I have recently got back from a lovely week away on the Suffolk coast with my husband, Mum and pooch! We were so lucky with the weather (which is always one of those risky things when you are booking a staycation) and we were really impressed with the cute little towns and seaside villages along the coast. Only 2.5 hours drive from London, this stretch of English coast is known for its delicious seafood (which I may have indulged in quite a few times!), but what I didn't realise was how good the local cake and bakery scene was. I thought I would share some of my favourite places...
We stayed in Aldeburgh which is a gorgeous small town full of independent shops and cafes. I would definitely recommend staying there if you are visiting as it is a great location for exploring the local marsh lands at Orford ness and other points of interest (Sutton Hoo nearby if you have watched 'The Dig' on Netflix and Dunwich National Trust for lovely walks and bird spotting).
The most popular spot in Aldeburgh to grab a coffee and a takeaway treat was the Two Magpies Bakery. Their coffee was from All Press (so good to takeaway first thing in the morning and drink on the seafront!) and take a look at all these delicious treats. What I liked about this bakery was that it didn't serve the usual cakes and bakes, but had some different options which is nice to try when you are away. Particular favourites with the holiday crew were the Almond & Amaretti cookies and the croissants that were just mahussive!!!!! https://twomagpiesbakery.co.uk (they have 6 locations along the coast).
There is a lovely walk 40 minute walk along the seafront from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness which is a small holiday village designed by an Edwardian business owner. There is a boating lake, lots of Tudor Revival houses to mooch round looking at and a nice country pub. The best bit about the village is The Kitchen: https://thekitchenatgroup.co.uk/locations/kitchen-thorpeness which is a lovely cafe which does massive brunches and of course....lots of interesting cakes too! The coffee blondie is something I've not seen before and has given me some inspiration for a future bake (when is coffee and chocolate not a good idea?!!!). We went three times during our stay and I can safely say their sausage roll was one of the best I've ever had (and if you know me, I have tried a lot of them!!!).
We visited Snape Maltings https://brittenpearsarts.org/visit-us/snape-maltings which is an arts centre on the river. They had a farmers market on, so we picked up some local gin, apple juice, honey and some delicious treats by local baker Cocoa May. Check out her website here - https://www.cocoamay.com as she delivers brownies around the UK!!!!
On our last day we visited Southwold and decided it was our favourite place of the trip. It could have been the Adnams brewery, the putting green, the pier and colourful beach huts....or perhaps maybe this place!!!! H&J is a wonderful ice cream and chocolate shop that sells the best gelato (as nicely modelled by my Mum and husband here!) and delicious homemade chocolate bars, truffles and cakes. Just look at all these flavours....
Although not technically a bakery, I had to mention this place - https://www.solebayfishco.co.uk.
You can explore Walberswick (would like a holiday home here please) and take a little ferry boat for £2 (dogs travel for free!) over to the Southwold side of the bank and treat yourself to lunch here. They sell the most amazing selection of fish including lobster and chips, prawns, cod goujons, cockles and oysters! Perfect spot for a sunny day with a local Adnams pint!
And last but not least, keep your eye out for Fischers Gin - a locally produced gin at their Aldeburgh distillery. They have a unique botanical mix using some local coastal plants and herbs. It tastes great with a double dutch tonic and slice of lemon! Lots of the local pubs serve this, or you can do a distillery tour (or pick up a bottle online). Perhaps a could bake a coastal inspired Gin cake?! https://fishersgin.com
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