Our first Holiday Cottage Barge overlooking the Butt & Oyster

The Butt and Oyster on the River Orwell

By

The Butt and Oyster is one of Suffolk’s favourite and most well known pubs. 

Named after the part the pub played in the old oyster trade in Suffolk, The Butt and Oyster is part of the Deben Inns Group and typifies what they do so well. Great pub, great food and great beer. The Butt & Oyster is one of their two best locations (in my opinion, other opinions are available, but wrong)

They also have The Maybush at Waldringfield, near Woodbridge, which is my other favourite of theirs and nice and handy for our other Dutch Sailing Barge ‘Twee Gebroeders’. You can read all about the Maybush here

The Butt and Oyster is down the end of a tiny lane down a hill, leading to the equally tiny hamlet of Pin Mill, in Suffolk. There’s very little at Pin Mill; a sailing club, two boatyards, a scattering of houses, fabulous walks along the River Orwell, a ceramics workshop, some houseboats, and The Butt & Oyster. Oh, and some of the most breathtaking views in the country!

The Butt and Oyster sits right on the River Orwell, with the tide coming up to it’s feet at High Water. It’s a gorgeous old proper Suffolk pub, with barrels of (mostly) Adnams stacked up behind the bar, serving some of the best beer in the country (again, in my opinion, other opinions are available, but wrong)

It’s very much a mish-mash of lovely old wooden furniture and bare floorboards that could tell a tale or two I’m sure. They do have a number of tables with river views but these are very hard to get hold of. There’s plenty of seating outside overlooking the river too though, for the warmer weather.

They have an incredibly busy kitchen, dishing up some amazing seafood, as well as other pub favourites and all really reasonably priced.

This is very much Arthur Ransome’s ‘Swallows and Amazons’ Country too, so do try the Butt and Oyster when you’re in the neighbourhood.

So in summary then

The Butt and Oyster at Pin Mill stands out as one of Suffolk’s most iconic pubs, offering not just a meal but a complete experience by the River Orwell. Known for its rich history and breathtaking views, the Butt and Oyster Pub draws visitors from near and far to enjoy its traditional charm and excellent menu. Whether you call it the Butt & Oyster, Butt Oyster, or even the Button Oyster, there’s no mistaking its unique allure.

To round this up, Pin Mill is the perfect setting for this beloved Suffolk pub, with its picturesque walking trails, boatyards, and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors often comment on the pub’s delicious menu items like sticky toffee pudding, prawn cocktail, and chocolate brownie, all served in the cozy bar area or outdoors with stunning river views. Reviews as part of our industry highlight the good value and the surroundings, with many emphasizing the friendly service from each member of staff.

When booking a table, TripAdvisor performs checks to ensure authentic reviews, helping you decide where to dine. A transparency report to learn more about this process offers peace of mind when reading Butt and Oyster reviews. Although a review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor user, the overall consensus is that the pub combines traditional fare with the chef’s own ideas and style of cooking under no constraints.

If you’re exploring nearby, the Waldringfield Pub scene also offers great options. However, the Butt & Oyster Pin Mill remains a firm favorite, whether you’re stopping for a sweet potato dish, a pint, or simply to enjoy the bar area overlooking the River Orwell. Be sure to also check out the Oyster Reach Pub for another excellent riverside experience.

So in conclusion, the Butt and Oyster Pin Mill is more than just a pub—it’s a destination. From the beautiful setting by the River Orwell to the exceptional service and food, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring Suffolk. Whether you’re enjoying a chocolate brownie by the water or reading reviews before booking a table, this pub truly embodies the charm of the Suffolk countryside.

Need to get away for a few days? We sometimes have last-minute availability that we offer at a discount, so check out our page and see if you can grab a bargain!

Dates & Availability

Loading availability

Reasons to Stay at Woodfarm, Suffolk

We happen to think what we have on offer is pretty bloomin' good. However, we thought you might like a bunch of reasons to stay, other than we think you should!

dog paw print
Dogs stay FREE

Genuine, welcoming Dog-Friendly ethos, making you all feel at home, and they won’t cost you a penny.

dog biscuit
Free Doggy treats

Dog bowls, treats, showers, towels and more. Your furry family are safe, secure & happy in our fully enclosed gardens.

thumbs up
Over 1,000 5 star reviews

Peace of mind from our 1,200 + Five Star Tripadvisor, Facebook & Google Reviews. Over 30% of our guests come back!

beach huts
Brilliant beaches

We know that guests want the best location and surroundings. Suffolk has an incredible Heritage Coast, all in easy reach of us.

fence
Dog exercise meadow

Pawesome, fully-enclosed two acre Pooch Paddock at the Barns for your Dogs to go bonkers and make new friends in. Happy hounds!

trophy
Multi-awards

Rest assured choosing Woodfarm: Visit England Gold Awards for all our properties, as well as their ROSE Award for Service Excellence.

hot tubs
Private Hot Tubs

Private Hot tubs with seven of our eight Barns and Cottages. The ultimate in relaxation and reconnection: just because you're worth it.

boots
Stunning Countryside

Unwind and connect with nature in our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yes, plural. Suffolk Coast & Heaths, and Dedham Vale.

river walks
River Walks

Stunning river walks directly from your gangplank on either Barge! Wildlife and breathtaking scenery in abundance.

Fetch the latest news!

How many TOGS points have I earned?

Check your TOGS Points here!

If you’ve stayed at Woodfarm before, then you will have earned TOGS Loyalty Reward points towards your next stay! For every £10 spent, one point is earned that can be redeemed on your next stay. …

The perfect rural retreat

The Perfect Rural Retreat for you and your Dog

There are times in life when everything feels too fast, too noisy, too online. The countryside doesn’t just offer a change of scene. It offers a proper pause. A chance to draw breath. Picture a …

Artisan food and drink in Suffolk

Artisan Food & Drink in Suffolk

Suffolk is a goldmine for artisan food and drink lovers. This county is bursting with independent producers, farm shops, delis, bakeries, microbreweries, vineyards, and small‑batch creators, all crafting high‑quality, locally‑sourced goods with passion and care. …

Join our newsletter for £50 OFF your first break!

Please provide a valid email address.
* indicates required