The Butt and Oyster on the River Orwell

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!