Harbour Inn

Staying next to the Harbour Inn during our recent jaunt to Southwold, it wasn’t surprising that we frequently ended up here for a quick pint — or to sneak one next door!
We only ate once; the set up of the Harbour is much more for the family crowd, with us even witnessing chairs on tables at 10pm one night — not for the night owls. The seating upstairs, around 5 tables, is the only ‘adult only’ bar in the place. This is generally on account of the location of the Harbour, inbetween Southwold and Walberswick, with no real access to anything other than the pub. Food is their mainstay, so fair enough.
It was busy when we arrived last Wednesday, but we managed — thanks to my mother’s elbows and ability to spy people readying to leave — to grab a table within around 15 minutes of arriving. The menu here is fish heavy, naturally, but there are plenty of options for the non-​fish loving.
I opted for the ribeye steak, served with a tomato, mushroom, onion rings and chips. Everything was delicious and I really enjoyed my steak; it was the perfect colour for me and oozed juices, meaning I barely needed to add anything (apart from a dash of ketchup — so sue me!) Around the table, we also had a starter/​tapas portion of sea bass, which looked fresh and inviting, a juicy burger, with what was definitely a handmade patty on account of how easily it fell apart!, and vegetarian fish and chips. Now, this was battered halloumi — fried cheese seems to be a massive thing at the moment, and the Harbour didn’t dissapoint. It was salty but, washed down with a pint of Broadside, my dad managed to power through!
All in all, family friendly, but don’t be put off — you’ll be able to get some great grub here. Lunchtimes are their busiest time, so be prepared to wait.

A little gem in the Southwold crown
Fantastic fish; I wouldn’t go there if you are not a fan. The Sea Bass with samphire was fantastic and the plaice (sic) superb! All reasonably priced and very fresh only minor point was the chips weren’t great, or else I’d have awarded 6 stars!
Excellent, friendy service, though from looking at the ‘high water’ marks I can understand an earlier review. Definitely worth a visit though approach from the right-​turn in the town if you value your suspension!

Right on the waters edge, The Harbour Inn, is a welcome break from the usual run-​of-​the-​mill trendy pubs.
Wood panelled and dog friendly, the Harbour has a good range of Adnams beers and some really excellent fish-​and-​chips.
Unusually for this part of the world, they will also serve you a giant bowl of mussels with your beer.
Great place for lunch.

I’ve been to the Harbour at various times of the year for some years. It always pleases, come rain or shine. It’s tucked away from Southwold town centre, so although usually busy it avoids overcrowding from weekend visitors. It’s pure and untouched by the likes of witherspoons etc, so has a gorgeous olde worlde charm. Inside the walls are decorated with old photographs of Southwold and the usual fishing pics.
The food is mostly for the fish and chip lover — but certainly not in the sense of over cooked and over batted cod with soggy chips — Much, much nicer!
A good selection of drinks and obviously representing the local Adnam ales which are delicious and definitely compliment a fish dinner.
On a final note — the only thing to watch out is the tide. If it’s high, you’ll find you might need to wear wadders.

This old place is definitely a fisherman’s pub. Lots of room inside, in an adjacent fishing shed converted to restaurant, or at tables outside looking over the boats.
It’s well-​known for its locally-​caught seafood menu: mackerel, plaice, skate, cod, lobster, and lots more. Everything I’ve had here has been very tasty. Beers, of course, are Adnams.
The Harbour Inn’s inclusion in some pub guides, though, seems to have driven prices — both on food and ales — up a bit, though. And you’re liable to have to wait a while for your food during busy times, like Friday night or Saturday lunch.