The Victoria

This pub is at Felixstowe Ferry, and has turned itself into a place for good wholesome food. Although there is a small bar area the rest of the pub has tables for diners. Try to get upstairs if you can for a fine view over the entrance of the River Deben towards Bawdsey Manor, once centre of radar research.

Beers served include Adnams and there is often a guest beer. I tried Brains (it seemed appropriate) from a Cardiff brewery.

The food is what this place is all about. After a bracing walk, or drive to the ample car park, just pushing open its front door will encourage your appetite. There's a varied menu. The fish and chips are a firm favourite; cod or haddock freshly cooked in a crisp batter, with chips and mushy peas make a satisfying meal. Ask for a spoon,and extra bread, for the sauce if you order the large bowl of mussels. The fare is traditional, with extra flavours added, from grilled goats cheese salad to cajun chicken with most dishes costing £7-8.

It's a popular place, although there's rarely a problem finding a seat, and you can reserve a table for that special occasion. Square pine tables, with sturdy chairs, fill the two main rooms, and I try to avoid the bench seating, along one side, finding it an uncomfortable place to sit to eat.

There's a beer garden at the rear, which is not widely used, and the car park fills the space before the high sea wall, which prevents most diners from enjoying the superb sea views. Perhaps they should put the whole building on stilts, or build a new terrace on the upper floor. I suspect they like it the way it is, and so do the customers who help make it a lively, attractive place to eat.