal out. The fish plate is amazing. Gammon is also good and lots of specials to choose from. Nice big beer garden to sit out in in the summer too. Have found wednesdays can be busy, especially in summer. Lots of ramblers around. Friendly staff and fairly quick service. What's not to like?

My wife and I visited the Cretingham Bell during our first wedding anniversary weekend. We were greeted by very friendly staff and shown to our table. My wife is Coeliac so requires Gluten Free food - this was not a problem. The young lady took the menu away and bought it back with all the dishes they could adapt for Gluten Free marked on the menu: most of the dishes offered were able to be adapted. The portions were generous and the food was lovely and tasty. I struggled to finish my pork belly. A very good pub restaurant and well worth the visit, especially for the Gluten Free options.

Had a lovely girly lunch here outside in the sunshine. Everyone's dishes looked great and my seafood platter was fabulous.

I must say I have just had the most wonderful slow roasted pork belly I have ever eaten it just melted in the mouth and the crackling was sublime highly recommend for customer service and also food

We came here for lunch & it is a quaint country pub. The staff welcome was great & it felt that they took pride in their work. I had the phesant sausages with gravy & mash..... it was very delicious. My wife had the sausage...

Staying in the area we booked a table here for Friday night.the staff were really friendly and the food was excellent I will go here again

Early evening meal following walk. 9 of us enjoyed a relaxed evening. Great food, good service, relaxed atmosphere.

Warm welcome and good service ! We ate here recently and found the welcome and food fine . Unfortunately, even though we had booked about 3 weeks in advance we were given a table facing the bins , our view the whole of the meal...

We called here twice during our visit to the area, we were staying at nearby Kingfishers. The first visit was a quick drink as we were early for check in at the accommodation. We enjoyed a well kept pint of Adnams. We returned for lunch...

Lovely lunch. Booked on the day for two adults and two children. Nice menu and very accommodating in terms of food for the children. Wife had vegetarian Thai curry and I had the burger. Deserts were ace too.

Very well attended for a Tuesday. All tables taken. We had booked. What stood out was that the veg was spot on. There are some places where cooking carrots mean leave them raw and others overcook leaving a puree. This was neither. Just the tiniest...

We were staying in the area and booked for a Saturday evening. When we arrived we were welcomed and seated immediately, the pub had a nice feel to it. At this point we were not given menus. We waited at least 15 minutes for someone...

The staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. We ordered chicken kebabs which were described as ‘fine’ and the Cajun chicken which was enjoyable. I ordered a side dish of broccoli which was fresh and well cooked. There was rather a long wait for the food...

The food is amazing fish share plate and scampi plus puddings about to be ordered . Sitting outside super friendly staff and the Adnams Provence Rose is a must x

Ate here while staying locally but not impressed tbh. No ambience, long wait for food despite not looking busy, which was average pub grub won’t be booking again

We visited here a few days ago in terrible weather for a bit of lunch on my birthday. The food was phenomenal, the service excellent. And, coming from 2 publicans ourselves, the beer couldn't have been better if we'd racked & served it ourselves -...

Lovely pub with great food and service. Four us us enjoyed a 3 course meal. Fish dishes were beautiful as well as the starters and deserts. Great value for money and great service. Wished we lived nearer to visit more.

Very impressed with Covid compliance. Had a delicious cheese and leek tart with new potatoes and salad.

Last minute booking but great family meal. Something on the menu for everyone and good value. Friendly service.

Excellent Sunday lunch. Beef amazing, plenty of veg, light Yorkshire puds and plenty of tasty gravy! Great puds too. Also plenty of choice for starters and mains. Indoors has nice ambience and decor. Friendly staff and service. Staff following Covid guidelines very well but not in your face about it to put you off a lovely dining experience. Definitely recommend.

We visited the pub on our way to our holiday. Due to recent times we phoned and booked. The food and service was lovely. So much so we booked for Sunday lunchtime too. A good choice of quality food well made and delicious. Smaller portions for kids. The pub and garden were beautiful. The service was helpful and friendly. Would highly recommend.

The Bell is fortunate enough to have an expansive garden area which allows for generous spacing of tables and outdoor eating, and obviously attracts diners from a wide catchment area - some no doubt lured by the Chancellor's generosity on a Wednesday night.When we turned up promptly for a 7.30pm reservation made a couple of days earlier there was no mention of it in the book, and there was a leisurely approach to the service - specials menu came a few minutes after the standard bill of fare, and there didn't seem to be a robust and efficient service system in place.There was a wait for simple main courses which was beginning to get annoying and when the plates came we needed to ask for some butter for the excellent new spuds and a spot of dressing for the fresh but uninspired salad. That meant another bit of a wait - the spuds were half gone by the time the butter was provided, and salt and pepper would have required another delay so we passed.We both tucked into fish and it was good stuff, but after passing on the dessert board and asking for the bill the wait began. It was only at the third time of asking and after a vexing 25 minute wait that we were able to pay up and go on our way.It's a lovely setting and the food was very tasty - but the delays contributed to a disappointing experience.

A local pub for us so we are frequent visitors. Great staff and always a friendly welcome. Food is always good and a great selection of beers spirits and wines. Feel blessed to have such an excellent traditional English pub close at hand.

Proper pub with pup grub and great landlord and lady offering a lovely experience. Always a great time had.

As two couples, we went for a lovely long walk starting and ending at The Bell. Easily seated and drinks order taken by a lovely girl called Daisy. It’s such a refreshing change for a young lady, when asked about lagers, for her to rattle off flawlessly a list as long as your arm rather than have to scuttle off to the bar to find out what is available.Prompt service. Exceptional food. Fish and chips were cooked to a tee. Sandwiches hearty and filling with plenty of tasty side garnish.The landlord had a lovely smile and a kind word to share about this beautiful place. I love it when a guvnor gets his hands dirty and mucks in with the troops. Clearing tables, taking orders. ‘Never let staff do anything that you’re not prepared to do yourself’.We’re still talking about it. A ‘must go’ place. Thank you. Don’t change a thing!

A group of 6 of us arrived at 5.30pm on bikes, waited 5 minutes past opening time for the pub to actually open. It's pissing down with rain but sorry you can't come in because all our tables are booked tonight. Ok, there's no-one in the pub right now so what time are they coming? Oh, 6.30pm. Hmm, could we come on for an hour please? No, sorry we have already laid the tables so we can't. Wow. So paying customers sitting out in the rain because you cannot be bothered to re-lay the tables. Lazy as hell. Makes me wonder why I bother to support a local business. A disgrace, avoid.

Have eaten quite a few times now and the food is always a good standard. Getting to know other customers so it's a very good and popular pub.

excelent village pub, lovely garden when the weather permits. We have been for sunday lunch 3 times in the last couple of months. Lovely busy bar with roaring fire, landlord,Paul aware of you and attentive. Selection of real ales all in good condition.The Sunday roast 2 or 3 meats plenty of veg and excellent service from the waitreses. I cannot fault the food or the service. (They often serve lamb which is quite unusual in a pub lunch)

If you are looking for a traditional, friendly pub, this is the place. Paul runs a great pub with traditional pub fair in generous proportions, very tasty, and at great prices!

Stayed 2 nights in a shepherd's hut 20 minutes walk across the fields and ate 2 nights at this pub. Warm cosy fire, stone flagged floors, dogs welcome, wellies welcome, locals welcome, visitors welcome. Great choice of well cooked food and extensive different specials board every night. Came solo and sat with chatty local (optional) first night. Second night bright young bar maid remembered me and recommended beer and food. Summer winter rain or shine in or out just go there.

I last reviewed The Cretingham Bell back in 2014 and following my visit last Tuesday evening I can reassure that this lovely old pub continues to provide a high standard of food and service in a cosy atmosphere.

Had lunch here with family and friends. Excellent variety in the menu and ours varied from chicken curry to haddock and chips. Extremely generous portions of delicious food served with a welcome smile from staff. Highly recommended.

Beautiful old building which is authentic inside and out. Log fire but a bit smoky. Excellent use of space inside with good layout for dining. Friendly service but disappointed with main course. Haddock with chips and peas. Expensive compared with similar establishments.

We go to the Bell on a regular basis and always have a great meal. The specials board is always changing and has a good variety of tasty options. As well as specials there is also the regular menu. Staff are always very friendly. There is a lovely quiet beer garden to sit in at this delightful country pub. Well worthwhile to make a detour to this village pub.

Visited with my parents for lunch, I refrained from a starter as I could see they had banoffee pudding on the menu. I had a delicious homemade vegetable lasagna and a lovely crisp fresh salad. Delicious, I did have to leave some, just to save space for the pudding. A delicious meal, and lovely surroundings. The staff are always very friendly and helpful. A lovely time was had by all.

We were staying a five minute walk up the road. It was a glorious evening and the slog out from London had me in no mood to drive anywhere. What a lovely place. We sat outside as the sun slowly disappeared and split a coarse pate to start and then I had Cromer Crab and prawn plate: fresh, sweet local crustaceans. My wife had fishcakes, again very tasty.Service was friendly and attentive. This place was a real pleasure

Cannot fault this pub in any way beautiful location very friendly staff & excellent food reasonably priced cannot ask for more

We hadn't been to the Bell for well over 20 years, but it was the perfect half way spot to meet friends coming from Stradbroke with us coming from Ipswich. We really had no idea what to expect, but we were so pleased we came. A warm welcome as soon as we walked in, a genuinely lovely friendly atmosphere, a beautiful beamed bar and restaurant, first class service and very good home cooked food. It could not have been better. It may be a bit of a drive to get there but well worth it. We Will Be Back !!

We visited here with friends on a bank holiday Sunday afternoon following a circular walk around the area. We were made to feel very welcome and our request to sit at a different table to the one we had been reserved was accommodated with no fuss at all. There were lots of dishes to chose from so something to please all tastes, service was efficient and the food very good. I choose banoffee pie for dessert - it was delicious and the portion was huge too.

Last minute decision to visit here and what a brilliant decision it turned out to be! Fantastic location and venue, friendly service and great food. Well worth a visit and we'll be back.

We phoned ahead to check whether we could bring our dog too. We were advised that would be fine, but that we would have to sit in the bar area which I agreed to.

We decided to visit this pub for a typical Sunday Roast dinner. We ordered the roast pork but it clearly hadn’t been carved from the joint as we were served slices of pork that you can buy at the deli counter. The roast potatoes claimed on the menu to be “roasted in goose fat” were on the soggy side along with one small piece of crackling. We felt that the whole main course was very underwhelming and very expensive.

Extremely friendly atmosphere coupled with excellent service. The food, much of which is sourced locally, is cooked & presented in a marvellous manner. The selection of beers is always interesting and great tasting. We just love to visit... Jerry

Lovely pub in a quiet village with plenty of parking. Warm welcome. Delicious lunch - fish cakes and apple and cinnamon sponge. Excellent value.

We booked a table for 3 at short notice & were advised, because of the Hunt, the Pub would be busy. Despite this warning we could not have been happier with our experience. The greeting was warm & the service excellent. We had the Beef in Bitter, Curry & Fish n Chips, all of which were delicious. Overall a really excellent experience & great way to start 2019. Thank you all!!

We booked an early evening family dinner including my one year old Grandson. The staff were very good with him and the service in general was friendly and efficient. The menu was traditional but we all enjoyed our excellent meals. Will defiantly go back again.

A group of us ate here for an early Christmas get together.

I went here for a christmas shopping evening - the family who run it are so welcoming to everyone, not just regulars, which is so lovely to experience. it has a great atmosphere and is very well used. the shopping event was bijou, but had a lovely selection and everyone seemed to enjoy it. the food that came out of the kitchen looked delicious although we didn't eat on this occasion

I have been several times recently with various guests and family.

We were part of a group of 10 visiting for Sunday lunch. We had a nice table with plenty of room. Service was good. The roast lamb was cooked to perfection and the vegetable the right balance between too raw and over cooked. Desserts were tasty as well. A good village pub atmosphere with food quality above average.

Was in the area with family looking for a good old fashioned country pub for lunch and stumbled across The Bell.

We have been here several times for Sunday lunch and it has never disappointed. There is a good choice of starts, main courses and puddings for all ages. The mains included 2 choices of roast meat (beef and lamb) as well as other dishes including scampi, chicken, pork fillet and lasagne. The portion sizes are generous and the vegetable were cooked perfectly (not al dente or overcooked). The leeks in cheese sauce were amazing. The staff are friendly too and there is a good selection of wines, beers and soft drinks.

Once again a much enjoyed meal and drinks at The Cretingham Bell. Top food at medium price range.Mine host's Paul & Clare and there staff make you feel most welcome.

Stunning Sunday lunch, friendly staff. Worth a visit. Not much more to say. Perfect lovely location.

Visit this pub regularly, the food is always excellent with a varied menu choice. Indoor and outdoor environments are well kept and inviting. I'd always recommend the Cretingham Bell for families, friends or couples.

Having visited this pub for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised at how delightful the setting is around the pub. Seated in the gardens to have a meal and then inside later in the evening, the meal was delicious and would highly recommend

Went to the Bell for an anniversary meal. Staff very friendly and welcoming. Good choice on the menu and the specials board. Food was excellent, well presented, tasty and good portions. Beer was in good condition. Would recommend the Sausage and Onion pie and the chocolate Brownie. One small criticism: they could do with updating the opening hours on their website.

Having worked here 20 years ago and still have family living in the village it’s great to see the Bell back at its best.

We have eaten here twice now, once on a Sunday (very busy) once on a Tuesday night.

We booked the Bell for our anniversary, and were not dissapointed, I had the Beef & Ale suet pudding and my wife had the Beef and sothwold ale meal, both came with fresh veg and new potatoes, and both were thoroughly enjoyed, followed by Sticky toffee pud. Very good value for money, and the staff were very attentive and professional. Would recommend for an enjoyable evening meal.

Visited for Sunday lunch on a beautiful sunny day which plays to this pubs strengths. Lovely garden with tables etc. Friendly staff who are keen to help. We ordered the roast beef, scampi, and the meat and cheese sharing platter. All were great and served surprisingly quickly. The meal for 4 including a pint each and puddings was just over £70 so good value we thought.

Visited for lunch, nice choice of meals on the menu. Very good food. Relaxed atmosphere with lovely log burner.

Went in the evening with some friends. We had a friendly welcome, good food, good service and some nice choices on the menu. I really loved my Tuna steak cooked very well.

Called here when passing this lunchtime. Pleasant staff, very nice lunch, sausage and mash and ham and eggs, yummy and value for money and there were more adventurous dishes on the menu should we have wanted them. We were warned there may be a wait for the food but in fact there was not, and always a good sign the pub became much busier as we ate our lunch. Will certainly be calling again. Lovely old building as well always a bonus.

Warm welcome,good food,and good real ale at the Cretingham Bell. If Ham Egg & Chips is your choice undo your belt a notch. Fish Cakes & Lasagne also recommended.

6 of us visited Cretingham Bell for a pre-Christmas lunch on 20th December. The Inn was nicely decorated for the season, lovely on warm on a cold damp day and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. Although they were busy we didn't have to wait too long for our food and everything was delicious. Particularly recommend the lamb with redcurrant and rosemary. Although the men stuck to beer and the ladies to wine (a lovely smooth Malbec) I was impressed by the selection of drinks on offer from the bar. Our driver was also pleased to be able to get an alcohol free beer. All in all it was a very successful visit and we are very likely to be visiting again.

This is my local so I am slightly biased in my opinion. Its a great pub summer or winter always a warm welcome especially in the winter with the roaring log fire. Food and service all good. Very comfy place to spend some time.

This is now our local pub since moving into the area,so pleased it is such a lovely pub!

We booked for Sunday lunch. Staff were very friendly and attentive. The main course, the roast, was excellent but they'd...

The pub is lovely, great staff, beer and ambience. Unfortunately we came to eat when I was very hungry otherwise...

Booked our table by email and received prompt friendly response. Staff very courteous on arrival and many apologies made when...

This was a very nice place to celebrate an occasion. Staff & ambience welcoming in this cosy bar restaurant. Food delivered without too long to wait, there were eight of us so well done to them. Each dish was well presented, well cooked, hot & very tasty. Not a single complaint. No dessert as a magnificent birthday cake made by our dear friend was brought to the table, and the restaurant lights were dimmed for this candle filled delight! I would recommend this lovely country pub as they treat you well & feed you well which is just what everyone wants in a restaurant.

Had booked on the recommendation of our B&B; for Sunday evening (note this was the August Bank Holiday weekend).

Viviendo el momento mi marido y yo reservamos una mesa en este pueblo como nos apetecía un buen asado. Nos quedamos agradablemente sorprendidos por una cálida y amable bienvenida y pronto acomodados con un plato lleno de comida. Las porciones son de un amplio debe y no nos decepcionó. Rebanadas de carne sabrosa stonking tamaño rara con asado y un montón de verduras tatties, además de casa claro, se destacaban los Yorkshire. Estábamos tan completo que ni siquiera pido que vean en el pudines. Bien cuidado de cerveza, gente muy agradable y la comida fantástica, honesto.

Good food in a bustling, friendly atmosphere. Excellent service by young, friendly and welcoming staff. We will go again,

Four of us visited one Friday evening mid-July for a meal and had a great time. When we arrived the car park and nearby roads were packed with cars which is testament to the popularity of this pub - the great thing was that it didn't feel like a squash inside - the pub was plenty big enough to accommodate all.We found the staff absolutely lovely with the food order to starter to main course being paced well. The chicken curry was a particular favourite with our group.We would definately recommend the Cretingham Bell

Third time I've organised a summer lunch for a group of ladies (19 of us) staff excellent, very attentive, excellent food choices and pleasant surroundings.

We dropped in here on the way to Framlingham on the Bank Holiday Monday and the carpark was empty. A few people were having drinks in the beer garden and we were the only people in the diningroom. I remember this pub from the 70s when it was full with customers having chicken in the basket and sandwiches and other such bar food!We were served immediately and brought our cold beers and starter. Lovely, fresh prawn cocktail and brown bread. Then had well prepared steaks, cooked as requested, with all the trimmings. A good meal, all in all.

Been three time on our visit to the next village of Kettleburgh, not impressed with the service in the restaurant, food cold when we eventually got it, we shall however give it one more try on our next (to be soon) visit to Kettleburgh.restaurant was not overly busy so why the delay ? I have no idea

What a beautiful little pub. Nice ales and wine. And even better food. Large selection on the Specials Board. Both meals were delicious and a delightful dessert. Would highly recommend if in the area. Plenty to choose from and top notch quality. Will definitely be returning

The ,Cretingham Bell is well worth a visit to eat or for just a drink in the timbered bar and restaurant or outside in the sun on the lawn.the landlord and staff are most welcoming and the food is excellent, and the selection of beers is good too.

30 of us visited this picture postcard pub on Sunday 9th April to celebrate a joint 50th birthday. All of the roast dinners were superb - all served at the same time - all piping hot - all good size portions & all extremely tasty. Everyone commented on how nice the food was together with how friendly the staff were and how beautiful the pub is. No complaints and I can't wait to go back.Many Thanks to all at The Cretingham Bell.

Finished off a great weekend in Suffolk with Sunday Lunch at this very lovely pub. It looks like a set piece of Midsomer Murders and as the weather was beautiful we all sat outside. Sunday Lunch was great / Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding. Being from Yorkshire they were approved. Loads of Veg, Gravy and all very hot too. Finished off with Sticky Toffee Pudding which was more than enough for 2 people as we had so much food on our plates for our main course.Friendly staff, very clean and we will definitely return if we are in the area again.

Popped in on the off chance today after our sons football match. We were made to feel very welcome, the service was great & the food delicious. Lovely home cooked food & desserts we're scrummy. One very happy & full family.

On way to visiting friends/family in Framlingham, we stopped off at this pub for a bite to eat and a quick drink. It was a little quiet when we walked in, but it was mid-afternoon on a friday, so to be expected for a rural pub. But we were friendly welcomed, and the service was attentive. We shared a large meat platter which we both enjoyed, and supped a beer or two.We will certainly recommend to our friends and family down in suffolk, and when next visiting, im sure we will stop by for a another pint of adnams.