The Golden Key

This is my ‘owners’ ‘ local. (I’m very uncomfortable with the notion of ‘ownership’ when it comes to dogs in the twenty-first century & think it’s time that we revisited this. In the real world, they do what I tell them to do, which is of course as it should be…) Anyway, when I say it’s our local it’s probably pushing four miles as the curlew flies. And longer when we come on foot by way of the river and Snape Maltings. (If you’re on the Sailors’ Path coming from Aldeburgh there’s a wonderful loop to the south over ‘permissive’ paths. Lovely heathland with gorse and heather & fabulous river views: we saw a spoonbill recently - whatever the hell that’s supposed to be - sifting through mud for food I was told. Dumb idea - better to sit under a table & wait for it to bit slipped to you IMHO, but what do I know…?) Today it was sausages and mash: if you didn’t know it, the pork in these parts is sensational. The photos show before and after the sausage. Enough said… Bottom line: the Golden Key is absolutely one of my favourite places, summer and winter. Short, sensible menu with great daily specials - apparently the Steak & Ale pie is to die for & there’s always good, local fish. Today I got to lie by the fire: they say that they’re ‘dog friendly’ & they’re not kidding - water bowls and a jar of biscuits, ‘for well-behaved dogs only’ according to their blackboard. I’m grateful for this & love this place, but shouldn’t they apply similar standards to their two-legged customers too?

The rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable. All of the staff are very welcoming and the breakfasts are superb. Evening meals are great too and the pub a great place to enjoy a drink indoors and outside. The location is fantastic for visiting Snape Malting and for exploring the local riverside walks. Highly recommended!

Had a wonderful lunch here. Authentic decor. Good beers. Excellent food. Not overpriced. Very friendly staff. But most especially the really outstanding service from Zoe at the bar. She even went to the trouble to tell the chef that my wife could not eat butter and the chef then made a special unbuttered mash just for one plate. Overall this is probably the best pub the area.

3 of us met for a Thursday lunch. The different main courses were all delicious and perfectly cooked and presented. The one dessert was also declared excellent. There was a reasonable menu choice and the staff were very welcoming, friendly and efficient, We would definitely recommend The Golden Key.

I recently stayed for 3 nights, with my wife and mother. Dog friendly made very welcome. The staff are great and very helpful. The food is good with a great selection, very good breakfast. Good location for visiting the local costal places..

Stopped off for a couple of pints of Adams Ghost Ship. We were all very impressed with the beer quality and the friendly welcome. Good selection of ales, and the food looked tasty. Well worth a visit if you're in the area.