please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Can't understand why this pub doesn't have a higher rating. Have been here many times...Great location near the water, atmospheric old-style interior, service pretty good. The food isn't cheap but it's pretty good. Can get very busy in the summer - but surely that tells you it's doing something right?
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Read previous reviews with some concern so feared the worst. Struggled with the outside door and almost sprained an ankle stepping down inside.....be careful. Friday lunchtime was pleasantly full, but served quickly by friendly barmaid. Chose Adnam's Bitter at £3.25, and sat smugly next to the enormous woodburning stove, as the cold easterly wind blew outside. Wherry was also on the pumps, but estimated it would be expensive, in line with the wine prices and the expensive food. Chalk board special was a half portion of cottage pie for £8.....providing you were an OAP and got there between noon and 12.30! Olde Worlde hard chairs, flagstone floors, bags of character, but to me seemed more of a money processing facility than a pub, so drank up and left. Didn't go hungry, but walked to the end of the pay and display and into the excellent greasy spoon diner for a most enjoyable fish&chips, cooked to perfection and served by nice people. Date of visit 22/2/2013
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Nice location near the riverside. The pub is a bit olde world inside, although when I visited on Sunday lunchtime it was well packed out with day trippers dining. The staff were business like but it did not have a particularly friendly atmosphere. About 3 ales on: Wherry and the like. Reasonable condition but expensive.
Food was hit and miss. My plaice was fresh and nicely grilled, but my wife's fish salad had ingredients obviously straight out of a supermarket packet. Neither were particularly cheap.
In short: could be a lot better. Worth popping in if you're walking past but not worth a specific trip.
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@Potjana - Well you're on here constantly by the look of it so if i'm a sissy wtf does that make you..? Sad F*cker!
Anytime you would like to meet in person at the Ferry Boat i would be delighted to "discuss" your comments about me.
When would suit you...?
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if your having difficulties wit lief your probaly just going through a bad spell..........lol
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Jesus, that's properly hit a nerve... So sorry to be a normal person with a Family...! lol
After all this is a review site so just putting my review up as is my right.. :0)
PotJana - You sound like a negative waster, i took the time to read your other comments and reviews and you don't seem to have a positive word to say about anyone. (You don't seem to have actually gone to any of the pubs you've reviewed either). I really feel sorry for you hope you find a friend so that you can go out once in a while and get a life..
Oh yes i'm male 36 and work full time btw. So guess you were wrong about that too :0)
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mant to say love
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in todays market we have to find our own niche,and if the owners are prepared to make this stand it is down to them and what trade they want, they are prepared to lose money so be it,but up the game in other ways,very good ales and very good food,but aimed at a adult market....if not then find another pub,ive heard worthing is a very good area,with loads of funeral homes,but they must realise that it would be a dying customer base...far better (i think and i will be shot down in flames)too introduce young drinkers into the pub at an early age i.e as in france,italy etc. and i am not talking mc spoons(where i have seen the children running riot with no controls we all have) but a good well run pub,owned and run by responsible managers/etc...no rating left,but lone you all..mrs guv has just said dont you f......g go on,yes was my meek reply
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I have no particular objection to children (got two myself) or dogs in pubs provided that that they are well controlled by their guardians (all too often, they are not). However, I do not wish to feel the need to moderate my language whilst in discourse with a few friends over a beer and, if in "quiet mode" with the newspaper, do not wish to hear the patter of tiny feet or whining children.
It is the publican's right to decide policy in these (and other) matters and, in this case to offer an environment which protects us from those who are expert in their own rights and careless of the rights of others and who choose to impose their little darlings on people who may just be enjoying a quiet pint away from their own loved ones. If you don't like it, it is your right to go to one of the (too many) pubs who allow kids in an effort to try and make a living. Now, go and leave us all in peace.
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I am truely disturbed at how some people conduct themselves on here, why shouldnt somebody be allowed to voice their issues with their family not being able to dine in comfort (if you read the reviews on this pub they are clearly not alone)
My mother in law and I took my children in this weekend and encountered the same policy, I politely wanted to review this pub however it seems that you just come under attack from certain individuals who I am sure have never stepped foot in this particular establishment and just leave comments on here with the sole purpose of being offensive!
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Ooh! Fighting talk!
When I wer' a lad pubs were not places where you would ever see a child.
Dogs are fine, but kids? No.
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Ahh hit a nerve with some then... :0) lol
Firstly feel the need to defend my son here, he did not cry once and is a very well behaved boy. As a responsible parent i would remove a missbehaving child anyway so as not to annoy other diners.
This is what is wrong with this country and why so many pubs go out of business. Eating out should be a family experience that all can enjoy without any prejudice against anyone.
But yes i agree, the food, price and service is much better at McDonalds, so i'll gladly eat there instead of this discriminating pub.
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Why do I think stout chappie is the landlord of this pub!!
I have also experienced this policy at this pub and also encountered such ignorance, you usually get it from sad middle aged men who have failed miserably in life and the only thing they have to look forward to is to sit with a pint and wallow.... Think the ferry boat inn is the pub for you boys, the staff should keep you in good company!!
For anyone with children or requiring an ounce of customer service give this pub a MISS!!
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Children should be seen not heard; ideally they should not be seen either.
As has been sugested, perhaps you should stick to macdonalds where you will be made welcome.
Pubs should remain an adult environment; brats should be tolerated, not accepted. Their parents too
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Pushchairs do take up alot of room,why not leave it in the carpark with a clamp on a wheel so it don`t get half hitched ?
Problem solved me thinks lol
anonymous - 7 Mar 2011 18:54 |
We went for lunch at the Ferry Boat Inn with our 6 month old son... And pushchair..... (i think you know where this is going)
To say we felt like second rate citizens was an understatement, what sort of a place can be so unacommodating to a large sector of potential customers.
Ok let me get this straight, Children are allowed in (To one side of the restaurant) over 10's only after 5pm. No pushchairs (Even when quiet .they are unwilling to keep the pushchair to one side). It's a health a safety issue you know.. oh but DOGS are allowed in and they don't cause a health and safety issue in an eatery of course (nothing against dogs).
So they don't have room for pushchairs.. can't they make a space like other pubs where you can store them safely and in the dry... ??
"So" we asked "What happens when someone in a wheelchair turns up...?" Ans: "We can't discriminate against the disabled.." "But people with pushchairs are fair game..?"
God help a family with a new born sleeping in a pushchair and a 9 1/2 year old at 5.01pm..!!!
Outrageous, shocking and disgusting.. personally I won't be revisiting..
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The pub building is full of character, and it's position and surroundings are very pleasant. However, the pub's policies on children are archaic and customer care is appalling - definitely not a family friendly pub. One presumes that this pub is relying on being positioned in such a place that it does not have to try too hard to attract and impress customers.
In my experience, on a Sunday afternoon outing with my young and extremely well behaved family, the attitude of senior barwoman was well below what you would expect in this industry, particularly in the current economic climate when many pubs, restaurants and hotels are struggling. I entered the pub with my 8 year old daughter, leaving my wife outside in the wind and cold (even though it was June!) with our 14 month old son to continue to read an A4 notice containing a list of pub policies (which change depending which day of the week it is!) in small print fixed outside of the entrance door. I was greeted with a stern bark from the woman behind the bar. I asked whether it was acceptable to have children in the pub and I was told, "No, not unless you are having a meal."
I was unsure whether my wife wanted to stay for a meal, so I just ordered some drinks. Whilst waiting for the drinks, my wife agreed to stay and we brought our son in the pub in his pushchair. We were then served with the drinks and told that we cannot have a meal with a child under five years old in the pub. It was if the barwoman took some delight from informing us of this. I was amazed at the insistence of this policy, bearing in mind that although there were a few ramblers having a drink outside THERE WERE NO OTHER CUSTOMERS ACTUALLY IN THE PUB! I therefore can't comment on the food, but the take away packet of crisps was nice.
Oh, and another policy was 'No puchchairs allowed in the pub due to Health & Safety reasons' which must surely be referring to the safety of young child in order to protect them from exposure to the certain scary staff members.
This pub certainly knows how to discourage families, and discourage the adults from ever returning on their own. Speaking to other people and reviewing other comments made, my experience doesn't seem to be isolated case.
With a few minor changes to policies and improved customer care which would cost nothing, this pub could be so much better. Maybe whoever owns/manages this pub is happy to leave things as they are and take what revenue they get, but they are certainly missing out on the pub's potential. If you don't like kids, this is the place for you.
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I love the pub but fear the current management to be a bit lacking in customer care. I waited in the queue for food orders for about 10 minutes, only to find that some other people had formed another queue next to me. The landlady served them all before me and then proceded to tell me to queue in the correct place in future. She then insisted that I get a table location before the order was taken, and so my wife found a spot outside. When I had effectively queued for a third time I was told by this same woman that they don't serve food at those tables. She was like the computer says no woman in Little Britain. I am surprised she didn't cough on me. The food was good through, when we eventually got some. I think that these people think that they are a little bit superior somehow.
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Visited there one Sunday lunchtime and was told when entered the pub that children are not allowed in the bar area and only allowed in the family dining area.. problem if there is not a table ready you cant hang around in the bar area either with a baby/children even though there is nowhere else to stand inside, so got told by the impolite bar watiress that will have to go outside or in the beer garden. Not very considering since it was freezing outside. Think they should review their policy... wont be visiting there again.
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Tried to book a table for a birthday meal, when I asked about children I was told no children were allowed in the pub on a Fri & Sat evening (which is fair enough) but I pointed out that I was booking for a Thursday evening. Was then asked how old the children were (5 & 8, both very well travelled and have visited many restaurants etc) So of course I was then told children under 5 were not allowed in..... But after a bit of huffing & puffing was told we could come if the children behaved themselves, now I know they would have but I would not have felt comfortable should they raise a decibel too high or put a toe out of place so booked elsewhere.
Another family member booked a table for weekend lunchtime and had to wait as they were busy, they were told they could not wait inside the bar with children so had to wait outside....
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Found this after a disagreement with my husband, tucked away beyond a golf course by the mouth of the river deben. The surroundings are just lovely, views over the sea, martello towers and the river deben. Its extremely old and hasn't been ruined. Its just what you want from an olde worlde pub. The food was pleasant - though frozen chips (bane of my life) and no dressing on my caesar salad. But the range of beers and beverages was good, the staff very pleasant and a lovely find with lots of character, snugs and a wonderfully large fireplace. Just charming
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Heard the pub had recently changed hands so gave it another go.We had a lovely relaxing meal in cosy surroundings service was topnotch menu interesting and varied and our meals delicious.The fish was the freshest i think i have ever tasted i believe its caught locally all in all we had a really nice evening we shall be returning,often.
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I am happy to say that the Ferryboat is under new management. woohoo thank the Gods. the previous manager was awful, incredibly rude and spoilt a really lovely pub in a great location.
its been taken over by the Chef (who is good) and the bar manager who served under the previous guy but thankfully didnt take on any of his terrible characteristics incredible arrogance and lack of customer service.
Even with the old guy it was always busy which shows how cool the pub itself is. I expect it will be rammed out now especially in the summer although it is nice and cosy in the winter too as it has open fires and is very traditional looking. Cant comment on the ale as i dont drink that crap, but the lager tastes ok and the food is usually good.
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I eat here often,and have for years, and reading some of the comments on here i felt I ought to tip the scales the other way abit. I will agree with the odd comment, the manager {who incidently is leaving soon, hence my only giving 9/10} who has a very dry sence of hummour can be a bit abrupt, even off putting at times but the food is fresh,seasonal and homecooked,its always very good, all credit to the chef, the staff are friendly and greet us with a happy welcome. It can be a very busy pub at times and this is perhaps why the 'no prams' rule,{it is very cosy and space can be tight} but chidren are welcome at lunchtimes. But as us parents know its lovely to go out at night without the little ones and know that no kids will be at the next table! That said I do feel that the staff work above and beyond, even on the busiest of days spilt drinks mopped quickly, dropped cutlery replaced unasked,{even if accompanied by abit of friendly cheek} on the whole a very comfortabe place to be any time of the year. We look forward to many more good times there under the new managers. Don't take my word for, it give it a try!!
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Have noted my last comment has gone missing must have hit a nerve with the management/staff see last 7 comments click on name and see were else they`ve been!!!!!!Still a cheap advertising stunt.
In my view the place is very average.
Wonder how long this comment lasts.
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had fillet steak the other day, it was melting in my mouth , so beautifully cooked, great onion rings too. definently going back for more, great value for money.
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fab food. wonderful place to be anytime of the year, good value for money
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Comw on we`ve all noted the times of the last 3 comments and only on this pub !! Are there 2 O`s and LL`s in the word i`m looking for?????
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lovely pub,with lovely food, reasonably priced and i liked the idea that there wasnt and prams inside.
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Very enjoyable! Amazing food! Lovey atmosphere! This is the pub for me!
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A very enjoyable meal with great service and what i felt was a very positve atmosphere. You can sit down and enjoy your day out in peace. The staff were very helpful and pleasent with alot of happy faces. To some of the above comments made, all i have to say is there is just no please in some people is there. i will most certainly be visiting again!!
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I found the food and service to be very impressive, and i thought not having prams in the building was lovely.
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We were pleased to find a notice outside which said that families were welcome. But having found a table we were curtly informed that prams were not allowed. This is our first and last visit to this pub.
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Did not expect to have my honesty challenged when they brought the wrong order. Portions small but tasty, serving staff abrupt and unhelpful
anonymous - 9 Nov 2007 17:10 |
pub ok if you just want a drink as a reward after walking along the seafront from felixstowe but avoid eating there as the food is overpriced and the serving staff rude
anonymous - 2 Nov 2007 14:38 |
I have just been to lunch at the Ferry Boat Inn, Felixstowe and I shall never go again. The sardines I ordered were brought to the table and appeared almost raw, the waiter took them back to the kitchen and were returned hot but smelled so badly I couldn't eat them. I spoke to the waiter saying that I couldn't possibly eat them and wanted my money back. A woman who had taken the order at the till came over to us and said that the Chef had said there was nothing wrong with the sardines but would give me the benefit of the doubt and return my money. There was, of course, no apology.
I was fool enough to stay for the main course thinking that surely it couldn't happen again. Unfortunately the plaice I had ordered was again hardly cooked, liquid running freely under the flesh. It was so offputting I had to leave it. I couldn't be bothered to complain again, the attitute was so awful.
The only good thing I can say about the place is that the young waiter who served our table was very polite and helpful.
anonymous - 12 Oct 2007 14:39 |
Unfortunately they don't like PUSHCHAIRS, so don't bother going if you have young children!! Sham as the the food isn't bad!!!
anonymous - 22 Feb 2007 14:07 |
Out on the remote Felixstowe Ferry area this pub caters for food mainly. Never had poor service, as 1 review stated. The food itself is home cooked, but over all the years I have been to the FBI the menu has not changes much. Think I only still go there as it is a nice walk along the prom with the sea views, golf course anf the martello tower.
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I travelled 15 miles to have a nice evening meal in this pretty inn, but the service was dreadful. Extremely rude, arrogant, sarcastic, not the qualities you would expect from a friendly welcoming inn. If you come to Felixstowe Ferry, visit the Queen Victoria, staff are excellent and food is fantastic. Please don't be stung in the Ferry Boat Inn like I and many others have been. How this place is still in business I do not know.
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