The Trowel and Hammer in Waveney - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

This could be a gem of a pub. Fantastic location & looks great from the outside. The beer was ok but not great. The red wine was awful. The toilets are so tired & by the looks of the dust in the corners of the cubicles, haven’t been properly cleaned for a while. Overall disappointing & there are much nicer pubs nearby.

Very disappointed. Large group, those of us that had Hunters Chicken, it was overdone and dry. To be fair one of our group was late (didn't actually turn up) so perhaps it had been cooked,and kept warm.

Best breakfasts served in Pakefield , but the Sunday roast cannot be beaten absolutely lovely whats not to like, excellent food, good value for money and service, all fresh vegetables and lots of it. Lovely for families to sit in the gardens and let the children play

We have just had breakfast and it was delicious. The full English was wonderful with black pudding which you don’t always get. We also had scrambled egg on toast which was also very nice and fluffy. There is also a gluten free option which is very hard to find sometimes. There is a very nice pub garden which looks out over the sea. The owner were very nice and couldn’t do anymore to accommodate us. We will definitely be back again and when we holidays here again

Popped looking for some food - menu looked v enticing, but left disappointed. Deep fried tasteless arancini - I love a nice arancini … side salad was nice. Fish pie with granola top - this was a compact dish of fish (good fish) with poor thin sauce and dusting of loose granola on top. Complemented with overcooked French beans and peas - overall it it was more like a starter in size and felt poor value. Read some good reviews, but given the dishes I had were recommended, wouldn’t rush here mid-week.

Now we have been here a handful of times I can say for certain breakfast, dinner and Sunday lunch are all excellent! We’ve been with friend enjoyed a game of pool too. Lovely pub would highly recommend

This is my second visit to Trowell and Hammer following a lovely visit with my family. I had to return with my husband to show him how lovely it is. Both times we have been spoilt, well looked after, enjoyed lovely food, plentiful, been able to have our dog with us (also spoilt rotten). Definitely returning when in the region. Thank you x

Having moved to the area 10 years ago and the one and only time we had eaten here it’s obviously been taken over. We had a wonderful roast dinner here, included all the trimmings was delicious and would recommend Also tried desserts they were tasty! We shall definitely return to try the evening menu and will be back for Sunday lunch!

Absolutely fantastic meal and service. Really rate the new menu, plenty of choice. The restaurant is cosy and warm. Will definitely return.

Twice in one week ! I met for a friend for lunch at the Trowel and hammer. They had just launched a new menu. We opted for the pub classics which included dessert ( if you have room) I had steak burger with coleslaw and fries. Added smoked bacon as an extra. It was topped with a large gherkin slice and has to be the best burger I have eaten in a long time. Dessert arrived. Baileys cheesecake topped with white chocolate shavings. Beautifully light and very tasty. £15 for the 2 courses. We were meeting family at the weekend for drinks and food. I insisted on the trowel and hammer to try the evening menu after such a fab lunch. The staff made us very welcome and seated us in the conservatory. My husband went for the burger after I raved about it. The evening menu differed and the burger came with brisket, bacon and cheese. A side of coleslaw and fries. The chicken supreme with mash and beautiful fresh veg was amazing, the chicken was so light and tender. The other dish on the table was fish pie. I tried the dish and with the smoked haddock, I'll be ordering that on our next visit.

Fabulous lunch absolutely faultless Great service great to see a pub full nice and warm also a plus these days so impressed we've booked for lunch New Years Eve

Took the family for a quiet drink around one of the local pubs on Boxing Day and found the staff treat you like crap! Arriving in the pub we found somewhere good to sit with the family to be told you cannot sit there because food is served there. We then found somewhere else to sit in the bar and asked for some of the side plates to then find they’ve stopped serving food an hour before. Then shortly later the rest of the family arrive with all of their children who have brought a handful of crisps/sweets for their kids to then have the barman get upset we have brought food in the pub and after being asked about why we have; tried to explain the reason to why we had for then being called stupid and a f****ng tw** under his breath is really not acceptable. The fact we spent over £200 on drinks for the family, this was not on. As you complain about how you feel your family have been treated, it was interesting to find others around agreed with being treated similarly. But they were closing up and didn’t really care. Oh well. Bah humbug I guess. After coming here a few times before. I won’t again. It would also be good for staff to know how to pour a pint.

The staff were rude and annoyed at the presence of doing any actual work to anyone who wasn’t a regular. and the groups closest to the pool table were loud and disrespectful and yelling slurs the entire time me and my family were there. brought it up to who we believed to be the manager and we’re told if we didn’t like it then we should just leave. will never go again would advise spending your hard earned money elsewhere where you would be respected instead of disregarded

Had a brilliant breakfast before we went out for the day good staff and service food was nice and hot and we didn't have to wait very long

Hurrah ! The Pakefield Trowel is restored - obviously a change of hands and now better than it has been in a few years. Good food options, friendly, professional staff. Good new events like the Bikers BBQ with music once a month. Feels like a local gem again. Planning on a winter visit for cosy Sunday lunch by the wood burner - OK smokeless fuel burner - and no doubt a jolly good Christmas tree. Couple more local ales would be great - minor point. Pakefield is back on the menu again :)

The food was perfect and a good size portion . The pub is dog friendly which is important to us we will be there for Sunday lunch and midweek meals next year on our holidays

Didn't spot a hammer or trowel upon arrival and the building looked complete with a historical and rustic feel. A smooth pool table at the global price of 50p per game, and willing locals ready to play after a pint of the famous local ale. Jukebox with music from all eras and my favourite pool winning song Eye of Tiger, with locals happy to play on repeat. Wonderful.

My friend and I had lunch today at the Trowel and Hammer, Lowestoft. I had the steak and kidney pudding with mashed potatoes, carrots, broccoli and gravy. It was delicious. My friend had fish and chips which she said was great. She couldn't eat all the chips. It was so good we are going again next week. It is a very friendly pub and the atmosphere is very comfortable. It is also dog friendly. There is a large car park and a garden which overlooks the sea.

Ate here recently and it was great. Lady behind the bar was super friendly and welcoming. Food was very good, all freshly cooked and huge portions. Would definitely recommend.

Excellent food and superb service. Highly recommended. Thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Would certainly go again when in the area.

Called in here for a quick lunch on a Saturday lunchtime and chose to eat in the garden. Guy behind the bar was pleasant and warned us that the wait for food could be up to 30 minutes, although hopefully less. We were happy to wait so placed our order. We then waited an HOUR for our food to arrive, and when it eventually turned up it was all in polystyrene takeaway boxes! I was horrified... as a keen environmentalist I would never have ordered it if I'd known. I mentioned this to the girl serving but she patently wasn't interested. Having waited so long we were all starving, but the food was so bad we barely touched it. My 'posh fish fingers ' consisted of three lumps of grey fish full of bones in soggy batter. The salad was full of slimy leaves and the mushy peas completely without flavour. All of this served in a baguette slathered in bright yellow margarine. Needless to say I left 90% of it. Mum in law was treated to huge lumps of fatty ham in a similar baguette, and chips which tasted of rancid cooking oil, and my husband to a prawn and crayfish baguette which again tasted of absolutely nothing. I would not eat here again if someone paid me, and I would advise anyone to avoid it at all costs.

We turned up as the open time states on the website at 1100 to take our elderly parents for a meal in great sunshine and to take advantage of what looked like a good location. We waited for 20 minutes in the beer garden with no sign of anyone in the pub. We called the number advertised, but nobody answered, so we waited another 15 minutes before leaving, dissappointed to say the least. Will certainly NOT be going to watse our time again!

After many decades of summer holidays here - with lovely memories of this once friendly old pub - absolutely horrified at the change. Rude and hostile - anti-customer barman has taken over - very rude to us (two old guys posing no threat) also rude...

We stop here for a drink when we pass on a dog walk. There is a nice garden with plenty of seating and a small play area. Drinks are on the expensive side, service is adequate but not overly friendly. Dogs are made to feel...

Never written a review before but am so angry at our treatment that I just had to. Our son and daughter brought their families down for the weekend and we wanted to go somewhere where which had a children’s play area and we could eat....

Visited this establishment, being mixed race and waited at the bar to be served for ten mins only for another guy to walk up and get served straight away, at that point the manager informed me he serves locals first. When challenged he explained that...

we came here for a meal on our last day, it was very pleasant, the staff were very good and were polite and helpful, the food was excellent, very large portions

Was having a drive round the area on our last day of holiday and came across this pub and stopped in for their Sunday Roast, and it was one of the best pub roast dinners I have had.

Visited a few times over our visit , meet various bar staff found all to be superb. We eat here once had chicken and ribs wasn’t sure if I had to climb eat or eat it , massive and again loved it. If you visiting...

Visited the Tramway for Sunday lunch. Bit pricey (£15) but food was good. Big disappointment was the wine. £26.50 for a cheap off the shelf wine you can buy in local shop for £5.50. Don't think I'll be visiting again.

We popped in here for lunch on Monday as we had previously been unable to eat here as they had no chef at the time. Definitely worth returning. The lady who served us was very friendly and the food came quickly and was very tasty,...

We popped in here 5.30pm New Years Eve for a quick drink assuming that was well ahead of any ticketing / restrictions that may have been planned for later. Barely throught the door and we're greeted by the barman / manager shouting 'ABOUT FACE' -...

Food mediocre asked for bread and butter couldn't do as not in extras staff did not seem to know w hat was going on

Excellent menu and selection of exquisite bar drinks. Very cosy ambiance, dog friendly and a 5 star Customer service and Hospitality. Highly recommended 👌

Appalling customer service !!!!!!!!!! Booked a table at this pub over two weeks in advance of our visit [28/08/2021]. Five days before our visit I contacted them again to change our dining time. On arrival at just before 7 I advised the barman that we...

We visited this pub whilst on a short break staying nearby. It was busy , but the staff were friendly and efficient. We had a couple of baguettes from the lunch time menu served to an outside table, they were very filling. There is a...

Wow - this was the pub cuisine I'd been looking for. We both had their house burgers - possibly the best burgers we'd had in some time. The service was excellent too - really friendly and attentive. This is one pub you must visit if...

I reviewed last year but been back again while in Lowestoft. We visited one day for drinks and the second time for Sunday Lunch before returning home. Still great customer service and warm atmosphere. Carla recognized me and got my favorite table. I had the...

Great local pub and fab food. Bonus that it is dog friendly. Overall a great pub but spoiled due to an officious female member of staff , I will not address these issues here but deal with the restaurant directly. Overall a great pub and...

I researched this as I was looking for dog friendly pubs for a family member. When I found this I was given a warm welcome by Carla who did a fantastic job serving everybody at their seat. The pub is nice and cozy. I had...

Staff very welcoming and food was fab! We all really enjoyed our meals and the chips were lovely. Excellent that it’s dog friendly too.

We have come to this pub every week for a few months now.Sometimes with friends and sometimes as a couple.We really like the atmosphere in the pub and the friendly staff.Laura and Carla.We always have a meal and a few drinks and we can't fault...

First time to Lowestoft.. decided to go to a local pub for an afternoon drink This place was so welcoming, fire on, and very warm, ended up staying till close at 10pm the bar was manned by a tall lady called Carla, (very loud, I...

Our food was below standard, had a waiter i think was called laura, absolute discusting mouthy idiot, argueing with me over our wrong order, avoid....go to jolly sailor up the road 10million times better

Had not been here for a time and found the place nearly empty one must assume by the CV19 issue. The Pub had clear signage and sanitisers available. The menu was quire small and we decided to have Lamb Kebab and Duck, plus 2 Cheesecake...

We were made to feel really welcome and ordered 4 Sunday lunches. These duly arrived but we found the roast potatoes were inedible, they had clearly been cooked then reheated, the beef was tasteless and the cabbage was cold, we told the waitress who returned...

After recently moving to the area we thought we would check out a few local pubs, we saw this place from the cliff and thought it looked nice, on entering through the correct door my son and his girlfriend went up the stairs to see...

Weirdest thing, the drinks were in plastic disposable cups - now original i assumed this was because of covid! So it was fine - however once witnessing them put these cups in the dishwasher and reuse them i’m confused? Why not use proper glasses? On...

Went for a nice meal out with the family. This is a really good place for a reasonably priced meal. They had a 50 per cent off menu, which included a number of meals, giving a good variety. This is similar to the Government EOTHO...

Awful manager and staff. Came here for a social visit with friends, we all have children. Made to feel unwelcome when ordering a drink. Went and sat in the garden and manager came out shouting at the children. As there is a play area in...

As a family we decided to stop by for a drink and immediately received an unfriendly welcome by the supposed LANDLORD. As soon as we walked in the door we were told they are not serving food. We said we are just drinking. ‘Have you...

Arrived early expecting to have to wait due to the current restrictions, but was found a table immediately. Excellent service from attentive and very personable staff (social distancing was maintained). Great food and drink. The v-shaped chips were lovely. Highly recommended.

Dropped in after a long walk along the beach with the dogs. Very welcoming and food was brilliant, service excellent..ticked all the boxes 👍

Excellent food, service and anti-Covid measures. The staff were great - lovely welcome and explanations. The food was delicious and fresh. The anti-covid system was well thought out and did not diminish the standard of service.

We went for a family birthday. Post lockdown I was nervous of going out to eat but we all felt completely safe in this pub. The food was incredible value for money and delicious. Definitely going back

Lovely freshly cooked roast dinner - none of the carvery rubbish you get elsewhere and the gravy is just like your granny would make!

We went for Sunday Lunch,here for the first time.Being local we thought we would give it a go.We really enjoyed it.The beef melted in your mouth and we had home cooked Yorkshire pudding.The only criticism I had was you could tell the Roast potatoes had been sitting there a while and been reheated.Overall we would go again and the young lady who works behind the bar is very pleasant.

visited this pub many times over the last year after relocating here as its only down the road. We are always NOT greater with a smile. whilst waiting to be served at the bar recently landlady twice served people that had approached the bar after me, when I mentioned that I was at the bar before them she shouted " no you weren't" The staff serving always make you feel like its a chore to them and they would rather not be there. Me and my family shall not be going here again and I would AVOID it unless you like a middle aged landlady taking her menapuase out on you.note to female owner; if you are not a people person don't run a pub.

Comfortable with friendly staff that do all they can to make your stay as stress fry as possible. Bedrooms are very spacious and clean with some of life’s little luxuries.

a bonus was being dog friendly, the food was absolutely amazing, i had liver and bacon, so tasty, and the wife had lasagna, both meals were excellent, the lasagna wasn't packed with pasta , is was good mince and tender, very pleased

Have been to the Trowel and Hammer several times, most recently this week. The very best thing is that it is dog friendly, inside and outside. In November, it is cosy and warm, with a real fire. This is the oldest pub in Lowestoft, but very sympathetically, and tastefully refurbished. Always enjoy our visits. Food is great, especially curry nights, and fish & chips (always a winner). Generous portions, extensive menu, and reasonably priced. Well worth a visit. Highly recommend.

Popped in with a friend for a bite to eat. Fab lunch and great service at very reasonable price. Planning another visit soon

It’s great when you feel welcome in a pub where everyone clearly knows each other but you are the stranger. We had a warm and sincere welcome from the staff and felt completely comfortable around the regulars (the spiritual owners of any proper pub). The ale selection is good and well kept and the food was excellent. The pork belly was to die for (but hopefully not yet :-) Many thanks for looking after us folks.

On a lovely Sunday morning we sat in the garden and had a drink before going in for lunch You can always tell when the food is good because the place was packed. We both had frilled sea bass fillet on top of saute potatoes and a pesto green sauce. It was delicious. Having small appetites we skipped dessert but they looked lovely. They do a Sunday roast but we chose from the small alternative menu. We'll be going back..

Long time since I have visited this pub and I was pleasantly surprised. All updated to good standard. Ordered sea bass. Nicely served quite quickly. Friendly staff. Dog friendly too. Always a bonus. Good price would certainly recommend.

We decided as a group of 6 adults to try here for an evening meal for my birthday and so glad we did as the food is superb. 4 of us had the gammon steak and it was so thick and very tasty along with all the trimmings, another person in our group had scampi and one had the steak burger and everyone enjoyed their meals and whilst the prices are a bit more than you would expect to pay it’s definitely worth the money as the food is superb and we will definitely return.

Have driven past this pub often but have never stopped.

Visited on the off chance after lovely walk on the beach. Dog welcome on lead in the garden. Delicious fish and chip. Fish was very large and very fresh, crispy batter too. I had sweet potatoe fries with mine.Very friendly staff. Perfect place for families, couples friends., and of course the dog. Lots of outside tables, we went early evening and it was so pleasant.Will definitely be back.

Didnt spend much time in here as we had missed the lunch time slot, but the beer was great and the staff were friendly, Dogs allowed so bonus points!!

Visited today with friends & family, we all had a mixture from the menu. Food was all bought out at the same time. I had the grilled sea bass that was absolutely gorgeous, roast dinners looked amazing and tasted great according to others, scampi was also great, and my partner had the steak and kidney pudding with mash, veg and gravy and he said it was the best he’d tasted in a long time. Service was very good. Our waitress was lovely and helpful. Will definitely be going back again. :)

We stayed in Pakefield, Lowestoft for a long weekend, the squeeze and I, mainly to be close enough to visit some relatives that live a little way down the A12. This was as near as dammit, and having visited the Trowel and Hammer for a few drinks, and then that evening had a meal, was glad we were there. The squeeze had the usual Scampi, which was a very full plate, and I had a Gammon steak. When the plate turned up, I could not believe the size of the steak! It must have been a good 3/4" thick and almost the size of the plate! Cooked to perfection and all the trimmings, egg, pineapple piece, chips and salad. Absolutely marvellous! The beer we had was good and cold, fresh glasses every time. the barlass was very happy, chatty and helpful. All in all great place to go to, if you are stopping nearby, or to visit if ever passing by.

THe scampi and chips was nice but the waitress was so rude and the service was awful, I would not recommend this pub due to that!

Nice little pub in good location. Will go back and try the food, although not sure what they offer other than roasts on Sunday.

Lovely old pub very traditional with lots of locals just went in for a drink but ended up staying for food and I'm so glad we did it was so good!! Just had standard burger and chips but the chips were so well done in beef dripping and the burger hada fantastic taste to it! At such a good price too! I was very surprised by how good the food was! I will definitely be returning with my family!

Both enjoyed a really nice lunch yesterday.

Went to Pakefield to meet up with old friends and were recommended this hostelry which is located off the beaten track, i.e. down a back street. But was pleasantly enlightened when entering this establishment. From the lovely lady behind the bar, the excellent food (at decent prices) through to the waitress staff, everything made for a exceptional evening. A further bonus was the fact that we could bring in our dog and he was treated as well as the rest of us.

I've just had the most wonderful beetroot and brie tart with new potatoes and salad. It was wonderful. My partner had scampi and chips which were also excellent.

Came for Saturday lunch with several people. The service was good and as we had to order several dishes we were impressed by the service and food. The wait from the start to the finish was fine as it proved it was not coming out of a microwave. I had the Alabama chicken and it was very good. No one was disappointed so we would go back again.

This lovely old pub is a bit out of town, in Pakefield, but we'll worth the walk along the beach or cliff top to get there. We all our enjoyed our meals and prices were reasonable. We made the most of the pleasant garden right on the cliff-top and well laid out, including a play area for children. Sea bass was very tasty. Will definitely visit again.

Our last night in Pakefield and our best meal so far. We have eaten at all the local pubs and loved them all but the food at the Trowel was very good indeed. I would recommend the Black Pudding starter which is certainly not for the faint hearted, it’s quite large. The decor is not shabby chic rather more leaning towards shabby but please see beyond this to a pub that has atmosphere and great food.

Very nice place to eat, lovely food and very friendly staff. Worth a visit if in the area and just of the promenade.

This was our first visit, having recently moved into the area. Very original old pub, friendly and helpful staff and very much enjoyed the food.

We popped into the Trowel for a few drinks after a walk along the beach with our dog and ended up staying for dinner as others were dining and it looked so nice and smelt yummy....We were not disappointed, my husband had liver and bacon with bubble and squeak from the specials board which he said was incredible and I opted for the seabass with pesto which was gorgeous, presentation was great, prices were good and service with a smile, what more could you want? Can't wait to go back and sample the rest of the menu.

Great pup but the seafood dishes were frozen produce. This pub is right on the seafront so you would expect fresh seafood on the menu. Frozen shell fish was awful. Had the pork belly and it was overcooked and dry. Not a crispy cracking and one fondant potato , 2 slices of carrot and a pinch of cabbage. Very disappointed as it is such a lovely pub. Time to review the menu.

Went for Sunday lunch, had a lovely roast beef dinner. Service was very quick and friendly staff. Average price, nice atmosphere, sat near the fire on a cold windy day. Car park at rear, a few steps once inside to go to the front of the building but restaurant on upper level may be more suited if disabled and can not manage the steps. I think dogs are allowed too, always a bonus. Would definitely return.

During a recent visit to the area we stopped and had a few drinks or meals on several occasions. The Trowel & Hammer means a lot to me as it was my late fathers favourite pub when he lived in the area. It was an essential to visit on my recent visit to the area after nearly 40 years.

Called in after a walk along the beautiful sea front with the dogs. Made to feel very welcome. The fishcakes were very tasty. Main courses were very good size but left no room to try the dessert. Would definitely return if in the area.

we went for a meal with friends the atmosphere is amazing and the food was absolutely gorgeous , the staff were friendly but not over the top , would recommend it to anyone and everyone wish we lived closer we'd be regulars

Always a good night in here, have visited multiple times and never had a bad experience, a good locals pub and a good place to stop in for lunch

Great supper with my wife and Father simple fare well prepared and served with friendly helpful service. Beware the size of the gammon steak. Food not fancy but top quality pub fare

Came here Friday evening & had 2 courses (wish we’d only had mains), the salmon fish cakes were sooo tasty, hubby had whitebait (approx 20 in total), mains consisted of fish & chips (a massive piece of fish) & seafood tagliatelle from the specials board, we couldn’t eat it all but the fish was absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately I can’t comment on the puddings as I couldn’t eat anymore. A lovely comfy traditional pub serving good quality pub food at a reasonable price & generous portions.

We arrived after booking and paying three weeks in advance That there was going to be a party in the pub that evening it was too late to change we returned at 10.30 to loud music then at 10.45 the sound increased I complained to no avail so we had to leave ang go home 2 1/2 hour drive at 11pm

Being new to pakefield thought we would try out the local drinking hole for a spot of Sunday lunch. I can not fault the food at all everything was cooked to perfection and the portions are huge (4 slices of pork in the roast) top job guys we will be coming back.

The pub it's self was nice but the service is shocking. We ordered 2 pints of Adams and after receiving them we noticed the had bits in the bottom. After having Adams before and knowing what they

Visited here for Sunday Lunch whist on holiday in the area in August. I had the Roast Beef and Pork together for my meal. As nice as it was, it wasn't special, just decent food. Very pleasant and if you need a meal then you can't go wrong with this place. Nice Staff and the pub is nice and clean.

I went to this pub around 4 years ago and it wasn't good. However, I went here for the first time since then and my opinion has changed! The place has had a revamp and some new furniture and it feels clean and welcoming. The staff appeared friendly and the glasses clean. The beer tasted good. It was late but I was hungry so had the seafood linguine. It was really good. The price was in keeping with other pubs in the local area, but I felt that this tasted really good and properly home made! And the portion size was just right. I left feeling satisfied. I'll definitely return.

Had a lovely lunch and enjoyed real ales Very dog friendly both inside and out lovely friendly staff . Would highly recommend

Pub looks lovely & welcoming. Unfortunately, staff were rude to us as we were holidaymakers & not locals.

When the barmaid tells the locals it “doesn’t matter “ that you are waiting and before them, even when they tell her that’s the case, I get a tad upset. Won’t be going back.

We only went in here for a glass of wine so can't comment on the food. The pub itself is really nice and the garden too which is where we sat with our dogs. I was so pleased because the large white wine I had was served in a large, good quality glass and the glass was only half full - not a small thick one filled right to the brim. It makes all the difference! Thank you.